Fish Drill Team

Deandre Macri ’25

May 7, 2024 by rnelson

Hometown: Killeen, Texas

Major: Meteorology

Outfit: Corps Staff/Squadron 6

Originally from Squadron 6, Deandre Macri ’25 currently serves as the 2024-2025 Corps Commander. Prior to being named the Corps Commander, Deandre served as the Corps Sergeant Major.

In addition to his leadership position on the Quad, Deandre is currently a member of the Corps Marathon team. Deandre was also previously a member of the Class of 2025 National Champion Fish Drill Team, the Corps Color Guard and the Cadet Awareness Diversity Expansion Team (C.A.D.E.T.).

Off the Quad, Deandre is a member of the Texas A&M Student Chapter of the American Meteorological Society (TAMSCAMS).

“The Corps of Cadets has developed me as a leader by providing an environment that empowers me to lead confidently while simultaneously providing a safe place to fail at 100% and learn from my mistakes. This experience has made me resilient and prepared for challenges I will face in life beyond graduation,” Deandre said of his time in the Corps.

After graduation, Deandre plans to commission into the United States Air Force, where he hopes to serve as a Weather Officer. Deandre also plans to obtain his PhD in climatology and research satellite warfare with the United States Space Force.

Fish Drill Team Wins 14th Straight Title At Tulane

February 12, 2024 by rnelson

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Feb. 9, 2024 — For the 14th consecutive year, the Fish Drill Team of the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets has claimed the first place overall title at Tulane University’s NROTC Mardi Gras Drill Meet, one of the largest drill meets in the nation.

The Fish Drill Team, unique among collegiate drill teams for being composed exclusively of freshman cadets, dominated in nearly every category of the drill competition, which hosts drill teams from across the country. As a result of their efforts, the Fish Drill Team was named the overall champion of the meet, edging out teams from the United States Military Academy and Norwich University. This win comes as a result of five months of intense training for the Fish Drill Team, beginning in mid-September, just four weeks after cadets arrived on Texas A&M’s campus.

Standing as Texas A&M’s oldest, largest and most recognizable student organization, the Corps of Cadets prepares students to lead at every level. Leveraging its traditional, military-based framework, the Corps is a leadership development program that prepares its students for careers in the public, private and military sectors.Through unique experiences and opportunities like the Fish Drill Team, cadets are able to compete and win on the national stage.

Story By: Robin Nelson ‘22

Charles Wright ’24

January 30, 2024 by rnelson

Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas

Major: Agricultural Communications & Journalism

Outfit: Company E-2

Charles Wright ’25 currently serves as the Executive Officer of Company E-2.

On the Quad, Charles is the Co-Captain of the Corps Men’s Soccer team. During his freshman year, Charles was a member of the Fish Drill Team, where he also served as a sophomore advisor the following year. He also works for the Corps Media & Marketing Office, where he is tasked with special research projects.

In his free time, Charles enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors.

“The Corps has given me lots of unique opportunities to develop myself as a leader. Through my four years, I have had the honors of serving as the Fish Drill Team Exhibition Guidon, Sophomore Advisor for the Drill Team, 1st sergeant Company E-2 and now the XO of E-2. Through all of those experiences, I have learned many different methods of good leadership. I have also learned how hard it can sometimes be to lead others. I feel that my time in the Corps has prepared me to face those difficult leadership challenges, and I am excited to put them into practice as I graduate and join the real world,” Charles said of his time in the Corps.

After graduation, Charles plans to commission into the U.S. Navy Reserve, where he hopes to serve as a Public Affairs Officer.

Genevieve Pace ’24

October 16, 2023 by rnelson

Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO

Major: Aerospace Engineering

Outfit: Squadron 21

Originally from Squadron 21, Genevieve Pace ’24 serves as the 2023-2024 Second Group Commander.

On the Quad, Genevieve is a member of Parsons Mounted Cavalry. During her freshman year, Genevieve was a member of the National Champion Fish Drill Team.

Off the Quad, Genevieve is a member of the Texas A&M Women’s Rugby Team, and actively volunteers at the Aggieland Humane Society.

“The Corps has taught me how to be comfortable in the uncomfortable. Fish year it started with meeting my buddies and upperclassmen in my outfit who came from all walks of life- me as well being a first generation Aggie. As my Corps career continued, I was able to meet and develop myself through the people on the Fish Drill Team and Parsons Mounted Cavalry- cadets who come from their own backgrounds and own outfits. Currently in my senior year, I have the amazing opportunity to lead and command with cadets who are going into different walks of life once they graduate- future Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and private/civilian contractors. One of my favorite poems that highlights the Corps experience is Invictus. In the face of challenge, “my head is bloody, but unbowed.” Through the Corps experience and the challenges brought with it, I have found how unconquerable my soul really is. So once I leave this place, I have full confidence in my preparation to be a leader in this world,” Genevieve said of her time in the Corps.

After graduation, Genevieve plans to commission into the United States Air Force, where she will serve as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer.

Rebecca Collins ’24

September 20, 2023 by rnelson

Hometown: Cameron, Texas

Major: Economics

Outfit: Squadron 5

Originally from Squadron 5, Rebecca Collins ’24 now serves as the First Wing Commander.

On the Quad, Rebecca was a member of the National Champion Fish Drill Team, where she also served as an advisor during her sophomore year.

Off the Quad, Rebecca is a member of Aggie Sweethearts (a women’s service organization), the Aggieland Mariachi group and is a licensed, Instrument rated Multi-Commercial Pilot.

After graduation, Rebecca plans to commission into the United States Marine Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant. Once her time in the Marine Corps is complete, Rebecca hopes to work as an airline pilot.