Fish Drill Team

Daniel MacKenzie ’24

September 6, 2023 by rnelson

Hometown: Noblesville, Indiana

Major: Ecological Restoration and Parks & Natural Resource Management

Outfit: C-Company

Originally from C-Company, Daniel MacKenzie ’24 currently serves as the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band Commander for the 2023-2024 academic year.

On the Quad, Daniel serves as a member of the Bugle Rank, as a SOMS Peer Mentor and as an LLC Student Worker. During his freshman year, Daniel was a member of the Fish Drill Team, where he also later served as a sophomore advisor.

Off the Quad, Daniel is an Ecology and Conservation Biology Student Ambassador (ECCBSA). In his free time, Daniel enjoys playing the drums, hiking and cooking.

“If I had to boil it down to three things, the Corps personally has taught me how to truly serve and listen to others, balance a very loaded plate of responsibilities and empower various sized teams and organizations. When I leave here, I know I’ll be taking lifelong friendships, memories and experiences with me to apply into every aspect of my life,” Daniel said of his time in the Corps.

After graduation, Daniel plans to take time to travel abroad and volunteer before settling into his first job. After this, Daniel hopes to either work in seasonal roles with the National Park Service or begin a career in environmental consulting with Lloyd Engineering.

Fish Drill Team Wins 13th Straight National Title

February 17, 2023 by rnelson

For the 13th consecutive year, the Fish Drill Team of the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets has claimed the national title at Tulane University’s NROTC Mardi Gras Drill Meet. This prestigious event hosts drill teams from across the country, most of which are primarily composed of upperclassmen.

The Fish Drill Team, which is composed entirely of freshman cadets, dominated in nearly every category of the competition, winning three out of the five competition events. As a result of these 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 success comes as a result of months of intense training for the Fish Drill Team. Through their impressive representation of Texas A&M at the national level, the class of 2026 has now made its mark in the Fish Drill Team’s storied history.

For over 145 years, the Corps of Cadets has taken individuals from all walks of life and prepared them to lead in the public, private and military sectors. Through unique experiences and opportunities like the Fish Drill Team, students are able to compete and win on the national stage.

Story by: Robin Nelson ‘22

Kendalyn Lytle ’23

January 30, 2023 by rnelson

Hometown: Boerne, Texas

Major: Environmental Engineering

Outfit: A-Company

Originally from A-Company in the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, Kendalyn Lytle serves as the Infantry Band Commander for the 2022-2023 academic year.

In addition to her role as the Infantry Band Commander, Kendalyn also serves on the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band’s Bugle Rank and as the Executive Officer for the Fish Drill Team.

Off the Quad, Kendalyn enjoys running marathons, baking and Crossfit.

“I’ve gained a lot from my time in the Corps, but the greatest thing that the Corps gave me was my buddy class and the relationships that I have with other Aggie Bandsmen and members of the Fish Drill Team. It was their support and encouragement that helped me make it through both cycles of OCS, and without them I wouldn’t have had the confidence to become the cadet that I am today,” Kendalyn said of her time in the Corps.

After graduating from Texas A&M, Kendalyn plans to commission into the United States Marine Corps, where she hopes to become a fighter pilot. Kendalyn is also looking forward to marrying her high school sweetheart.

Liam Stevens ’23

January 18, 2023 by rnelson

Hometown: Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Major: Statistics with minors in Mathematics & Economics

Outfit: Company G-2

A member of Company G-2, Liam currently serves as the outfit’s Recruiting and Logistics Officer.

As a freshman, Liam was a member of the Fish Drill Team, where he also served as an Advisor during his sophomore year. Liam remains involved with the Fish Drill Team through the Association of Former Fish Drill Team Members as the club’s Social Media Officer.

Off the Quad, Liam is a second year member of the Singing Cadets, where he serves as the Traditions Chairman. Liam is also an active member of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship.

“The Corps of Cadets has been one of the best, if not the best, thing that has happened to my personal growth and development,” Liam said of his time in the Corps.

After graduating from Texas A&M, Liam plans to obtain his masters in statistics or data science. Liam hopes to one day become a political data analyst.

Emily Shireman ’23

November 28, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado

Major: Aerospace Engineering

Outfit: Squadron 12

Emily Shireman ‘23 currently serves as the Corps Scholastics Officer on Corps Staff.

On the Quad, Emily is a member of the O.R. Simpson Honor Society, where she serves as a tutor and mentor resource to her fellow cadets. As a freshman, Emily was a member of the Class of 2023’s National Champion Fish Drill Team.

Off the Quad, Emily is an active member of Texas A&M’s Women in Aviation chapter and Aggie Valor, a Christian organization on campus.

“Being in the Corps has given me so many opportunities I would never have expected. From competing on Fish Drill Team, to going out to the airport to see flyover planes, to getting to mentor younger cadets; the connections I’ve built and experiences I’ve had have been incredible,” Emily said of her time in the Corps.

Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Emily plans to commission into the United States Air Force, where she hopes to become a pilot.