Internship

Dawson Richburg ’23

December 15, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Katy, Texas

Major: Poultry Science

Outfit: Company E-2

Currently a member of Company E-2, Dawson Richburg ’23 also works as a Research Assistant with Texas A&M’s Poultry Research Facility.

“Being a part of the Corps of Cadets has given me insight into what makes a true leader. I have come to understand that failure is a part of life, and the only thing that matters is how you choose to respond to it. As a cadet, I’ve been able to live the true Aggie tradition and become a part of the Texas A&M spirit,” Dawson said of his time in the Corps.

After graduation, Dawson plans to obtain his Ph.D. in Poultry Breeding and Genetics and one day work in the field of poultry research.

Corps of Cadets Builds Future Partnership With Bush Combat Development Complex

November 29, 2022 by rnelson

Cadets pose with key leaders from the Bush Combat Development Complex ahead of their tour.

For generations, the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets has prepared young men and women to serve at the forefront of our nation. For some, their service to our country is not performed as a member of the Armed Forces, but in other vital capacities. Through the Bush Combat Development Complex (BCDC), new opportunities to serve are being made available to these cadets.

Located on Texas A&M’s RELLIS Campus in Bryan, the Bush Combat Development Complex serves as a production resource that provides our nation’s defense organizations with the technology needed to readily secure and defend our country against the challenges of the 21st Century. With a five year, 96.2 million dollar contract from the U.S. Army Futures Command awarded to them in September, the Bush Combat Development Complex’s push toward the future is now stronger than ever; and they’re looking to the Corps of Cadets for support as they advance.

Major General Tim Green '86 introduces cadets to the Bush Combat Development Complex.

Through the Bush Combat Development Complex’s National Security Fellowship Program, a program that grants recently graduated cadets the opportunity to conduct graduate level research through the complex, a pipeline between the Corps is being established.

In order to be eligible for the Fellowship Program, former cadets must be U.S. citizens, must have at least a 3.25 GPA in a relevant field of study and must also be accepted into a graduate program with the Texas A&M College of Engineering. With expansion plans to other fields of study set for the near future, the Fellowship Program looks to soon welcome cadets from all academic specialties.

“We are passionate about providing our Aggies with the tools they need to protect our tomorrow, today. As such, we are excited about a developing opportunity through the BCDC Fellowship Program that will provide a pipeline for students in the Corps who have an

interest in serving in national security research to work with us,” Major General Tim Green (USAF, Ret) ‘86, Director of the Bush Combat Development Complex, said. “In fact, Brigadier General Michaelis and members of his staff are engaged in constant discussion with us about building these opportunities for cadets. As we host both government and industry leaders, the one question we constantly receive is how they can recruit students who have a heart for service to the nation and are able to obtain a U.S. security clearance. The natural source for that is through the Corps of Cadets.”

The plan to incorporate the Corps of Cadets into the Bush Combat Development Complex’s research initiatives was a natural partnership given the shared values of the complex and the Corps.

“Just as Texas A&M has been producing leaders of character for our state and nation since 1876, it only makes sense that we would be involved in the research to provide these leaders with the tools they need to hopefully deter combat, but if necessary, have them deploy-fight-win and return home safely with those that our Aggies will lead in the future. This is personal to the Bush Combat Development Complex, as many of us are former military, with several of our staff also being former Texas A&M cadets themselves,” Major General Green explained.

Over the last decade, the percentage of cadets choosing to pursue careers in the public and private sectors has greatly increased. Currently, well over half of all graduating seniors in the Corps pursue careers in these sectors. Opportunities, like those available through the Bush Combat Development Complex, give cadets the opportunity to serve our nation without having to contract into the military.

Cadets use off road vehicles to tour the BCDC's Innovation Proving Ground facility.

“As our facilities continue to come online in the coming months and these organizations join in on BCDC research efforts, I think it will be a natural draw from both government and industry to have cadets who meet the criteria join in fellowship and internship opportunities that could happen right here at BCDC, particularly for engineering students,” Major General Green said.

Through this upcoming partnership with the Bush Combat Development Complex, the Corps of Cadets will continue to prepare our nation's top leaders on an even larger scale. As the Corps continues to march toward the future, opportunities such as this partnership allow our cadets to serve at the forefront of every sector.

“These fellowships exemplify the quality of cadets who are coming through the Corps. The partnership with the Bush Combat Development Complex provides a pipeline of excellence for those who want to serve the greater good and shape the future of our national security posture. I’m very proud of where this partnership is going, and I am looking forward to the impact that the cadets who are selected into this program will create,” Brigadier General Patrick Michaelis ‘93 (USA, Ret), Commandant of the Corps of Cadets, said.

Story by: Robin Nelson '22

Harrison Daniels ’22 Accepted Into Lee Strasberg Theater & Film Institute

June 6, 2022 by rnelson

The Corps of Cadets is home to nearly two thousand students who are pursuing various educational and professional pathways. Engineering majors, Political Science majors, Business majors, and many others all frequently find their place on the Quad; but of them all, there is only one Performance Studies major that wears a Corps uniform in the classroom.

His name is Harrison Daniels, and he is a senior in Company E-2. Originally from Calgary, Canada, Harrison has had quite the successful Corps career. As a third generation Aggie, the decision to join the Corps of Cadets seems to be one that came naturally to Harrison.

“I joined the Corps because I wanted to get the complete experience here at A&M. I wanted to fully immerse myself into a different culture and really take it all in. Both my grandfather and my dad were Aggies before me, so it just made sense.”

Originally an Economics major, Harrison made the decision to switch to Performance Studies during his freshman year.

“I didn’t really know until my freshman year that this was my passion. I signed up for an acting class and I just absolutely fell in love with it. I’d acted in high school and just never really had taken it seriously, but I felt like something was missing without it. When I took that class my freshman year, it instantly clicked and became something that I really looked forward to. That was when I really began to pursue acting more,” Harrison said.

Harrison’s passion for theater will not end after his time at Texas A&M, as he was accepted into the Lee Strasberg Theater & Film Institute in New York City. Notable alumni from the Lee Strasberg Theater & Film Institute include Hayden Christensen, Chris Evans, and Angelina Jolie. With this acceptance, Harrison is excited to further develop his acting skills at the next level.

“I applied to acting school because I really wanted to focus more on that aspect. Even though Performance Studies here isn’t focused specifically on acting, it definitely created a very solid foundation for me. I accepted my offer of admission to the Lee Strasberg Theater & Film Institute’s Two Year Conservatory program because I believe that they have one of the best programs in the nation. I think that their alumni and their faculty really speak for themselves in terms of success.”

Though his time with Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets is drawing to a close, Harrison says there are many things that he has gained throughout his experience that will stay with him forever.

“My favorite part about being at Texas A&M and in the Corps of Cadets has been the unique experience. It has shown me two different parts of the world and allowed me to understand people from entirely different backgrounds than me. It has prepared me for my future in a really amazing, nonconventional way,” Harrison explained.

If you are not from Texas, but still considering a future with the Corps of Cadets, Harrison has some words of advice.

“For other international students coming to the Corps, just fully embrace it. It is definitely going to be a bit of a culture shock, but once you commit yourself to the change, you’re going to have a blast.”

The Corps of Cadets welcomes students with a variety of passions and interests from a multitude of backgrounds. Whether you’re from College Station, Texas, Calgary, Canada, or anywhere across the world, there is a place for everyone in the Corps.

Story by: Robin Nelson ’22

Brock Thompson ’22

February 1, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Portales, New Mexico

Major: Society, Ethics, & Law with minors in Philosophy & Military Science

Outfit: Squadron 8

Brock Thompson ’22 currently the Inspector General and Logistics and Operations Officer for Squadron 8. Brock also represents the Corps of Cadets in the Student Senate, where works to make a change in the lives of all Aggies, specifically cadets, by increasing mental health awareness around campus. He is currently working with the help of several off-campus mental health resource groups to begin a cadet mentorship program.

Off the Quad, Brock is a member of Young Americans for Freedom, a Fish Camp Counselor, and a member of Freshman Leaders in Education and Human Development. Additionally, Brock is a member of the Twin Cities Church of Christ.

This past Summer, Brock had the opportunity to work for New Mexico Congresswoman, Yvette Herrell, in Washington D.C. While working in Washington, he was able to meet with many members of the Texas Delegation, including Congressman Dan Crenshaw and Senator Ted Cruz. Through this experience, Brock was also able to sit down with former Aggie Cadet and Congressman, Ronny Jackson, who also served as the Physician to the President under both President Obama and President Trump’s presidential terms.

Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Brock plans to commission into the United States Air Force, where he has received a pilot training spot. He hopes to one day fly fighter jets with the Air Force.

“I love Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets and am forever grateful for the people, memories, and opportunities that have been set before me because I’m an Aggie. This place is my home, and there is no place on earth as special as this university,” Brock said of his experience with the Corps.

Nolan Moore ’22

December 1, 2021 by rnelson

Hometown: Orange, Texas

Major: Communication Studies with a minor in Entrepreneurship

Outfit: A-Company

Nolan Moore ‘22 is a currently a member of Corps Staff, where he serves as the Career Readiness Officer. Previously, Nolan was a member of A-Company in The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band.

“I lead 23 people directly and provide multiple resources, including this year’s new CR website, for cadets to use through their journey in the Corps and Texas A&M. I work closely with the Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership, where we help cadets increase their skills in 12 different competencies. I have also interned at the Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership as their career readiness intern,” he said.

Off the Quad, Nolan participates in the Sales Club as well as Aggie Network Student Ambassadors. Last spring, Nolan was elected as one of The Class of 2022’s Class Agents. In this position, he serves as a liaison between The Association of Former Students and the Class of 2022. This year, Nolan also volunteered as the Performance Coordinator for the 2021 Dash for Downs Syndrome that was held at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater on October 3rd, 2021.

“The Corps has truly helped me become a well-rounded person. I am thankful for the people I have met and worked with. Marching on Kyle Field on Saturdays and being able to participate in all of the Corps traditions have truly been a huge blessing. I had no clue how much the Corps would develop and push me, and I am truly grateful I bought into the program and let it shape me to be the man I am today,” he says.

Upon his graduation in December of 2022, Nolan plans to work for Dell Technologies in Austin as a Technology Inside Salesman. Nolan hopes to one day return to College Station, where he would like to open his own business.