Leadership

Ready To Lead: Caitlynn Walsh ‘24 Named 2023-2024 Corps Commander

March 23, 2023 by rnelson

The Corps of Cadets recently announced the organization’s leadership selections for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. At the top of this list lies the Corps’ third-ever female Corps Commander: cadet Caitlynn Walsh ‘24.

A Political Science major from Double Oak, Texas, Caitlynn currently serves as the Corps’ Sergeant Major for the 2022-2023 school year. As she prepares to officially step into the Corps Commander role next month at Final Review, Caitlynn took time to reflect on her unique path to Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets.

“I transferred to Texas A&M during my sophomore year from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. After reflecting on what I wanted in a university experience, I decided to make the switch to Texas A&M and joined the Corps as a transfer cadet in Company D-1. I have always wanted to serve in the military and saw the Corps as the best place to immerse myself in a community of service-driven individuals with many opportunities to further develop my leadership skills,” Caitlynn said.

With her sights set on military service, Caitlynn has chosen to pursue a Marine Corps contract through the Platoon Leaders Class, an undergraduate commissioning program.

“Before joining the Corps of Cadets, I had not really considered the Marine Corps. Since joining the Corps, I am grateful to have made many friends that shed light onto the opportunities and values of the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps ultimately drew me with its strong esprit de corps, values and mission that I resonated with, and the unique opportunities to serve my country that it offers,” Caitlynn explained.

As Corps Commander, Caitlynn looks to lead the Corps by example and serve as a source of inspiration to those around her.

“I hope to inspire others by setting an example and showing commitment to the Corps’ values of Honor, Integrity, Courage, Discipline, Respect and Selfless Service through my actions. I also aim to foster an environment where every member feels supported, valued and encouraged to succeed and grow as a leader in this organization,” Caitlynn said.

“As the third-ever female Corps Commander, I also hope to inspire other women within the Corps and beyond by serving as an example that leadership is not limited by gender. The role of Corps Commander holds great responsibility, regardless of gender, and I see it as a tremendous opportunity to serve the university that I love.”

With her tenure as Corps Commander about to begin, Caitlynn offered a few pieces of advice to the incoming freshman class of 2027.

“Commit yourself to the Corps’ values. Honor, Integrity, Courage, Discipline, Respect, and Selfless Service are central to the Corps experience and the Aggie identity. Embrace them and they will serve you well as you use them to guide your actions as a cadet and beyond.

Be disciplined, but don’t be afraid to seek help. The Corps experience is a challenging one, and it is supposed to be. It is designed to develop values and strong leadership skills in each member, which takes dedication and hard work. Realize that there is no shortage of people who are invested in your success and are willing to mentor, guide and help you overcome any challenge you may face.”

For over 145 years, the Corps of Cadets has served as Texas A&M’s premier leadership organization, developing leaders from all walks of life. Though Caitlynn took a non-traditional path to the Corps of Cadets, the opportunities available to her were endless. The Corps of Cadets serves as a place for every individual, regardless of their goals for the future, to develop into well rounded leaders prepared for any challenge they may face.

Story By: Robin Nelson ’22

Though Caitlynn has chosen to serve in the United States Marine Corps after her time at Texas A&M, a majority of graduating cadets go on to serve in the public and private sectors. Fill out the form below to learn more about the professional, educational and scholarship opportunities available in the Corps of Cadets.

Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders Meet With Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band

February 28, 2023 by rnelson

In a good bull story for the ages, cadet Chase Borders ‘25, of B-Battery in the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, helped arrange one of the greatest meet ups that the Corps of Cadets has ever seen.

“While in Arlington for the Southwest Classic, I submitted a form requesting an event with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Originally, I didn’t think it would amount to much because I figured they get tons of requests. I received an email from their event coordinator asking to schedule a phone call. After a couple phone calls to iron out the details, I was able to pass the event off to the Band Commander, Cameron Paladino ‘23, to figure out the logistics!”

Once they arrived on campus, the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders were welcomed into the Music Activities Center by nearly 150 cadets. During their visit, members of the organization and team director, Kelli Finglass, drew similarities between their organization and the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band.

“One of the biggest compliments that both of our organizations can get is that we make it look easy, but we know that there’s so much work that goes into it. There are so many moving parts to what we do, but practicing with your team makes it all come together for the final product,” Finglass said.

In addition to highlighting the similarities the two teams share, Finglass also shared advice on how to work as a team through challenges and adversity.

“Going in everyday with that ‘I’ve got this’ attitude is what will carry you through. If even one girl on our team has an ‘I can’t get up’ mindset, it is the job of the rest of the team to help her up,” Finglass explained.

After visiting with the team for an hour, cadets in attendance showed the cheerleaders around the Dunlap Drill Field, where they also took photos with the team members and coaches.

“It was such an honor to get to work with such a prestigious organization. I wasn’t expecting the request to grow into something so amazing. It’s great to know that a professional organization like the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders recognizes the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band and views us with such high regards. Two highly renowned organizations meeting like this doesn’t happen very often, so I wanted to help create something that we can hopefully turn into a yearly tradition,” Borders said.

Through “career readiness events”, cadets are able to learn from industry leaders about the skills they need to be successful in the workforce. This visit by one of America’s most iconic teams is just one of many career readiness events that are offered to cadets throughout the year. In a unique twist on a traditional career readiness event, cadets heard from the team that has redefined and led the sports entertainment industry for over 60 years.

In a meeting between nationally famous and world famous, the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders came together to celebrate commonalities and the value of leadership, hard work and tradition.

“In the Aggie Band, and in the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, we don’t mess around with tradition. We celebrate all of our traditions and we respect that we wouldn’t be who we are today without our larger organizations. Our team, the Dallas Cowboys organization, is the best of its brand, much like Texas A&M,” Finglass said.

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.

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.

Sam Houston Sanders Corps of Cadets Center Celebrates 30th Anniversary

August 24, 2022 by rnelson

On September 30th, 1992, the Sam Houston Sanders Corps of Cadets Center opened its doors with a simple but strong mission statement: “Promote the past, preserve the present, and protect the future of the Corps of Cadets.” Thirty years later, the Corps Center continues to serve as a welcome hub for all Aggies and guests of Texas A&M.

“The Corps Center is the front door of the Corps. Every new cadet passes through this door at the start of their journey, old Ags bring their grandchildren here to show them what the Corps is, and it also gives our SEC rivals a space to come and learn more about the Corps while they visit campus for sporting events. It is a welcome center and showpiece of what the Corps has to offer,” Corps Center Director, Lieutenant Colonel (USAF, Ret.) Jeff Gardner ‘82, said of the Corps Center.

In recent years, the mission statement of the Corps Center has been modified only to encompass the promotion, preservation and protection of the entire history of Texas A&M, in addition to the Corps of Cadets. By widening the scope of the overall mission, the Corps Center has grown into a place that all visitors, regardless of whether they have any ties to the Corps, can visit and immerse themselves in the rich history of Texas A&M as a whole.

“Our goal is always to continue to evolve. We like to maintain relevancy and keep the interest of both previous, current and future generations of Aggies and cadets. There is a lot of history in this building that isn’t solely tied to the Corps. We house the oldest known original Aggie ring here. We have an extensive gun collection. We have some of the original Medals of Honor that former students have received. There’s plenty of really engaging pieces,” Gardner said.

In addition to functioning as a museum and welcome area, the Corps Center also offers several developmental opportunities for current cadets. From providing hands-on opportunities to cadets who are interested in the history of the Corps and Texas A&M, to housing all of the Corps’ recruiting initiatives, the Corps Center has plenty to offer to those seeking more out of their time as cadets.

“There are several educational opportunities available to current cadets at the Corps Center. Transfer cadets visit the Corps Center to learn more about the history of the Corps as they begin their journey. The Corps Center Guard is a special unit that allows cadets to get hands-on experience and help update the exhibits we have in the Corps Center. In addition, every recruiting event begins here. Cadets are able to give tours of the Quad to everyone from elementary school aged kids to Old Ags,” Gardner explained.

Aside from the educational opportunities that are available, two key programs for cadets in need of essential uniform pieces are also a major aspect of the Corps Center. Both specifically targeted to senior cadets, these programs allow students to check out items for use during their final year in the Corps, free of charge.

“One of the biggest things that is run out of here is our Sam Browne and saber loan programs. More donations to those programs are always needed and appreciated, as they ensure that our seniors in need are taken care of,” Gardner said.

As the Corps of Cadets begins the new March to 3,000 initiative, the need for upgraded facilities is critical. With the Corps Center recently unveiling an extensive renovation plan, the community now has the opportunity to give to a central part of the Texas A&M experience. Plans for the Corps Center include more interactive displays and many other features that will enable a more immersive experience for visitors.

“We need something that highlights Corps and the events that occur throughout the academic year. With these renovations, we hope to really catch the attention of visitors and potential cadets and show them what they could be a part of here,” Gardner said of the planned renovations.

As one of the only centers that is dedicated to the preservation and records of Texas A&M’s history and traditions, the Sam Houston Corps Center is a place for everyone – Aggies and non-Aggies alike – to appreciate the significance of Texas A&M’s contributions to our local communities, our state, and our nation.

If you are interested in supporting the Corps Center’s renovation efforts, contact the Texas A&M Foundation at [email protected]. Every dollar counts, and goes directly towards supporting all past, present and future cadets and friends of Texas A&M.

Story By: Robin Nelson ’22