News

PMC Gives Old Boots New Purpose

May 4, 2022 by rnelson

One of the most iconic symbols of the Corps of Cadets are the coveted senior boots. A part of every senior cadet’s uniform, these handcrafted boots are also the most expensive piece. Each year, hundreds of cadets are unable to afford purchasing their own boots. Recognizing the need for a solution to this issue, the Sam Houston Sanders Corps Center established the generous Boot Loan Program in 2003. Through the Corps Center, cadets are loaned a pair of boots for their senior year, and add their names to the rich history of cadets that have worn the same pair before them.

Naturally, after many years of wear, older boots become unserviceable and can no longer be used by the Boot Loan Program. Though their use as senior boots comes to an end, members of Parsons Mounted Cavalry’s Leather Chain are able to repurpose them and extend their useability through a number of different projects.

“It’s amazing to me to be able to give these boots a new purpose. There is so much history and tradition imbued in them, and to be able to continue using them by turning them into useful items allows us to preserve their beauty and purpose,” Jackson Ghatalia ‘23 (Company A-1) said of the opportunity.

Not only do these projects allow for the leather to be repurposed, they also allow cadets to express their creativity while developing a new skill.

“My favorite part about working on these projects is the ability to gain and develop such an amazing skill. I love learning new things, and to learn more about a skill that not many people have is quite amazing. You gain a level of respect for the amount of work that it takes to craft many everyday leather products, and gain the skills to start doing your own work and making things for yourself and others that will be cherished for years,” Jackson said.

These leather projects are just one of the many opportunities that cadets have to express themselves and learn new skills. The Corps of Cadets enables and encourages every member to discover, explore, and develop new passions.

Story by: Robin Nelson ’22

Ivan Carrasco ’22

April 27, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Spring, Texas

Major: Computer Science

Outfit: Squadron 21

The current Commanding Officer of Squadron 21, Ivan Carrasco ’22 also previously served as the outfit’s First Sergeant. In addition to his leadership within the outfit, Ivan is a member of the Ross Volunteer Company.

Off the Quad, Ivan is a member of the Canterbury Episcopal Student Center and Texas A&M’s Defense Cyber Leadership Development Program.

“The Corps of Cadets has provided me with challenges that helped develop me into the man that I am today and has given me lifelong friends,” Ivan said of his experience with the Corps.

After graduating from Texas A&M, Ivan plans to commission into the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant, where he hopes to work as a Cyber Warfare Officer.

Ross Brusenhan ’22

April 20, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Tomball, Texas

Major: M.S. in Biomedical Sciences

Outfit: C-Battery

The current Finance and Logistics Officer for C-Battery, Ross made the decision to join the Corps of Cadets during his Junior year of his undergraduate studies at Texas A&M. He is currently a member of the O.R. Simpson Honor Society.

“The Corps has allowed me to achieve a more enriched experience at Texas A&M as compared to just being a regular student. Because I joined as an undergraduate junior, it was cool to be so accepted into my buddy class and outfit as a ‘fish’. My Master’s program allowed me to continue on with the Corps for 4 years and complete my white belt years as a graduate student,” Ross said of his time in the Corps.

Outside of his involvement with the Corps of Cadets, Ross works as a Student Researcher with the Texas A&M Vet School and is a member of the Biomedical Sciences Association.

Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Ross will attend the Royal Veterinary College in London, England. Ross hopes to one day return to Texas and open his own veterinary practice or find a career in the veterinary research field.

View the video below to learn more about Ross and his journey with the Corps of Cadets.

Landon Viera ’22

March 23, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Las Cruces, New Mexico

Major: Civil Engineering

Outfit: Squadron 16

Landon Viera ‘22 is a member of Squadron 16 and is also a Ross Volunteer, where he serves as the Squat Platoon Leader. Previously, Landon was awarded 2nd Wing’s Most Outstanding Cadet and the Air Force ROTC Warrior Spirit Award.

Off the Quad, Landon is a member of Texas A&M’s chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Landon is also preparing to run his first marathon in April, in an event that will benefit the Hill Country Youth Ranch.

“The Corps has done so much for me, to the point that it is difficult to put it into words. I’ve developed family-level relationships with my buddies, experienced the gift of getting to mentor and be mentored, overcome physical and mental boundaries I’d never entertain elsewhere, served our campus, community and beyond. In my opinion, one of the most critical things that I’ve gained from the Corps is an amazing candid life experience. None of my successes or failures came without putting forth my best effort, and I take great pride in that. It is guaranteed that college has a lot to offer, no matter where you go, but it’s also guaranteed that the Corps has way more to offer in addition – whether you’re looking to be the best of the best in the civilian sector or military,” Landon said of his time in the Corps.

Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Landon will commission into the United States Air Force, where he hopes to be a pilot.

Courtney Eeds ’22

March 15, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Whitehouse, Texas

Major: Elementary Education

Outfit: C-Company

Courtney Eeds ‘22 is a current member of C-Company in the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, Courtney serves as the outfit’s Second Platoon Leader and Public Relations Officer. In addition to her leadership roles within C-Company, Courtney is also the Executive Officer for the O.R. Simpson Honor Society.

Off the Quad, Courtney is a member of the Traditions Council where she serves as the Internal Vice Chair. In this role, Courtney works alongside the Chair and External Vice Chair, and oversees the Bonfire Remembrance, Membership Development and Ring Scholarship Committee Chairs. Courntey is also a student worker for the University Center and Special Events Office, where she assists various departments and student organizations in booking meetings at the MSC and in Rudder Tower.

“The Corps has given me countless experiences that I would not be able to receive in any other organization at any other university. I have strengthened my leadership abilities, learned time management, built relationships across the Quad and have networked with countless former Aggies. I am grateful for my time spent in the Corps and my former upperclassmen who poured into me, so that I could pour into those within my outfit and across the band,” Courtney said of her time in the Corps.

After graduating from Texas A&M this fall, Courtney plans to stay in College Station and work as an elementary school teacher.