pmc

Cole Swinnea ’23

November 2, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Harlingen, Texas

Major: Agricultural Systems Management (minor in Business)

Outfit: Company K-2

Cole Swinnea '23 is a member of Parsons Mounted Cavalry, where he currently serves as the Half Section Chief for the 2022-2023 school year. In addition to his involvement with PMC, Cole is a member of Company K-2, where he currently serves as the outfit’s Inspector General Officer.

In his free time, Cole enjoys working out and spending time at Fiddler’s Green.

“Throughout my time in the Corps, especially within the Cavalry, I have seen a great development in my leadership abilities and work ethic, which I look forward to using to benefit my future goals in the agriculture career field,” Cole said of his time in the Corps.

After graduation, Cole plans to work in the cattle feed production industry.

Jack Detten ’23

October 4, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Hereford, Texas

Major: Animal Science with a minor in Genetics

Outfit: Company A-1

The current Commanding Officer for Company A-1, Jack Detten ’23 serves the Quad as the Pistol Training Officer for Parsons Mounted Cavalry and as a member of the O.R. Simpson Honor Society.

Off the Quad, Jack is active in the American Society of Animal Science’s Academic Quadrathlon Team (2021-2022 Reserve National Champions), is an Ambassador for the Animal Science Department, and is a member of Texas A&M’s Saddle and Sirloin Club. In the 2019-2020 academic year, Jack was a member of Texas A&M’s National Champion Wool Judging Team.

“The Corps of Cadets has allowed for the simultaneous development of character, leadership, and interpersonal competencies alongside my education in a way that would not be possible anywhere else. It gave me a family and home away from home. If I could, I would go back and do it all over again,” Jack said of his time in the Corps.

After graduation, Jack plans to attend veterinary school and serve in the U.S. Army as a Veterinary Corps Officer. After his time in the Army, Jack would like to open up a mixed animal practice in West Texas or the Panhandle.

Luke Jenkins ’23

September 7, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Dripping Springs, Texas

Major: Political Science

Outfit: Company D-1

The current Commanding Officer for Parsons Mounted Cavalry, Luke Jenkins '23 is also a member of Company D-1. Outside of his involvement on the Quad, Luke is active in the MSC's Student Conference On National Affairs (SCONA).

“The Corps experience has opened up pathways to develop myself as a leader and role model. I want to be able to leave behind a legacy and a model that underclassmen can follow to improve themselves and the Corps as a whole,” Luke said.

After graduation, Luke plans to commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

BTHO Miami

August 25, 2022 by rnelson

Executive Officer March-In

6:15 PM – Corps of Cadets falls out on the Quad
6:25 PM – Cannon Fires
6:30 PM – Corps steps off for march-in to Kyle Field
8:00 PM – Kick-off/Beat the Hell Outta Miami

Officers of The Day: Seniors from Companies L-1 and D-2

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