Ross Volunteer Company

James Guandolo ’25

September 23, 2024 by rnelson

Hometown: Highland Park, Texas

Major: Computer Science

Outfit: Corps Staff/Company S-2

Originally from Company S-2, James Guandolo ’25 currently serves as the 2024-2025 Deputy Corps Commander. Prior to being named the Deputy Corps Commander, James served as the First Regiment Sergeant Major.

In addition to his leadership position on the Quad, James is a member of the Ross Volunteer Company and the Recon Company. As a freshman, James was a member of the Fish Drill Team, where he was part of the team's 12th consecutive championship win at Tulane University's NROTC Mardi Gras Drill Meet.

Off the Quad, James is a member of Texas A&M's Cyber Leadership Development Program.

“My experience in the Corps of Cadets has profoundly shaped my character and abilities; equipping me with essential skills for life. From the very beginning, Texas A&M's core values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity and selfless service were ingrained in me,” James said of his time in the Corps.

"The Corps provided me with numerous resources, from academic support to practical experience. These resources were invaluable in my academic and personal growth, teaching me the importance of taking initiative and seeking guidance when necessary. I've grown more assertive, resilient, creative and confident. These lessons in critical thinking, decisive action and effective communication will continue to guide me as I step into future challenges. I am confident in the foundation that the Corps has provided me," he continued.

After graduation, James plans to commission into the United States Marine Corps.

Matthew Marquez ’24

December 18, 2023 by rnelson

Hometown: Detroit, Texas

Major: Geology

Outfit: B-Company

A member of B-Company in the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, Matthew presently serves the unit as the Career Readiness Officer and as a Squad Leader. Matthew is also a member of the Ross Volunteer Company, and previously served as the 2022-2023 Infantry Band Bass Drummer. “The Corps has taught me much in the way of resiliency and staying true to oneself. Most importantly, it has taught me that to light another’s torch is to brighten the path forward for all. We must never allow anything or anyone to extinguish our light,” Matthew said of his time in the Corps. After graduation, Matthew plans to work as a geoscientist at NASA, with hopes of one day returning to school to continue his education at the graduate level.

Caitlynn Walsh ’24

May 3, 2023 by rnelson

Hometown: Double Oak, Texas

Major: Political Science

Outfit: Corps Staff / Company D-1

Originally from Company D-1, Caitlynn Walsh ’24 now serves as the 2023-2024 Corps Commander.

Prior to being selected to serve as the Corps Commander, Caitlynn served the Corps as the Corps Sergeant Major throughout the 2022-2023 school year. In addition to her service in these leadership positions, Caitlynn is also a Ross Volunteer.

Off the Quad, Caitlynn is a member of the Student Conference On National Affairs (SCONA).

“The Corps of Cadets has prepared me for life after college by giving me the opportunity to build a strong foundation of leadership, character, and professional development. I wake up every morning and have the privilege of working with a team of my peers as we develop our leadership skills through every decision we make. This year, I hope to inspire others by setting an example and showing commitment to the values of Honor, Integrity, Courage, Discipline, Respect and Selfless Service through my actions,” Caitlynn says.

After graduating from Texas A&M, Caitlynn plans to commission as a Second Lieutenant into the United States Marine Corps.

Joey Andruss ’23

April 20, 2023 by rnelson

Hometown: Victoria, Texas

Major: Civil Engineering

Outfit: Squadron 21/2nd Wing Staff

Joey Andruss ’23 currently serves the Corps of Cadets as the 2nd Wing Major Unit Commander. Within the Corps, Joey is also a Ross Volunteer and member of the Catholics on the Quad organization.

Off the Quad, Joey is an active in the American Society of Civil Engineers, as well as the American Society of Military Engineers.

“The Corps has done more for me than I could ever explain, but there are three major things that I’ll take away from my time in the Corps. First, the Corps taught me how to manage people and how to effectively lead a large organization to be successful and accomplish goals. Second, it taught me the importance of building relationships and being able to cultivate lasting friendships from those relationships. Lastly, the Corps provided me the opportunity to have a unique and developmental Aggie experience that most students never will experience, and I’m truly grateful for that,” Joey said of his time in the Corps of Cadets.

After graduating from Texas A&M, Joey plans to commission into the United States Air Force, where he hopes to serve as a Civil Engineer. After his time in the Air Force, Joey plans to obtain his Professional Engineering License and open his own engineering firm.

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.