Squadron 20

Olivia Baptiste ’25

October 17, 2024 by rnelson

Hometown: Parker, Colorado

Major: Biomedical Science

Outfit: Squadron 20

A member of Squadron 20, Olivia Baptiste ’25 currently serves as the Commanding Officer of Parsons Mounted Cavalry.

Off the Quad, Olivia volunteers with the Courtney Cares Equine Therapy Program and a local nursing home. In her free time, Olivia enjoys hiking, trail running with her dog, Nellie, fly fishing and baking.

“The Corps has blessed me with countless opportunities to better understand my gifts and how I can use them in service to others. Beyond that, I have gained valuable experience in observing others’ strengths and weaknesses and learning how to develop and grow alongside them,” Olivia said of her time in the Corps.

After graduation, Olivia plans to attend veterinary school and pursue a career as a rural mixed-practice veterinarian.

Shelby Osborne ’23

April 5, 2023 by rnelson

Hometown: Marion, Texas

Major: Psychology

Outfit: Squadron 20

A member of Squadron 20, Shelby Osborne ’23 currently serves as the outfit’s Athletics Officer.

On the Quad, Shelby is a member of Parsons Mounted Cavalry, where she also serves as the special unit’s Executive Officer.

Off the Quad, Shelby is a student worker with Texas A&M’s Technology Services. In her free time, Shelby enjoys painting, reading and spending time with her family and friends.

“My dad always talked about how important it is to understand differences you can see in a group of people you work with. A thing he often said was, ‘You don’t have to have the best idea in the room, but instead know how to work with those around you to find it.’ This quote got me through a lot in the Corps. Everyone has an idea on how to best solve issues in leadership, so learning to work with my peers to find the best solution has helped me along the way,” Shelby said of her experience with the Corps of Cadets.

After graduation, Shelby plans to attend the University of Texas’ Health and Science School in San Antonio with hopes of one day becoming a nurse.

William Walford ’22

March 9, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Berlin, Germany

Major: Forensic & Investigative Sciences

Outfit: Squadron 20

William Walford ’22 currently serves as the Executive Officer for Squadron 20 and is a member of the O.R. Simpson Honor Society.

Off the Quad, William is the President of the Aggie Forensic and Investigative Sciences Organization, and is a member of the Texas A&M Pre-Law Society.

“The Corps of Cadets has been one of the greatest challenges of my life. Whether it was pushing my physical limits, contemplating the philosophy of truly ethical leadership, or understanding that sleep is sometimes optional when there is a job to do, the Corps of Cadets cultivated a keen sense of purpose within me and helped me establish a values-oriented lifestyle. Beyond personal development, I gained an extension of my family through my squadron, but I was also able to connect with my own family on a deeper level. As the 31st Aggie in my family, and one in a long line of members of the Corps of Cadets, being a part of this organization brought me great honor in carrying on a long-standing family tradition,” William said of his time in the Corps.

William will graduate this spring and plans to attend the University of Texas School of Law, where he will pursue a Juris Doctor degree with an emphasis on Criminal Law. William hopes to one day work as a prosecutor in Texas.