“Nothing worth doing in life is ever easy. The Corps is difficult, but in the best of ways. The friends you meet, the lessons you learn and the memories you create as a cadet are enough to last a lifetime.”
Throughout his senior year in the Corps of Cadets, Oscar Ibanez ‘21, looked forward to graduating from Texas A&M with his bachelor’s degree inAerospace Engineering and commissioning into the U.S. Air Force as a Second Lieutenant.
“I joined the Corps of Cadets for a few reasons. I wanted to participate in the best ROTC program in the United States so I could be the most prepared to be an officer in the Air Force. I’m a nostalgic person, so history, heritage and tradition are some of my favorite things to learn about, participate in and witness. There is no better place to experience all three of these things than Texas A&M University, and there is no better way to truly immerse yourself in them than by becoming an Aggie cadet,” Ibanez said as he described why he chose Texas A&M.
Oscar’s path to Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets was unique, as it included a stint atTexas A&M Galveston before he transferred to Texas A&M’s main campus.
“I originally applied to the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Military Academy, but despite receiving congressional nominations to both, I ultimately was not admitted. I knew that I wanted to join the military and have a career in aviation, but I was left searching for a school. Once I realized how much history and priority Texas A&M has on training future officers for the Armed Forces, it was an easy choice to accept my admittance and come here. Because I applied later in the application process, I had to attend Texas A&M Galveston for a year as part of theGalveston Engineering Program. This program allows students who aren’t accepted to the main campus to attend the Galveston campus while they complete a set amount of coursework. Once those courses are completed in Galveston, you’re then allowed to transfer over to the main campus. While I was in the program, I was a member of theGalveston Corps of Cadets and the friends I made there only solidified the fact that this path was right for me,” Oscar said.
With the map towards becoming an Air Force officer becoming clearer, Oscar was certain of one thing:
His desire to become a pilot.
“Since I was in elementary school, I had dreamed of becoming a pilot. There was a small airfield down the street from my school, so every day at recess I’d look up and watch the planes flying over. My initial goal in joining the Air Force was to become a pilot and later on a test pilot. During my senior year of college, I was selected to become a pilot after commissioning and I was ecstatic,” Ibanez said.
Though he’d dreamed of flying for the majority of his life, Oscar’s life took an unexpected turn that put his pilot plans at odds.
“With the help of my faith, my dad, my mentors, the many military officers in my life and my Corps buddies, I was able to find something that made the outcome of that flight physical exam feel like a blessing in disguise.”
“Unfortunately, after being selected, I went to my flight physical and things didn’t go as planned. Losing my pilot slot for something completely out of my control was devastating, and at first, and I wasn’t sure what to do next.”
Still determined to become a pilot, Oscar began to research the opportunities that were available to him as someone with an engineering background.
“At this point I knew I was going to be an engineer upon commissioning, so I started looking into what was available to me career wise with that. Through my research, I found that Test Pilot School picks up both pilots and engineers for the program, and better yet, both get to fly. After I knew that I could still get into the cockpit as an engineer, I began the process to earn approval from the Air Force to start my master’s,” Ibanez explained.
As he was seeking approval from the Air Force to begin the Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering program, Oscar was presented with the opportunity of a lifetime.
“I was selected to participate in theAir Force Institute of Technology’s Civilian Institution Program. I was able to find this new path through perseverance and, more importantly, through the unwavering support of my buddies from the Corps, my family and my mentors. Without those people, I’d never be where I am now,” Ibanez said.
Through the Civilian Institution Program, Ibanez chose to continue his education at Texas A&M, where he currently studies under Dr. Rodney Bowersox in theNational Aerothermochemistry Lab.
“The Civilian Institution Program allows Air Force officers to attend civilian institutions in pursuit of their graduate degrees as a duty assignment. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some incredibly gifted stu
“The idea of doing my own research and making a real difference in a field so instrumental to our national defense strategy is a beautiful thing. When I retire from the Air Force and the Engineering field, I want to be able to say that I made a difference. I don’t care about being known; what I care about is being able to sit down at the end of the day knowing I bettered the world for everyone in it.”
dents in the lab. Both the Chemistry and Aerospace students that I’m privileged to work with are some of the most gifted people I’ve ever met. I’ve also had the opportunity to meet and work alongside a few U.S. Air Force Academy graduates. It’s been a great experience so far. Working with a diverse group of people in my lab has provided me with a brand-new environment to work in, which is something I haven’t had before. I love it,” Ibanez said.
Within the National Aerothermochemistry Lab, Ibanez is able to work closely with projects pertaining to research in hypersonic weapons.
“As of now, I’m attached to a project with theBush Combat Development Complex where I do research for the Army Futures Command. I assist PhD students with and run experiments in the Hypersonic Expansion Tunnel at our Easterwood National Aerothermochemistry Lab facility. In these experiments, we run at speeds anywhere from Mach 6 to 23, depending on the experiment,” Ibanez explained.
What seemed like a roadblock in Ibanez’ pilot dreams ended up being what he calls a blessing in disguise.
“With the help of my faith, my dad, my mentors, the many military officers in my life and my Corps buddies, I was able to find something that made the outcome of that flight physical exam feel like a blessing in disguise. I couldn’t be happier with where I am rightnow. I couldn’t be more excited to have this opportunity as my first officer assignment. This opportunity has been an amazing blessing, and I feel like I’m one step closer to my flight test pilot and engineer dreams.”
Ibanez credits his resilience thus far to his experiences with the Corps of Cadets. As the 2020-2021 Commanding Officer of Squadron 12, Oscar is no stranger to leading teams and breaking out of his comfort zone.
“There’s the old phrase, ‘iron sharpens iron’ and the Corps is no exception to that. Being constantly surrounded by motivated, intelligent, head-strong men and women has striking effects on a person. The corps teaches things like perseverance, respect, people skills, and a plethora of other useful skills. The single most important thing I learned during my time as a cadet is that nobody ever does anything alone. It doesn’t matter how great of a leader, how smart or how headstrong someone is, life is a team sport. Nothing worth doing in life is ever easy. The Corps is difficult, but in the best of ways. The friends you meet, the lessons you learn and the memories you create as a cadet are enough to last a lifetime,” Ibanez said.
As he looks forward to the rest of his career with the U.S. Air Force, Ibanez is hopeful that the work he is a part of will benefit our world for years to come.
“The idea of doing my own research and making a real difference in a field so instrumental to our national defense strategy is a beautiful thing. When I retire from the Air Force and the Engineering field, I want to be able to say that I made a difference. I don’t care about being known; what I care about is being able to sit down at the end of the day knowing I bettered the world for everyone in it.”
What seemed like initial defeat for Oscar has transformed into an opportunity to pursue his dreams from a different path. Oscar Ibanez’ story is a shining example of the determined leaders that are created through the Corps of Cadets.
From the classroom, to the boardroom, to the battlefield and beyond, the Corps of Cadets consistently prepares young men and women for our world’s greatest challenges.
Nidhi Nagireddy ’23 currently serves as the Executive Officer for Company E-2. Nidhi also currently serves as NROTC’s November Department Executive Officer, and is a member of the O.R. Simpson Honor Society.
Off the Quad, Nidhi is involved in the Student Government Association and Class Councils.
“The Corps of Cadets is an organization like no other – I’ve had so many unique and invaluable experiences to help better myself and my peers. The leadership experiences provided here have made me into the best version of myself, and I can’t wait to use what I’ve learned in my career and beyond,” Nidhi said of her time in the Corps.
After graduation, Nidhi plans to commission into the United States Navy, where she will serve as a Surface Warfare Officer.
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.
Originally a member of Squadron 16, Leslie Contreras-Ruiz currently serves on Corps Staff.
Off the Quad, Leslie is involved in the Texas A&M Collegiate Sales Team, where she has competed at the national level. Leslie is an active member of the Sales Club, and serves as a campus brand ambassador for Samsung and Celsius.
“I can certainly say that these past three years have not been easy, but they have been worth it. I have made long life friends and have seen myself and others grow along the way. I found myself getting out of my comfort zone and always eager to achieve more, whether it was through leadership opportunities or a chance to make an impact on someone. What comes easy won’t last, what does last won’t come easy,” Leslie said of her time in the Corps.
After graduating from Texas A&M in December, Leslie plans to work full-time in the oil & gas industry as a sales representative.
As one of the nation’s top leadership development organizations, the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets provides students with many top tier resources to prepare them for success far beyond graduation. Among these resources is the Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership. Through the Hollingsworth Center, cadets can partake in several leadership courses that aim to set them up for success in their future careers.
“The Hollingsworth Center works primarily with students who are not going into the military upon graduation, although we certainly have several that do. Our SOMS [School of Military Science] program of study begins during the spring semester of their sophomore year, where we focus on helping cadets find their strengths and lead from a perspective of authenticity,” Dr. Dave Keller, Director of the Hollingsworth Center, said.
In the fall of their junior year, cadets take SOMS 380: Workshop in Leadership Education.
“SOMS 380 is the second course for our students. It focuses heavily on finding their leadership constraints and blind spots, and then developing an action plan to intentionally improve in these critical areas. In later semesters, students learn more about the science of leadership, along with how to lead teams and organizations more effectively,” Keller said.
Within SOMS 380, students learn from professors of practice who are leaders in their own fields. In the Fall 2022 semester, cadets in this course enjoy recurring presentations from Texas A&M Men’s Basketball Coach, Buzz Williams.
“We are extremely excited to have Coach Williams partnering with us for this course. First, it shows Coach’s commitment to the students at Texas A&M goes far beyond wins and losses on the basketball court. It shows how committed Coach is to helping students grow and develop into the best leaders – and people – they can be. We’re thrilled that he is partnering with us. It is important to say that this isn’t just a one-shot ‘guest speaker’ event. Coach Williams has committed to working with our students throughout the semester,” Keller said.
With these semester-long partnerships in place, students taking courses offered by the Hollingsworth Center are more equipped than ever to explore their potential to grow as leaders.
“Whenever cadets can learn from a presenter such as Coach Buzz Williams, there are many opportunities for personal and professional gain. It could reinforce what they are already learning in SOMS, or present a new concept, or allow them to hear something that applies to their life right now. There are countless opportunities to benefit from an experience like this. Coach Williams is a high achiever, lifelong learner, and very enthusiastic about teaching. He has so much to offer and we are thrilled with this partnership,” Dr. Darin Paine, Associate Director for the Hollingsworth Center, said.
During Coach Williams’ first lesson, he described the impact of one’s leadership, and how it reaches far beyond the immediate individuals that they are assigned to lead.
“You’re not just leading yourself. You’re leading yourself, your organization and their families. If you learn to process information unselfishly… there is no ceiling for your leadership possibilities,” Williams said.
With the Hollingsworth Center’s four year Corps Leadership Development Model in place, students in the Corps are taught how to develop themselves, others, teams and organizations as they progress through their college career. Through this development model and carefully structured courses such as SOMS 380, the Hollingsworth Center provides cadets with the necessary tools to be successful in any profession they choose to pursue.
“Cadets are, first and foremost, students at Texas A&M. They all are gaining knowledge and expertise in their respective career areas through their individual college and academic programs. What we do is go beyond their technical education by providing a set of top-tier opportunities for them to grow in their leadership and character. In doing so, we make students across the campus better able to lead well in an increasingly complex world – regardless of their academic major or career intentions. Perhaps now more than ever, the world needs leaders of character who are prepared to meet the global challenges of the future. We help prepare them to do exactly that,” Dr. Keller said.
From leadership development to career readiness lessons, the Hollingsworth Center has consistently served as an incredible resource for cadets to succeed academically, and in their professional and personal lives. For more information about the Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership, visit here.
