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Texas A&M Corps of Cadets

Caroline Sauter ’23

November 16, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana

Major: Civil Engineering

Outfit: Company E-2

The current Public Relations, Recruiting and Finance Officer for Second Regiment, Caroline Sauter ’23 is originally from Company E-2. During her sophomore year in E-2, Caroline served as the second handler to Miss Reveille.

In addition to her work with Second Regiment, Caroline is a member of Parsons Mounted Cavalry, where she serves as the Sophomore Training Officer. In this role, Caroline works to prepare the Class of 2025 to be confident in their skills and become a part of something greater than themselves. 

“The Corps has given me many opportunities to develop my leadership throughout each class year and at the outfit, major unit, and special unit levels. I can see the lessons that I have learned directly relate to what I will be experiencing in the workforce, and I am confident that I will be able to overcome and learn from any situation thrown my way. I am proud to be a member of the Corps of Cadets because of all that it has done to help me set, maintain and achieve my goals,” Caroline said of her time in the Corps.

After graduation, Caroline plans to work for a Civil Engineering firm and obtain her Practice of Engineering Certificate. 

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Filed Under: 2023, Cadet Profiles Tagged With: Cadet Leadership, Company E-2, Corps of Cadets, E-2 Rebels, Mascot Company, Out Of State Cadets, Parsons Mounted Cavalry, pmc, Texas A&M, Texas A&M Corps of Cadets

Cole Swinnea ’23

November 2, 2022 by rnelson

Cole Swinnea poses next to cannon

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.

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Filed Under: 2023, Cadet Profiles Tagged With: Cadet Leadership, Company K-2, Corps of Cadets, K-2 Killers, Parsons Mounted Cavalry, pmc, Texas A&M Corps of Cadets

Former Cadet Spotlight: Oscar Ibanez ’21

October 28, 2022 by rnelson

Oscar Ibanez '21 poses with Squadron 12 guidon
“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 in Aerospace 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 at Texas 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 the Galveston 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 the Galveston 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. 

Oscar Ibanez '21 and his family at Oscar's commissioning ceremony
“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 the Air 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 the National 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

Oscar Ibanez '21 with two other airmen in front of the National Aerothermo Lab
“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 the Bush 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.

Story By: Robin Nelson ’22

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Cadet Leadership, former cadet highlight, Hustlin' One, Squadron 1, Squadron 12, Talon 12, Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, Transfer Cadet

Nidhi Nagireddy ’23

October 19, 2022 by rnelson

Nidhi Nagireddy '23

Hometown: Chantilly, Virginia

Major: Political Science

Outfit: Company E-2

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.

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Filed Under: 2023, Cadet Profiles Tagged With: Cadet Leadership, Company E-2, Corps of Cadets, E-2 Rebels, Navy/Marine ROTC, NROTC, O.R. Simpson Honor Society, Off The Quad Involvement, Out Of State Cadets, Texas A&M Corps of Cadets

Jack Detten ’23

October 4, 2022 by rnelson

Jack Detten '23

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. 

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Filed Under: 2023, Cadet Profiles Tagged With: Animal A-1, Cadet Leadership, Company A-1, Corps of Cadets, Off The Quad Involvement, Parsons Mounted Cavalry, pmc, Texas A&M, Texas A&M Corps of Cadets

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