Texas A&M

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.

Cora Schell ’23

March 22, 2023 by rnelson

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Major: Animal Science

Outfit: B-Battery

Cora Schell ’23 is a member of B-Battery in the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band.

On the Quad, Cora is involved in Parsons Mounted Cavalry, where she serves as the special unit’s Veterinary Officer. Cora represented Parsons Mounted Cavalry, the Corps of Cadets and Texas A&M in a color guard unit during the grand entry of the San Antonio Livestock Show & Rodeo this spring.

Off the Quad, Cora has been a member of the animal welfare judging team since her freshman year. Cora also assists with research in the Animal Science department, where she helps train dogs to detect disease in cattle. In addition to her research, Cora works part-time at Steep Hollow Pet Lodge.

After graduation, Cora plans to attend graduate school, where she hopes to obtain her master’s. After receiving her master’s, Cora hopes to attend Texas A&M’s Veterinary School.

Katie Humphreys ’23

March 1, 2023 by rnelson

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Major: Political Science

Outfit: Company A-1

Currently a member of Company A-1, Katie Humphreys ‘23 serves as the outfit’s Executive Officer.

On the Quad, Katie is involved in Rudder’s Rangers, where she has been a member since her freshman year. As a sophomore, Katie competed with the Army ROTC’s Ranger Challenge team. Katie is also a member of the O.R. Simpson Honor Society, where she serves as an academic mentor and resource to her peers.

In 2021, Katie attended and graduated from Air Assault school at Fort Campbell, KY. In 2022, she attended and graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate from Cadet Summer Training, and was ranked within the top 10% in the nation. In addition to her success at Cadet Summer Training, Katie also earned the Magellan Federal Award for scoring the highest in her regiment in the female division of the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).

After graduation, Katie plans to commission into the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant, where she will serve as a Military Intelligence Officer.

Fish Drill Team Wins 13th Straight National Title

February 17, 2023 by rnelson

For the 13th consecutive year, the Fish Drill Team of the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets has claimed the national title at Tulane University’s NROTC Mardi Gras Drill Meet. This prestigious event hosts drill teams from across the country, most of which are primarily composed of upperclassmen.

The Fish Drill Team, which is composed entirely of freshman cadets, dominated in nearly every category of the competition, winning three out of the five competition events. As a result of these efforts, the Fish Drill Team was named the overall champion of the meet, edging out teams from the United States Military Academy and Norwich University.

This success comes as a result of months of intense training for the Fish Drill Team. Through their impressive representation of Texas A&M at the national level, the class of 2026 has now made its mark in the Fish Drill Team’s storied history.

For over 145 years, the Corps of Cadets has taken individuals from all walks of life and prepared them to lead in the public, private and military sectors. Through unique experiences and opportunities like the Fish Drill Team, students are able to compete and win on the national stage.

Story by: Robin Nelson ‘22

Kendalyn Lytle ’23

January 30, 2023 by rnelson

Hometown: Boerne, Texas

Major: Environmental Engineering

Outfit: A-Company

Originally from A-Company in the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, Kendalyn Lytle serves as the Infantry Band Commander for the 2022-2023 academic year.

In addition to her role as the Infantry Band Commander, Kendalyn also serves on the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band’s Bugle Rank and as the Executive Officer for the Fish Drill Team.

Off the Quad, Kendalyn enjoys running marathons, baking and Crossfit.

“I’ve gained a lot from my time in the Corps, but the greatest thing that the Corps gave me was my buddy class and the relationships that I have with other Aggie Bandsmen and members of the Fish Drill Team. It was their support and encouragement that helped me make it through both cycles of OCS, and without them I wouldn’t have had the confidence to become the cadet that I am today,” Kendalyn said of her time in the Corps.

After graduating from Texas A&M, Kendalyn plans to commission into the United States Marine Corps, where she hopes to become a fighter pilot. Kendalyn is also looking forward to marrying her high school sweetheart.