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Transfer Cadet

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

Cadet Jake Worrell ‘23 Wears Former Governor Rick Perry ‘72’s Senior Boots at March-In

September 7, 2022 by rnelson

As a member of Company D-1 in the Corps of Cadets, Jake Worrell ‘23 has dreamed of donning the Corps’ coveted senior boots since he was a child. 

“Growing up, I always saw my dad’s senior boots in a display case, so I knew that what they symbolized was the real deal. They’re a symbol of everything and everyone that the Corps represents,” Jake explained. 

While the first march-in of the season is always a momentous time for every member of the Corps, this past Saturday was extra special for Jake. 

“When my dad was in college here, as a cadet in L-1, class of 1994, he worked for the Board of Regents and actually drove Governor Perry to a game, and then back to the airport once it was over. My dad was killed in Iraq in 2006 and Governor Perry attended his funeral. He called my family and I just about every month after that to check in on us. He’s always told me to give him a call when I was a senior in the Corps so I could wear his boots to a game. It’s really cool to see this actually happen,” Jake said of the experience.

An iconic part of every senior cadet’s uniform, Jake spoke to the importance of what wearing his boots means to him. 

“Wearing my senior boots has made everything up to this point worth it. It is a really nice reward. The pressure is on to do a great job at being a leader when I’m wearing them.”

When asked what wearing former Governor Perry’s boots meant to him, Jake was quick to highlight the significance of what these boots in particular symbolize. 

“Governor Perry has done so much for my family and I, in addition to the state of Texas, Texas A&M, and our nation. Being able to have the privilege of wearing these 50 year old boots, representing him and everything he stands for, is so special to me. It is an honor more than anything, being able to literally walk in his shoes. My brother, Luke, is a fish in Company L-1 this year, so I am looking forward to him having this same opportunity in a few years.”

With the promise to his father, Major Matthew Worrell ‘94, United States Army, of being a member of the Corps of Cadets fulfilled, Jake is able to take a look back on what his time as a cadet has meant to him. 

“Being a cadet, I feel like I represent the university in a very significant way. Not a lot of schools have a huge organization that’s as nationally known as the Corps. It is cool to be a part of something that’s been around for so long, carrying on old legacies and traditions, being a Guardian of Tradition and Keeper of the Spirit. Being those two things is very serious to me, and being able to exemplify those things everyday is something that I really wanted to immerse myself in. I wanted to fulfill this promise to my dad,” Jake said.

As a University Studies Leadership major and the Public Relations and Athletics Officer for Company D-1, Jake maintains a very busy schedule and has managed to overcome many challenges throughout his college career. Most notably, Jake transferred to Texas A&M in 2020 after beginning his journey at Tarleton State University. 

“Obviously, I would’ve loved to have come to A&M on my first try, but if I got the chance to go back and do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. This is the path that I was supposed to take. I made some of my best friends at Tarleton State and even had some of them transfer with me into D-1. I didn’t get the “normal” Corps experience, but I get MY Corps experience, which is something I’m so grateful for. Initially, I was devastated when I didn’t get accepted into A&M. The spirit of Aggieland is real, and I’ve felt its impact throughout my whole life. There’s no way I wasn’t going to do whatever I could to get to the greatest university in the world,” Jake said.

With his senior year off to a strong start, Jake took time to reflect on why he chose to join the Corps. 

“I chose to join not because I wanted to pursue a military contract, but because I wanted to be a part of something greater than myself. It is the best decision that I have ever made, looking at who I am now. It is a challenge, but is so worth it in the ways that you will grow. The bonds I have made here are incomparable to anything I’ve ever experienced in the past. It is so much fun being able to represent Texas A&M in this way.”

The Corps of Cadets is home to many outstanding individuals, and Jake Worrell is a shining example. Through years of hard work, determination, and support from his loved ones, Jake has represented Texas A&M, the Corps, and his family well in all of his endeavors. Jake’s experience at the first march-in is symbolic of the Aggie family, its commitment to supporting one another, and the strength of the Spirit of Aggieland.

We are the Aggies, the Aggies are we. 

In Memory of Major Matthew Worrell ‘94. 

Story by: Robin Nelson ’22

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Filed Under: News, Uncategorized Tagged With: Cadet Leadership, Company D-1, Corps of Cadets, D-1 Devils, News, Senior, Transfer Cadet

Ross Brusenhan ’22

April 20, 2022 by rnelson

Ross Brusenhan '22

Hometown: Tomball, Texas

Major: M.S. in Biomedical Sciences

Outfit: C-Battery

The current Finance and Logistics Officer for C-Battery, Ross made the decision to join the Corps of Cadets during his Junior year of his undergraduate studies at Texas A&M. He is currently a member of the O.R. Simpson Honor Society. 

“The Corps has allowed me to achieve a more enriched experience at Texas A&M as compared to just being a regular student.  Because I joined as an undergraduate junior, it was cool to be so accepted into my buddy class and outfit as a ‘fish’. My Master’s program allowed me to continue on with the Corps for 4 years and complete my white belt years as a graduate student,” Ross said of his time in the Corps.

Outside of his involvement with the Corps of Cadets, Ross works as a Student Researcher with the Texas A&M Vet School and is a member of the Biomedical Sciences Association. 

Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Ross will attend the Royal Veterinary College in London, England. Ross hopes to one day return to Texas and open his own veterinary practice or find a career in the veterinary research field.

View the video below to learn more about Ross and his journey with the Corps of Cadets.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhX87Kl4jq4
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Filed Under: 2022, Cadet Profiles Tagged With: C-Battery, C-Battery Marksmen, Cadet Leadership, Fightin' Texas Aggie Band, Leadership, News, O.R. Simpson Honor Society, Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, Transfer Cadet

Blake Martin ’22

September 22, 2021 by amy.thompson

Blake Martin '22
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Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Major: Political Science
Outfit: Company F-2
Blake Martin ‘22 i currently serves on Corps Staff as the Corps Recruiting Officer. Prior to joining Corps Staff, Blake was a member of Company F-2.
“I am this year's Corps of Cadets Recruiting Officer, and I look to having one of the best years recruiting has ever had. Coming out of Covid-19 it is very important that we set a standard to boost recruiting this year and years to come,” Blake said of his senior year.
Blake is also involved in several activities off the Quad. He currently serves as an officer within the Young Americans for Freedom organization, and is an active member of an on campus Pre-Law society. Blake previously served as the Liberal Arts Caucus Leader within the Student Senate for the 2020-2021 session.
Upon graduating from Texas A&M in 2022, Blake plans to commission and serve in the U.S. Army. After completing his contract with the Army, Blake hopes to return to school to obtain either his law degree or a master in business administration.

Filed Under: 2022, Cadet Profiles Tagged With: Army ROTC, Cadet Leadership, Company F-2, F-2 Fightin' Foxes, Leadership, News, Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, Transfer Cadet

Hector Marines-Chio ’22

September 22, 2021 by amy.thompson

Hector Marines-Chio '22
Hometown: Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico
Major: Forestry
Outfit: Company K-1
Hector Marines-Chio '22 is a proud first generation college student. After completing his freshman year as a non-reg (regular student) on campus, Hector made the decision to transfer into the Corps of Cadets. Hector currently serves as the Public Relations and Finance Officer for Company K-1.
Throughout his time at Texas A&M, Hector has been involved both on and off the Quad. As a sophomore, Hector participated in Sophomores Leading, Inspiring, Developing and Educating (SLIDE) and also acted as an advocate for mental health and sexual assault in the Bryan-College Station community. During his junior year, Hector served as a teaching assistant for First Year Experience (FYEX) 101, a course that assists first generation college students in assimilating to college life. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Hector has worked as an EMT for Maverick Ambulance. During the Summer of 2021, Hector traveled to Colorado to work as a ranch hand for Middle Creek Ranch, where he regularly performed fire mitigation procedures across 10,000 acres of ranch land.
Following his graduation from Texas A&M in the Spring of 2022, Hector plans to work for the U.S. Forest Service with the United Nations Environment Program where he hopes to influence environmental protection policy and legislation across the world.
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Filed Under: 2022, Cadet Profiles Tagged With: Cadet Leadership, Company K-1, International Cadets, Internship, Kayo K, News, Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, Transfer Cadet

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