Outfit Pictures Rescheduled

This weekend we've had several cadets traveling out of town for Army drill and other commitments. Rather than forcing them to drive back in inclement weather, I've made the decision to move outfit pictures to the first weekend that we are back next semester. We already have a day scheduled with AR Photography. I'm sorry for any inconvenience this has caused. Thanks!

100 mile completion

This morning, A-Co finished our 100 mile goal for the semester with a 5 mile run! This came after being woken up at 3:40 by a fire alarm in dorm 9!

There's a decimal in there somewhere...

The outfit has worked incredibly hard this semester and has faced a great deal of adversity to include shorter training times and last minute schedule changes. The completion of this goal is not just about the mileage, but the spirit of what we are hoping to accomplish as members of the Corps. We all worked together and supported each other through 8 home games, 1 away game, and a tough semester of courses to reach where we are today. 

Running 100 miles is something that makes our outfit unique, but also gives us a focused mindset. Similar to running, our daily academic and personal focuses ultimately sum to a larger goal. We try to bring an attitude of "Relentless Pursuit" to all that we do, knowing that it will inevitably lead to something greater in the future. 

Mississippi State Schedule

0700 Drill
1100 Outfit BBQ: Menu is Slovacek Sausage with beans and chips. Online payment link:
https://secure.touchnet.com/C21490_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=4525
1130 Spirit Band
1300 Step Off
1430 BTHO Mississippi State
1830 Victory Yell

Wow! We've made it to our last home game of the year! Thank you to everyone who has helped to make our game day experience successful to include those who helped with spirit bags, bringing deserts, cooking with BBQ, and supporting the outfit with your presence. I really appreciate your effort and contribution to the outfit!

I would especially like to thank my parents who have been to every home game this year and have relieved me of a great deal of stress in coordinating game day events. Thanks mom and dad!

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday, have a great week. 

OR Simpson Honor Society

OR Simpson Honor Society is a Corps exclusive organization that awards cadets for their academic success and provides academic support in the form of tutoring and mentoring. Active members are wear a blue and white cord to signify  their achievement and hard work. Academic standards to apply are 3.5 GPR for Sophomores, 3.4 for Juniors, and 3.3 for Seniors. A-Company had the privilege of having 5 new member inducted yesterday.

Congratulations to the following individuals:

Preston Sturdivant- Junior
Ryan Bardwell- Sophomore
Petyon Fry- Sophomore
Andrew Hounsel- Sophomore
Hayden Perry- Sophomore

Andrew Hounsel and the General at the induction ceremony

Leadership Reaction Course

The outfit had the opportunity to go out to the Field Leadership Reaction Course for training time. The course is features challenging obstacles that require planning, teamwork, and quick thinking to complete. Many of the challenges have special restrictions such as team members not being able to speak or the transportation of a delicate object.

In addition to the leadership course, the facility also offers a Marine obstacles course and Stamina course which we'll be utilizing in future training times.

Second Platoon Successfully completes the Barrel and ramp

 obstacle.This particular challenge was especially difficult

 because it required participants to be completely silent.

This one gave people the most trouble. It involved the 

transportation of both poles and every person across

a gap.

Mark Laundry gives a gig'em as his platoon nears completion.

Our military adviser LT Trask watches as Kathy looks perplexed .

UTEP Schedule

0730 Drill- it will be in the bubble this week so unfortunately no visitors will be allowed due to fire codes.
1100 Corps Review on OR Simpson
1645 Outfit BBQ- Smoked Pork, potato salad, and beans
1730 Spirit Band
1830 Step-Off
2000 BTHO UTEP
0000 Victory Yell

Here is the link to pay for the BBQ: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21490_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=4524

Vanderbilt Schedule

Sorry that this is so late, I was waiting to hear the official time for spirit band.

0700 Drill
0825 Spirit Band "B"
1000 Step off
1130 BTHO Vanderbilt
1530 Victory Yell
1715 Outfit BBQ

For the BBQ we will be having steak. Here is the link to pay online if you would like to do so:
https://secure.touchnet.com/C21490_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=4523

Auburn BBQ

Schedule of events for Auburn game:

0700 Drill

1100 Outfit BBQ- Hamburgers, chips, water- $6

1200 Spirit band "A"

1300 Step Off

1430 BTHO Auburn

1800 Victory Yell

Our operations and logistics chain has been hard at work putting together an online pay option for BBQs and other outfit items such as attire and dues. Here is the link to the website:

https://secure.touchnet.com/C21490_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=4522

Please note that the cost is 50 cents extra to cover the credit card processing fees ($6.50 for this week's BBQ) and that paying cash on Saturday is still an option. We are currently working out our options on how we will handle this in the future based on how popular the online option is. Thank you for your patience! 

Look forward to seeing you soon! 

The Ross Volunteer Company

One of the most visible and the oldest organization on campus is the Ross Volunteer Company. The company was formed in 1887 and later named after the former governor of Texas and president of the college, Lawrence Sullivan Ross. The Volunteers or "RVs" have the honor of serving as the official honor guard for the governor of Texas, the guardians of the King Rex Parade in New Orleans, and as military escorts and ceremonial guards for various community events across the state of Texas.

Last night, the company inducted 78 new members from across the Corps into the organization. Membership selection is based off of grades, discipline, and an essay application. Each current member also has the opportunity to speak on behalf of the character of any individual nominated. Selfless service and humility are two traits that every RV must have.  RVs strive to uphold the standard founded by L.S. Ross:

"Soldier, Statesmen, Knightly Gentleman"

RVs from the band

A-Company had the honor of having 4.5 members inducted into the Volunteers:

Brendan Crouch (originally from A-Co, but now serving as B-Batt First Sergeant)

Landon Ellis

Jordan Garcia

Tim McMillan

Preston Sturdivant

These individuals, along with the seniors, start their first day of drill practice this afternoon.

Being a member of the RVs has been one of the most difficult, awesome, and humbling experiences of my entire life. The lessons I've learned from the company over the past year have shaped who I am as a person, and have altered my perception of my place in society. I look forward to sharing the good times and the difficult times that lie ahead for the new members. 

A-Co RVs new & old

BBQ Canceled

After speaking with the BBQ chain, we've decided to cancel tomorrow's outfit BBQ due to the weather forecast for 1200. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. The whole point of the BBQ is to have fun with family and friends and I didn't see this happening while sitting in the mud or crammed into the dorm hallways. Hopefully you can find a dry place to spend time with your child!

Fish Spurs

This week, the freshman have been wearing their newly constructed to fish spurs. Spurs are a tradition that bring the fish class together in many ways. The spurs must be unified within the outfit and the fish all work together to make them. It is typically one of the first times that they all get to sit down and talk to each other for an extended period of time. I can still remember going to a buddy's lake house and making my fish spurs freshman year. The best part was having time to relax and get to know the people who would soon become my best friends.

Below are a few pictures of A-Co 17's spurs. There is also a link to an article by the Batallion.

The wire coat hangers that form the frame of the spur

were wrapped in duct tape to prevent damaging the shoe

The fish opted for a chain harness system to hold the spur on

From the back, the spurs form a "17"

The Batt: http://www.thebatt.com/news/spur-the-ponies-1.3063230

SMU Game Schedule

0700 Drill (Possibly 0800 depending on Thursday/Friday drill)
1230 A-Co BBQ
         Menu: Hamburgers, chips, water, Gatorade
         Cost: $6-7 (awaiting Gatorade pricing)
1530 Spirit Band "D"
1630 Step off from the Quad
1800 BTHO SMU
2130 Victory Yell at YMCA Building

Thank you everyone that came out to last week's BBQ. I apologize for the delay in serving the latter half of the line. Our BBQ chain has taken steps to ensure that we will not have the same issue again. I look forward to seeing you on Saturday!

SHSU Halftime

If you weren't able to make it to the game, or just want to see the drill one more time, here is the halftime from the SHSU game presented by the Texas Aggie Band Association.

Alabama Game Schedule

Friday:
1705 form up for Alabama review
1730 Review at OR Simpson
2000 "First Yell" at Reed Arena, cost is $8 (not mandatory for the band)
0000 Midnight Yell

Saturday:
0700 Drill
1300 Step off from the quad
1430 BTHO Alabama
1830 Victory Yell
1930 BBQ
          Menu:
          Beef Fajitas
          Refried Beans
          Spanish Rice
          Water

We will likely have more events between drill and step off that pertain to game day and all the festivities that come along with it. I'll have more information to post as soon as I know.

We might be starting slightly later for the BBQ depending on whether or not we can send personnel back early start cooking.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Saturday Schedule

0800 Drill (possibility of 0700 depending on Friday drill)
1200 Outfit BBQ
          Menu: Hotdogs, Beans, Chips, water
          Cost: $6
          Location: Behind dorm 9 (I recommend bringing a  folding chair)
1530 Spirit band "B"
1630 Step of from the quad
1800 BTHO Sam Houston State
2200 Victory Yell at YMCA building

Silver Taps

"Silver Taps is the student body’s final tribute paid to an Aggie who, at the time of his or her death, was enrolled in undergraduate or graduate classes at Texas A&M."

Silver Taps is one of A&M's most cherished traditions. While the death of a fellow student is something that no one enjoys, we are privileged to honor their life and remind ourselves of what is truly important.

The ceremony is held in academic plaza in front of the statue of Lawrence Sullivan Ross with the families and many students from the Corps and university. The lights are shut off and in complete silence, the Ross Volunteer firing squad marches into the plaza to deliver a 21-gun salute. After the rifle volleys, buglers play a special mellow and dissonant rendition of taps. The song is repeated three times; once to the North, South, and West, signifying that the sun will never rise on that Aggie again.

The silence and solemness of Silver Taps make the ceremony incredibly powerful and thought provoking. It reminds us to live as if we might be honored at next month's taps.

Below are the names of the individuals honored this month:

Nathan Walker Hardcastle - Ecological Restoration

Saron Alexander Hood - Physics

Vergil "Coke" Hopping - Ag Leadership, Education & Communication

Travis Terrell Lamb - Computer Science

Raka Mallick - Industrial Engineering

Polo Hafoka Manukainiu - Recreation, Park & Tourism Sciences

Ian Alexander Pogue - General Studies 

Austin Kyle Stanfill - International Affairs

Saturday Schedule

0700 Drill on Haney Drill Field
0900 Spirit Band "A" Meets in front of Duncan with Captain Almany
1030 Step off for Kyle Field
1200 Kickoff- BTHO Rice
~1400 Aggie Band takes the field for half time
~1600 Game ends, proceed to victory yell at YMCA building
~1700 Outfit BBQ behind Dorm 9 (I recommend bringing a folding chair)
                  Menu: Sausage wraps, potato salad, chips, water

Saturday BBQ

This Saturday after the Rice game we will host our first outfit BBQ of the season behind Dorm 9. We will start at approximately 1700 depending on how late the game lasts. 

Menu:

Sausage wraps

potato salad

chips

water

The cost will be under 10 dollars per person. Cadets should have already filled out the number of people attending through an online Google doc. 

Look forward to seeing you Saturday!

Whip-out and Water Fight Pictures

Below are a few pictures from the Junior/Senior Whip-out and Water Fight. We also have more pictures on our unofficial family Facebook page. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/ACoWolfpackFamilies

Seniors aligned in front of Bonfire Memorial

fish Schuck meets Mr. Holzer

fish Stringer and Mr. Camarata 

fish Sears and Mr. Blanton

Sounding the Drums of War

"Lemme see your war face!"

Mr. Sturdivant can't run forever

Friday and Saturday Schedule

I'm a bit behind on my postings, but here is the schedule so far for Friday and Saturday.

Friday:

All Corps activity ends at 1630 and freshman will be released to spend time with family.
2200 Accountability formation on the drill field for all fish and upperclassmen.

Saturday:

0600 Wake-up
0610-0630 Breakfast
0700-0830 Kyle Field Logistics Rehearsal
0845 Formation for Review
0850-0900 Movement to O.R. Simpson Drill Field
0900-1000 Fish Review

Freshman will then be free until 1145 Sunday for accountability formation and preparation for Freshman Convocation

Upperclassmen will have a meeting Saturday from 1330-1600 in Rudder Auditorium. Uniform is ACUs.

Sophomores: Direct Trainers and Mentors

If you speak to your son or daughter about their Corps experience, they will undoubtedly mention their sophomores or "pissheads" at some point in the conversation. The name "pisshead" comes from bonfire, back when it was held on campus. The exact origin story of the name has been lost to obscurity, but some maintain that it was due to their position at the bottom of the bonfire stack or their overall serious demeanor. 

The role of the sophomore class to is to be the direct trainers of the freshman class in addition to their one-on-one mentors for academic and corps endeavors. Pissheads exude professionalism with their unrelenting commitment to a standard and structured interactions with both underclassmen and upperclassmen. They are responsible for the day to day training, movement, tasking, and general management of freshmen and their Corps activities. In addition to this role, they have the split role as a Team Leader, or mentor, for one to two fish.

The Team Leader role has become an increasingly important role as the Corps has developed throughout the years. Each pisshead keeps tabs on fish performance in classes and are pulse checkers for motivation level and any personal issues that their fish might be experiencing. Having just completed their fish year, they are able to provide practical advice for surviving freshman "weed out" classes in addition to tricks that make Corps life more manageable.

Often regarded as the most difficult year in the Corps, sophomores are held directly responsible not only for their own performance, but also for the freshmen within their team.

The fish have met a portion of their sophomores and have been working with them during FOW so far. As the second week of FOW begins, the sophomore training cadre will begin to take a more active role in the instruction and training sessions to come. Though the full band returned yesterday for practice, all of the sophomores will not begin working with the fish until school begins.

Tradition is passed from Senior to fish

Today the fish received their first "fish cuts" at Northgate Barbershop. The first hair cut is a big tradition in which the senior class plays a key role. Female cadets also participated by learning how to put their hair into a "sock bun" which is worn in uniform.

The relationship between the freshman and senior class is a cherished and valued aspect of the Corps experience. Seniors provide guidance and perspective based on the "big picture" of the Corps and university. They also provide motivational support and counseling for the fish class with whatever issue they might have whether it be academic, corps related, or personal. I still carry advice and teachings from my seniors (class of '11) even though they have been gone for almost three years.

Two members from the class of 2014, Bryan Scott and Kyle Stringer, drove from Fort Worth to be present for the first hair cut. I can't think of any other student organization with that committed of a membership. This instance is a prime example of what the Corps and the Wolfpack are really about. It is the innate responsibility of the seniors to instill within the fish the values that we as an outfit holds dear: professionalism, discipline, and integrity.

Day 1 FOW- 262 days until Final Review

On Wednesday August 14^th (Whoop!) 2013, 28 freshmen arrived to begin a journey that will strengthen them as individuals and forever change their lives.

After a brief introduction from their cadre trainers, the A-Co fish headed to the quad for their first formation and dinner as members of the Corps of Cadets and Figthin’ Texas Aggie band.

With the complete remodel of Duncan Dining Center complete, the upperclassmen were pleased to discover that the food had received a rework as well.

The remainder of the evening consisted of instrument check out and “Commander’s Time” where I discussed what the class of 2017 could expect out of their Corps experience and fielded any questions they had.

The senior class sent the fish to bed and read “The Last Corps Trip” at lights out. The words to the famous poem which is inscribed on the Bonfire memorial are as follows:

It was Judgment Day in Aggieland
And tenseness filled the air;
All knew there was a trip at hand,
But not a soul knew where.

Assembled on the drill field
Was the world-renowned Twelfth Man,
The entire fighting Aggie team
And the famous Aggie Band.

And out in front with Royal Guard
The reviewing party stood;
St. Peter and his angel staff
Were choosing bad from good.

First he surveyed the Aggie team
And in terms of an angel swore,
"By Jove, I do believe I've seen
This gallant group before.

I've seen them play since way back when,
And they've always had the grit;
I've seen 'em lose and I've seen 'em win
But I've never seen 'em quit.

No need for us to tarry here
Deciding upon their fates;
Tis plain as the halo on my head
That they've opened Heaven's gates."

And when the Twelfth Man heard this,
They let out a mighty yell
That echoed clear to Heaven
And shook the gates of Hell.

"And what group is this upon the side,"
St. Peter asked his aide,
"That swelled as if to burst with pride
When we our judgment made?"

"Why, sir, that's the Cadet Corps
That's known both far and wide
For backing up their fighting team
Whether they won lost or tied."

"Well, then," said St. Peter,
"It's very plain to me
That within the realms of Heaven
They should spend eternity.

And have the Texas Aggie Band
At once commence to play
For their fates too we must decide
Upon this crucial day."

And the drum major so hearing
Slowly raised his hand
And said, "Boys, let's play The Spirit
For the last time in Aggieland."

And the band poured forth the anthem,
In notes both bright and clear
And ten thousand Aggie voices
Sang the song they hold so dear.

And when the band had finished,
St. Peter wiped his eyes
And said, "It's not so hard to see
They're meant for Paradise."

And the colonel of the Cadet Corps said
As he stiffly took his stand,
"It's just another Corps Trip, boys,
We'll march in behind the band."

Band/Outfit Dues

Dues for the upcoming year will be as follows:

Freshman: 

$10 Band dues
$20 Outfit dues

Total: $30

Upperclassmen:

$10 Band dues
$10 Outfit dues

Total: $20

The additional $10 for freshmen goes to pay for the "fish starter packs" that are provided. These packs include include various necessary Corps accouterments such as polish, trash can, door stop, etc that are quickly bought out when the whole freshman class arrives.

Dues can be paid by cash or check during check-in on Wednesday for freshmen and Sunday for upperclassmen.

A salute to the past and a glance to the future

 It is important when beginning anything new to look where we've come from. This is especially true at Texas A&M and even more so within the Corps. While I can’t speak for the 30+ year history of A-Company, I can tell you my experience from the past 3 years.

I joined A-Co in the Fall of 2010 really having not a clue what I was getting myself into. All I knew is that my friends from high school, Carson Talley and Robby Handley, were going to be seniors in the outfit, and if it was the right place for them, then it was the right place for me. Freshman year brought forth a world of “new”; new school, new lifestyle, and new challenges to meet. I soon learned that the rigor of the corps was nothing compared to the rigor of computer engineering, but I also learned that I didn't have to face these difficulties alone. I had my fish class buddies and the support network of my upperclassmen to help me through my first year of college. During that first year I learned the importance of time management and how to work with those around me to complete physically and mentally demanding tasks.

Sophomore year brought a whole new lifestyle in addition to more responsibility. For arguably the first time ever, my decisions and actions had vast impact on the well-being and day to day lives of those around me. As outfit clerk I learned the importance of completing tasks promptly and going beyond what was asked of me. Sophomore year is often regarded as the most difficult year due to the constant pressure to perform perfectly in all aspects and set the example for the freshman. Luckily, I had a great deal of help with all of my outfit duties from my ol’ lady (roommate) Adam Hallmark.

Junior year is where paths start to diverge for most people in the corps. There isn't a constant pressure to be unified and accountable to those above you. For the first time, peer leadership takes becomes the prominent factor in the effectiveness of a class. I had the honor of serving as the outfit First Sergeant this past year. The first sergeant has the job of maintaining the relationship between the junior and senior classes, ensuring that the freshmen are trained properly, and guiding the sophomores on how to train properly. The job was without a doubt the most difficult that I've done, but the knowledge and experience that I've gathered cannot be replicated elsewhere. I also had the great honor of working with one of the greatest commanding officers A-Co has had- Garrett Williams. Garrett refocused the outfit’s efforts and got us headed in the direction that we needed to be going. We started a new tradition of running 100 miles a semester to emphasize our motto, “Wolves Run Together”.  At parent’s weekend, we were presented the Hochmuth award for outstanding military proficiency.

As we look to next year, the biggest challenge we face is not only maintaining the success that we've had this year, but pushing forward to accomplish even more. We have goals in place and plans made, but most importantly, we have the people we need to get the job done. I can’t wait to see where the classes of '14, '15, and '16 take the outfit next year and what the Class of 2017 (Whoop!) has to bring to the table.