If a thunderous “Howdy!” or “Yes sir!” rings in your ears, and uniformed cadets march across campus, you know you have arrived at Texas A&M. This year marks 125 years that the Corps of Cadets have represented A&M and will celebrate the milestone with a reunion beginning today and continuing through Saturday.
In light of recent attacks on America, many people have become aware of the Corps’ presence and importance for our country. With flags flying everywhere, Americans are reminded of their freedom and can be thankful for the men and women who volunteer to carry out America’s mission to protect the United States.
Eric Komfuehrer, a senior civil engineering major, has a marine contract and said he will be commissioned when he graduates.
“It hits home to us, especially the ones who have potential to get shipped to other countries,” Komfuehrer said.
Alumni from the Corps stay involved during the year, and their dedication shows the passion they have to participate in the Corps network actively.
Rick Graham, Class of 1966 and former commanding officer in the Aggie Band, reveals an overwhelming sense of pride in every word he says about the Corps. His son, Kevin Graham, a senior business major in outfit E-2, represents A&M as a yell leader.
“When I attended Texas A&M, the school was all male and just the Corps,” Rick Graham said. “There are a lot more activities in the school that the Corps is involved with, and I think the academics are stronger now which causes the Corps to change. It’s neat for us to come back and see our sons do the same thing we did,” Graham said.
Graham periodically travels from Dallas to College Station to run with the Corps. The former cadets also remain loyal to the University. Many travel back for Corps events that involve the entire school such as Midnight Yell, Silver Taps and football games.
Tracy Cox, Class of 1981 and a dedicated alumni of the Corps, served on Corps staff and said he looks highly upon the Corps’ participation in traditions.
“Bonfire was the most memorable time for me,” Cox said. “It was neat getting to participate in something that pulled the school together. Silver Taps was another tradition I cherished. I think it is the most meaningful event at Texas A&M.”
The Corps requires intense training and rigorous schedules daily. Their long hours of work pay off in the end, according to Casey Utterback, a senior history major in Squadron 2. He said the living situations are extreme but definitely worth it.
“We live in a controlled environment with a lot of rules and regulations,” Utterback said. “The dorms get loud, but it’s neat to live like people have for 125 years. It’s the same as when my dad, Class of 1975, went to A&M. We are forced to get along with people even if we don’t like them, and that provides a great basis for the real world where people have to work together.”
The residence halls are similar to military barracks, and each year Corps members acquire more privileges. Their eating habits, physical exercise and dress code also differ from the everyday student. Wearing the long sleeved uniforms on sweltering days and strenuous exercise at the break of dawn are a few of the many hardships they endure.
This weekend will be a time to commend the cadets not only for their daily perseverance but also for their long-term determination to serve our country at all costs. The incredible 125-year milestone will be acknowledged Friday with a showcase of events including a Corps Scholarship Golf Tournament, President George Bush Library tours and aircraft and military equipment displays. Friday evening, Gov. Rick Perry will be present to speak at Reed Arena.
“The Corps of Cadets is the heart and soul of Texas A&M’s many long-standing traditions,” Perry said. “The Corps has trained men and women for 125 years to serve our state and nation with distinction, often at the expense of their own lives. I am proud to be just one of thousands who have worn the cadet uniform while attending Texas A&M.”
The night will end with midnight yell practice at Kyle Field. Saturday’s focus will be an Ol’ Army Elephant Walk beginning at Rudder. At the football game, former members of the Aggie Band are invited to march onto the field to create the “Eternal Aggie Band.”
Trevor Voelkel, a senior finance major, is in the Aggie Band and serves as public relations officer for the Corps. He was responsible for planning the events and said he encourages everyone to participate.
“This weekend is open to everyone and will be a great time for the community to see what the Corps is all about,” Voelkel said.