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Howdy!
Brrr…! The weather is changing here in Aggieland! The cooler weather is much needed as our cadets continue to learn and adapt to the academic rigors of college and the leadership challenges of the Corps! I’ve been very, very impressed by the confidence, maturity and growth I am seeing across the Quad. Young men and women are exercising the art and science of developing and leading - learning from their experiences. They don’t always get it right, but they continue to assess and develop into tomorrow’s potential.
There is a bounce in the step of our freshmen as they accomplish one hard thing after another, coming through the experience with a sense of pride, confidence and a set of values that arms them for the future!
Though the Corps experience and their academic schedule may be rigorous and drastically different from what they experienced in high school, it’s nothing they weren’t made for. I am so proud of all of our students for the tenacity and adaptability they show each and every day. They are each built for a specific purpose, and we are proud to be a part of their development toward their fulfillment of that purpose.
Some somber news: over the weekend, the Aggie family lost one of our own here on campus. Though the student was not a member of the Corps of Cadets, her loss is one that is felt profoundly by all members of our campus community.
I’d like to take this moment to ask that you reach out to your student, and have an honest discussion with them about how they are doing academically, physically and mentally. Remind them that they are loved, valued and important in so many ways, some of which they may not even realize. Each and every one of them has a purpose within the Corps of Cadets, Texas A&M and the world around them.
Know that they are cared for, supported and invested in beyond measure as members of this organization. There are many resources available to them, both on the Quad and off. Needing this additional support isn’t anything to be ashamed of.
For a list of these resources, please visit here.
As always, if there is anything within the Corps that your cadet is experiencing that may be out of line with my expectations of a respectful, values-based environment, tell us. Contact one of our advisors, who are experienced leaders.
Their email and phone number information can be accessed here.
It is a great honor and privilege to serve as Commandant. This organization has, for over a century, played an important role in developing some of our nation’s greatest leaders. I am proud to say that, today, we are continuing to do just that.
Thank you so much for the role you play in supporting your student, and for trusting us to develop them in this major chapter of their lives. Know that they are in good hands here, and are members of a network that never waivers.
We are the Aggies, the Aggies are we.
Thanks, Gig ‘Em,
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Brigadier General Patrick Michaelis ’93
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24/7 Free, Confidential Counseling Service
Last week, we touched on TELUS, a free, confidential app that provides 24/7 counseling services to all of our students.
Provided by Texas A&M’s Counseling and Psychological Services, TELUS is an app specifically designed to support our Aggies and their mental health/wellbeing.
In addition to always having access to someone to talk with, TELUS also provides students with an on-demand content library with videos, articles and podcasts on how to address mental and wellbeing concerns.
This app is free and easy to download. Even if your cadet may not feel like they need it now, it never hurts to have another resource in their back pocket, just in case. Seeking help is never something to be ashamed of, and I encourage you to touch base with your cadet on the importance of being proactive in their mental wellness efforts.
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Football Recap
It was a beautiful fall weekend in Knoxville, Tennessee! Though our Aggies ran out of time against the Vols, the Corps’ presence and contributions to the Aggie spirit were undeniable.
I am proud to have made the trip alongside members of the Aggie band, as well as Miss Reveille X and her handlers. The C-Company senior class served as the Officers of the Day, and did a fantastic job at representing the Spirit of Aggieland from the sidelines.
Photos from our trip can be found here.
Though our visit to Rocky Top was fun, I can’t wait to be back in Kyle Field on October 28th as we watch our Aggies Beat The Hell Outta South Carolina.
When available, details on our Kyle Field March-In for the South Carolina game will be published here.
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Squadron 17 Makes Service Trip to Tyler, Texas
Last weekend, members of Squadron 17 traveled to Tyler, Texas for an outfit service trip.
During their time in Tyler, these cadets volunteered at Grace Community School, using their time to build disc golf drive boxes, an outdoor chapel area and community benches.
We are so proud of Squadron 17 for using their free weekend to serve those in need of assistance. They are true stewards of our Aggie core values, and excellent representatives of the Corps of Cadets.
Thank you, Challengers, for your hard work and demonstration of selfless service!
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Join Us This Weekend as We Celebrate 50 Years of Parsons Mounted Cavalry!
This Saturday, October 21st, Parsons Mounted Cavalry will celebrate the special unit’s 50th anniversary at Fiddler’s Green. From 9 AM - 1 PM, guests can take cadet-led tours of PMC's facilities and partake in photo opportunities with PMC's Escort wagon and the Spirit of ’02, which is fired at all home football games.
This event will be free and is open to all former Cav Jocks, supporters of the Corps, equestrian enthusiasts and the general public! We can’t wait to see all of you there as we celebrate one of our university’s greatest traditions!
For additional information on this special celebration, visit here.
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Cadet Spotlight: Genevieve Pace ‘24
Genevieve Pace ‘24 is an Aerospace Engineering major from Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Originally from Squadron 21, Genevieve serves as the 2023-2024 Second Group Commander.
On the Quad, Genevieve is a member of Parsons Mounted Cavalry.
Off the Quad, Genevieve is a member of the Texas A&M Women’s Rugby Team.
“The Corps has taught me how to be comfortable in the uncomfortable. One of my favorite poems that highlights the Corps experience is Invictus. In the face of challenge, “my head is bloody, but unbowed.” Through the Corps experience and the challenges brought with it, I have found how unconquerable my soul really is. So once I leave this place, I have full confidence in my preparation to be a leader in this world,” Genevieve said of her time in the Corps.
After graduation, Genevieve plans to commission into the United States Air Force, where she will serve as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer.
We are very proud of Genevieve, and all that she has accomplished throughout her time in the Corps of Cadets. She is a fantastic representative of the caliber of leadership that we produce within our organization, and we cannot wait to see what she will accomplish in the future.
Good luck, Genevieve, and Gig ‘Em!
Learn more about Genevieve and her time in the Corps here.
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