05/15/2023
Howdy Huslin’ friends and family- with the end of another successful school year, we’d like to take a moment to recognize two former Huslers who have been leading by example in their support of Squadron 1. Take a look down below!
Former Squadron 1 Members Buoy Cadets with Ring & Boot Awards
By Laura Siegel ’98
Photo courtesy of Huslin’ 1 PR
The camaraderie between buddies lasts a lifetime, and given proper motivation, that camaraderie can be utilized for the greater good of an entire unit, as lovingly demonstrated by the efforts of former Huslin’ 1 members over the last years. The Classes of 1972 and 1974 put not only their heads together, but their hearts and wallets as well to
launch an award initiative in their outfit unlike any other on the Quad.
“Squadron 1 was disbanded in late 1999, but General Ramirez was good enough to bringvit back in 2011,” explains Charles Kmiecik ’74. “At that time, he asked former members
to mentor and support the new Huslin’ 1. With these significant and meaningful awards, I believe we have achieved what he asked. The impact we’ve made over the previous four
years in providing for these awards is very gratifying,” explains Kmiecik.
This spring former Huslers joined their old unit to enjoy the end-of-year banquet on April 30, celebrated at the Museum of the American GI in College Station. In addition to
the usual outfit awards, former Huslers presented Senior Boot and Aggie Ring awards to a rising senior and junior. The Class of 1972 announces the recipient of a senior boot
award to a member of the rising class of seniors every year. This was their eighth year for presenting this distinctive award. The CCA is proud to provide former Huslers a
restricted gift portal for raising boot award funds on our members-only website. This year the Class of 1972 Memorial Boot Award went to Sean Stover ’24.
The Class of 1974 was the last class to graduate as an all-male Corps, as Texas A&M admitted women in August 1974. This year, the Huslin’ 1 Class of 1974 wanted to kick off the celebration of this landmark in Corps history by giving an additional ring award to a female cadet, in the sum of $500.
The criteria for the ring awards, funded through the Association of Former Students, dictate that recipients are outfit members in good standing, have earned the necessary hours to order his or her ring, represent the core values of Texas A&M, and have financial need.
Kmiecik also announced the recipient of the Huslin’ 1 Class of 1974 Endowed Aggie Ring Award. “Junji Chen ’25 and Alanis Colon ’24 are our fifth and sixth award recipients,” says Kmiecik. “Junji received the award for $1,000 toward the
purchase of his Aggie Ring, while Alanis received a $500 award towards her ring, as there is less gold in the ladies’ rings.” Kyle Scheer ’24 is last year’s ring award recipient.
“Junji is holding a brick that was once a part of Guion Hall,” Kmiecik explains. “This pass down is given each year to the Class of 1974 ring recipient as a reminder that they
are an important part of building the Legacy of Huslin’ 1. Junji will keep it until after Thanksgiving and pass it over to Alanis who will keep it until next year.”
Kmiecik says there is currently a second ring award being funded by former members as a memorial to the six former Huslers who gave their lives in defense of our nation. “If this second endowment is completed by December 1, a third award will be funded, giving cadets of Squadron 1 opportunities that no other outfit in the Corps will have, especially when recruiting,” Kmiecik notes. “The impact that we have in awarding these
boots and rings is so satisfying to the members of my class. We are so proud of our recipients.”
