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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Jul 4, 2009 - 6:56:05 PM |
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Blackanthem Military News, CAMP VICTORY, Iraq - The Spirit of Aggieland was alive and well as more than 40 Aggies and guests gathered at the NFL Room in the Oasis Dining Facility on Camp Victory April 21 to honor those Aggies who have passed away during the previous year.
Aggie Muster, one of Texas A&M University’s most hallowed traditions, is a time when Aggies meet all over the world every April 21 to eat, share stories of their days as students and remember their comrades.
Army Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Thomas Condry, class of ‘70, 3rd Signal Brigade, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, said this is a time for Aggies young and old to come together.
It’s a time to “bring folks in and tell A&M stories,” Condry said. “It’s how (Aggie) spirit is remembered and celebrated.”
The Aggies who attended this year’s event represented classes from 1970 to 2005, which included service members from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and civilians.
The evening began with singing the Aggie War Hymn, followed by Charlie Briggs ‘77, a site services manager with FLUOR, a private contractor on Camp Victory, who read “The Last Corps Trip.” Briggs, a fourth generation Aggie, read the poem that describes the Aggie Corps of Cadets before judgment day as they marched into heaven.
Part of the evening was spent with story telling and people relating what it means to be an Aggie. Air Force Col. Nick Vite ‘84, deputy MNC-I air liaison officer, said it was about family. It has a special meaning for him because he also met his wife while in school.
“The Spirit of Aggieland is about family,” Vite said. “Aggies are everywhere.”
Aggie Muster has roots that date back to 1883, but it was not formally recognized until April 21, 1922, when it became the official day of events for all Aggies. It’s estimated that Aggies meet at more than 300 locations worldwide to observe this tradition. Even those service members stationed throughout the world try hard not to miss a muster.
“Muster exemplifies Aggie tradition and its military heritage,” said Army Maj. Dave Sanders ’91, executive officer for 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. Sanders made reference to one Aggie Muster that gained international recognition.
In 1942, 25 men led by Army Gen. George Moore ’08, mustered during the Japanese siege of the Philippine island of Corregidor. Even during such a dire situation, they “took time to remember their fallen comrades,” Sanders said. “I’ve celebrated Muster at every post I’ve been on.”
The final part of the evening was Roll Call, when names were called and Aggies present answered for those who have fallen since the last Muster Roll was read. This was followed by singing “The Spirit of Aggieland.”
Army Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bourne, MNC-I network defense chief, came to Aggieland when he earned his masters degree in 1998. He said being an Aggie is about honor, traditions and respect. Although Bourne earned his undergraduate degree at another university, he said he’s now an Aggie. “I found my home,’’ he said.
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