Reid fulfills early intention to become Aggie Corps leader
FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
BY SUZANNE LOUDAMY Staff writer

Jordan Reid

Proud is not a broad enough word to encompass the feelings in the banquet room of the Potpourri House on Saturday as friends, family and dignitaries came to honor Jordan Reid.

Jordan Reid has been chosen to lead Texas A&M's Corps of Cadets during the 2008-2009 school year.

According to a press release from the Corps, Reid will become the highest-ranking cadet in the 1,700-member Corps of Cadets.

"As cadet colonel of the Corps, he will lead one of the largest uniformed body of students outside of the United States service academies," said Annette Walker, spokesperson for the Corps.

Reid's Aggie ambition has been life-long. At the age of eight, he attended his first Aggie game and he was hooked. An Aggie he would be, no matter what. That little boy could not have known how far those childhood dreams would take him at Texas A&M University. At age 14 he wrote his first letter to TAMU expressing his desire to be an Aggie.

"He understood the principle that bad decisions limit future options," said his aunt Debbie Reid. "He stayed focused. He knew he had to make good grades. His senior year at Whitehouse High School, he ordered his Senior Aggie boots."

Reid's mother Donna looks on as Rep. Gohmert presents Jordan with a U.S. flag flown over the Capitol, a pen and a paperweight as mementoes of the special occasion.

It is that focus that brought Reid through a journey that included graduating as salutatorian of the class of 2005 at WHS to the Dean's Honor Roll with a 4.0 GPR at TAMU. Reid is a Political Science major with a double minor in History and Spanish. He plans on going to Costa Rica to study abroad in the fall semester of his fifth year.

"Upon graduation from A&M, Reid will seek a commission as a second lieutenant with plans to become an Army aviator," Walker said. "He also intends to complete a master's degree in public service and administration for government work or possible transition into the education field."

"I told my kids growing up that without drive you don't accomplish anything," Terr y Reid, Jordan's dad, said. "With Jordan's knowledge and his drive he will be able to accomplish anything. Today, there is no father anywhere who could be or is more proud than I am."

Along with several letters of commendation, flags, and special mementoes, came an honored guest with a special message. U.S. Representative Louie Gohmert was on hand to personally congratulate Reid on his new post.

Gohmert received his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University, where he was class president and served as a Brigade Commander of the Corps of Cadets. "The lessons I learned there have taken me a long way," Gohmert added. "Being a fish in the Corps prepares you for anything in life."

As Reid addressed the group of well-wishers, he first thanked his parents for their unwavering support and encouragement.

"The journey has just begun," Reid said. "I hope I will live up to your expectations and I hope you are this proud a year from now."

Texas A&M's Corps of Cadets is in its 131st year of training leaders for service to the state and nation. In the Corps, cadets gain valuable leadership skills and experience to complement their academic education. While cadets earn commissions as military officers, membership in the Corps itself carries no military obligation.