In the Community

The Corps of Cadet emphasize the importance of giving back to the community. Cadets are encouraged to participate in community service activities on campus, in their hometowns and in the Brazos Valley. Following is a brief overview for some of the community service activities that the Corps participates in annually.

March to the Brazos
March to the Brazos is the largest, most successful student-led fundraiser for the March of Dimes in the United States. Between 1977 and 2008, it has raised over $1.6 million.

The first March to the Brazos, known then as Hike to the Brazos, was held on April 1, 1909 to keep cadets from playing April Fools pranks. The tradition was discontinued in 1912 but was revived in 1977 to serve as a fundraiser for the March of Dimes.

Each spring the Corps of Cadets conduct an 18-mile, round trip road march from campus to the east bank of the Brazos River. After the first leg of the march, cadets participate in various competitions, including tug-of-war and relay races and un-officially transfer ranks for the following school year. The cadets then march back to campus under the leadership of the next Class.

Fill-the-Boot
Fill-the-Boot is another Corps effort to support the March of Dimes. Each school year the Corps raises money through door-to-door collections and donations from friends and family members. The donations are placed in their senior boots.

Corps Versus Fraternity Baseball Game
Every year at Parents Weekend, the Corps baseball team plays an all-fraternity team to raise money for the Still Creek Boy's Ranch. This annual tradition not only raises money for a good cause, but brings together groups from across campus.

The Big Event
Cadets also join fellow Aggies in serving the Brazos Valley through the Big Event, the largest one-day student-run service project in the nation. The annual event began in 1983 after the Texas A&M Student Government Association passed a resolution encouraging students to show their gratitude to the community by giving of their time. Each year, over nine thousand students participate in over 500 jobs, such as raking leaves, painting houses, and trimming trees.