Aggie Muster    

Former students of Texas A&M University will assemble in Galveston County for Aggie Muster to honor all Texas Aggies who have passed away in the last year.

(Galveston, Texas—April 19, 2012) — Former students of Texas A&M University assembled at 7:30 pm, April 21 at the McCloy Arena in the Physical Education Facility at the George Mitchell Campus on Pelican Island for the annual Texas Aggie Muster. This ceremony honors all Texas Aggies who have passed away within the last year by featuring a memorial keynote address and a roll call of names of these students. For each name that is announced, a friend or family member answers “here.” Conducted worldwide in more than 300 places, this tribute symbolizes that the student who has passed away will live on in the hearts of Aggies everywhere.

All former and current students, their families, and friends of Texas A&M University were invited to attend. Following the ceremony, there was a reception hosted by the Galveston County and Friendswood Aggie Moms.

“With Muster, we look to the past, and grieve the loss of classmates,” said Muster Chair Shelly Fordyce. “But, we also celebrate the lives that connect Aggies to one another. It’s more than just a ceremony; it’s also an annual way for Aggies to renew the loyalty and unity—the foundation of their friendship for each and their love and devotion for their school.”

The Muster keynote speech was delivered by Lt. General Randolph W. House (Ret.) ’67. A native of Corpus Christi, General House graduated from Texas A&M University in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics and a master’s degree in Industrial Education from Clemson University in 1974. General House has commanded at every level from an infantry platoon in the 82nd Airborne Division to Deputy Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Command. He was a helicopter platoon leader in Vietnam and an Infantry Company Commander in Vietnam and Germany. He commanded a mechanized infantry battalion at Fort Polk, La., and a tank brigade during Operation Desert Storm in Iraq.  

General House was highly decorated, receiving many awards for valor in combat to include the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Silver Star, the Soldiers Medal, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, and 32 Air Medals. He retired with 33 years of service in College Station with Jeanie, his wife of 42 years. They have two married daughters and four grandchildren. General House manages a small cow/calf operation at the family ranch in Grimes County. He continues to help Department of Defense as a senior mentor for military training exercises and is on advisory boards at Texas A&M, the George Bush School of Government, and serves as Vice President of the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial.

For more information regarding the Texas Aggie Muster held in Galveston County, please contact Shelly Fordyce ‘99 at (409) 740-4427 or at fordyces@tamug.edu. Additional information about Texas Aggie Muster and other Texas A&M Traditions and Programs can be obtained by contacting The Association of Former Students at (979) 845-7514 or by visiting their website at www.AggieNetwork.com