Aggie couple helps cadets afford the ultimate Corps honor

By Kara Socol

Like any former member of Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets, Fred Jackson ’68 recalls the pride of striding across campus in shined-to-perfection senior boots. But he also remembers something else about those boots: They were too small.

"I didn’t have much money back then," Jackson said, "so I bought the boots from another cadet for $35."

These days, a new pair of quality senior boots and accompanying saber cost Aggie cadets about $1,700. For cadets who struggle with the cost of tuition, that kind of price tag can be staggering.

"Senior boots are the hallmark of the Corps and totally unique to A&M," Jackson said. "But the cost can be a real hurdle for the kids."

While Jackson endured the ill-fitting boots, his wife was the first to take action to help other cadets avoid a similar fate. Immediately after her husband recounted his bygone boot troubles, Claudia Jackson called the Texas A&M Foundation to establish a program to fund boots and sabers for deserving cadets.

In 2006 the Corps presented an Aggie cadet the first Fred ’68 and Claudia Jackson Boots and Saber Award. The Jacksons’ gift has since funded an annual $1,700 award. In 2009 the Jacksons’ award was joined by two others -- one funded by eight members of Fred Jackson’s Squadron 'Hellcat' 9 and another by an anonymous donor. The Jacksons hope to add at least one additional award every year.

The Texas A&M School of Military Sciences staff selects recipients based on personal challenges. One, for instance, was forced to interrupt his Texas A&M education to fight -- and overcome -- cancer. Another recipient’s father lost his job, and one more is the oldest of seven children and attends Texas A&M on an Army scholarship.

Melanie Garcia ’11 received one of this year’s awards. "Before the award, I struggled with the realization that I would not be able to buy boots or a saber. Now, not only do my boots symbolize my fourth year in the Corps, but they are a symbol of hope and benevolence."

Another 2009 award recipient is Taylor Gillespie ’11. "My family is having difficulty paying for college and to know that some generous people were willing to provide such an amazing gift just floors me."

To fund your own Boots and Saber Award or provide other support for deserving members of Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets, contact Brian Bishop ‘91 with the Texas A&M Foundation at (979) 862-4085.