Texas A&M University’s Corps of Cadets no longer has a Squadron 4, but members from the Class of ’62 have ensured their old outfit is remembered by establishing the Squadron 4/Four Aces ’62 General Rudder Corps Scholarship.

The idea for the scholarship originated during a Class of ’62 reunion. “We wanted to come up with a way to memorialize the old outfit,” said retired Air Force Col. Paul Heye of San Antonio. “We felt if one or more cadets went through the Corps bearing the standard and support of the old Squadron 4, we would accomplish our goal.”

The Squadron 4/Four Aces scholarship was created as part of the university’s ongoing Operation Spirit and Mind^SM scholarship initiative, which will raise $300 million for Aggie academics and student programs. The Texas A&M Foundation, a private nonprofit organization that solicits and manages investments in Texas A&M academics, leads the fundraising initiative for the benefit of the university.

Eldridge Goins of Lindale, Texas, guides the fund drive for his former squadron. The group has shown such enthusiastic support that it passed the $50,000 required for a General Rudder scholarship and almost has enough for a Corps 21 Scholarship ($100,000). “Every classmate who was at the reunion or could be reached got on board and without exception became a contributor,” Goins said.

Other Class of ’62 Four Aces donors are:
•    Ed Berry of Bryan.
•    Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Gene Box of Chelmsford, Mass.
•    Jerry Donald Cook of Austin.
•    Daniel C. Haley of Houston.
•    Larry L. Harmon of Richardson.
•    Retired Air Force Col. Tom Hohman of Huntington Beach, Calif.
•    Dr. Kenneth E. Jarosz of Wichita Falls.
•    Paul E. Morris of Mission Viejo, Calif.
•    Dr. Jack F. Paris of Clovis, Calif.
•    Thomas W. Powell of Giddings.
•    Stephen W. Seale Jr. of La Vernia, Texas.
•    Judge Roger J. Walker of Fort Worth.
•    Robert C. Wight of Baton Rouge, La.
•    Alan G. Wood II of Waco.

Their generosity and solidarity are part of “the life-changing Aggie experience,” said Goins, who served as squadron commander in 1961-62.

Heye concurred: “The Corps was such a major part of our lives in those years at Aggieland that we all credit it in establishing us in our lives and families. My wife, Mary Catherine, and I agreed that supporting a scholarship is a great way to encourage and assist future Aggies.”

A Corps scholarship is one of many opportunities for alumni and other Texas A&M supporters to enhance Aggie academics. Donors may give under established scholarship programs such as the Corps 21, General Rudder and Sul Ross scholarships for cadets. They also may give to specific colleges or departments. The Texas A&M Foundation can customize scholarships — choosing to support global study, for instance — based on the donor’s area of interest.

Gifts may be endowed (to help students forever) or “now” scholarships (helping current students only). Donors may name the scholarships for themselves or for someone or something important in their lives.

To learn more about Corps scholarships, contact Brian Bishop '91 at (800) 392-3310 or (979) 862-4085. To learn more about other types of Operation Spirit and Mind scholarships, contact Jody Ford ’99 at (800) 392-3310 or (979) 845-8161.