Duck Class of ‘28 received their Corps brass

BY BETHANY KILPATRICK / Multimedia Journalist

The Tarleton State University Texan Corps of Cadets Duck Class of 2028 received their brass at the Brass Ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at the Earl Rudder Statue.

Freshmen cadets are called ducks and begin their training at the beginning of the year. Once they receive their brass, they are officially considered part of the Corps of Cadets.

Amber Trammell-Cobourn is a Colonel in the Corps of Cadets.

“The Brass Ceremony occurs during the first semester of freshman year for cadets. They are given their cross rifles, which is the official insignia for the Corps of Cadets,” Cadet Trammell-Cobourn said.

The brass cross rifles carry significant meaning.

“The brass includes three components,” Cadet Trammell-Cobourn said. “The rifles symbolize the military history of Tarleton. The banner reads the purpose of the Corps, principes unic, or to produce unparallel leaders and the single star symbolizes the Corps as Texans.”

Olivia Ray is the Alpha Company’s First Sargent and the Web and Communications Student Technician within the Corps of Cadets.

“The cadets march up from the Trogdon House to the Rudder Statue,” Cadet Ray said. “Everyone stays in their companies. There is the Alpha Company and the Bravo Company. Then there are two platoons in each company. They are handed their brass by their company commanders.”

The Brass Ceremony is a significant milestone in a cadet’s journey at Tarleton.

“I remember my Brass Ceremony as a huge accomplishment and celebration,” Cadet Trammel-Cobourn said. “I felt like part of the Texan family. My entire family came down to celebrate, and we all took pictures with our platoons and our companies. I had a lot of pride for the organization on that day.”

Freshman Cadet John Paul Urizar II participated as a duck at the Brass Ceremony this year.

“I thought the Brass Ceremony was really fun,” Cadet Urizar said. “Everyone was there. We were loud. We marched in. It was a big event.”

Urizar’s family was a part of the special day.

“My family being there was cool,” Cadet Urizar said. “My dad was the one that got to pin me.”

The Brass Ceremony is only the beginning of the ducks’ journey as a cadet.

“The Duck Class of 2028 has made significant strides in their time here,” Colonel Cobourn said. “They’re motivated, hard-working, and willing to tackle any challenge. We are proud of their accomplishments and know they will make great leaders of tomorrow.”