Texas A&M University School of Law thanks all veterans – including current and former law students, faculty and staff. Thank you for your service! Please see the complete list of Aggie Law veterans below. All Texas A&M Law veterans are invited to a celebratory luncheon held in their honor on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in room 212.
Purple Heart Recipients Demonstrate Aggie Core Values
Texas A&M University was recently named a Purple Heart University signifying its recognition and honor of veterans who were wounded in combat while serving their country.
Two law school faculty members were awarded the Purple Heart: Dean Emeritus Frank W. Elliott, Colonel, U.S. Army (Korea, 1952-1953) and Professor Paul George, Sergeant, U.S. Army (Vietnam, 1966-1969).
Dean Elliott attended the New Mexico Military Institute from 1945 to 1949. His group attended the 1948 summer ROTC program at Fort Hood, Texas, with cadets from the University of Arizona and Texas A&M.
“Our motto at NMMI was, and is, ‘Duty, Honor, and Achievement,’” Elliott said. “Serving in the military reinforced the concepts of the Aggie Core Values, and the NMMI thoughts.”
George adds, “It’s obvious to anyone who’s served in uniform that military duty rests on the Aggie core values, both singly and collectively. I wasn’t thinking in those terms when I joined the Army at eighteen (years old). But, the next three years were repeated examples, both good and bad, of how reliance on those values leads to success and how ignoring them leads to failure.”
Student Spotlights
Texas A&M University School of Law sincerely thanks our 73 current students who are military veterans for their service to our country. We have randomly chosen four student veterans to spotlight.
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 1L Essence Ragland, Senior Airman, U.S. Air Force
Q. Why did you choose to serve your country?
A. I was unsure of what profession I wanted to pursue and enlisting in the Air Force did several things to help. By serving, I was doing something productive and honorable until I could map out a career path. I gained exposure to various people, professions and cultures within the military that I would not have otherwise. And, I received educational benefits that made my undergraduate, graduate and law school education possible.
Q. Who or what inspires you?
A. My faith and my mom inspire me. Both have helped me to become the person I am today.
Q. What would you like to share with your fellow Aggies?
A. One of my favorite quotes is, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” -Mark Twain
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 2L Chris Rodriguez, Specialist, U.S. Army
Q. Who or what inspires you in life?
A. I am very privileged to be able to serve my country and those in need around the world. I give every ounce of credit to God and my family for supporting me in all my decisions. They are my inspiration. The fact that I can serve and help others inspires me in life. I joined the military because I wanted to help/defend those that may not be able to defend themselves. I decided to pursue a law degree because I want to help others in need. I want to use my military background and eventually my law degree to serve the people in my community, my country and the world.
Q. What would you like to share with your fellow Aggies?
A. The United States would not be what it is now without those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defending our country. I would like to thank those who have served, are serving and will be serving this great country.
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 3L Michelle Lammers, Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force
Q. Why did you choose to serve your country?
A. I was young & thought it would be a great way to see the world. I didn't realize at the time how much discipline & drive it would instill in me.
Q. How do you feel serving in the military demonstrates the Aggie Core Values (Leadership, Excellence, Integrity, Loyalty, Respect and Service)?
A. The U.S. Air Force core values are basically the same as A&M: “Integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.” Everyone should try to live by these principles.
Q. Who or what inspires you?
A. Anyone who works hard and is honest, especially in difficult situations when no one is watching.
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 3L Katie Williams, Master-at-Arms, Petty Officer, Second Class, U.S. Navy
Q. Why did you choose to serve your country?
A. I’ve always had a passion for public service. Serving our country allowed me to do that, and serving with my fellow sailors and service members was a privilege.
Q. How do you feel serving in the military demonstrates the Aggie Core Values (Leadership, Excellence, Integrity, Loyalty, Respect and Service)?
A. The Navy Core Values are honor, courage and commitment. I think these values are synonymous with the Aggie Core Values. Both sets of values aim to build a strong foundation of trust and leadership, in a way that allows us to thrive together and help one another succeed. I truly believe that’s what makes us a unique group of people.
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Thank you to all Texas A&M School of Law students, faculty and staff who have served their country: