TEXAS AGGIE MEN UNITED
One Army is a place to learn, a place to improve, and a place to serve.
Much like Texas A&M University, One Army pushes its members to better themselves by serving those around them. Since our conception in 1999, service has been at the forefront of our organization, along with leadership and brotherhood to create the three pillars that make One Army what it is, and what it will become. It is part of our mission to “serve the campus and community, and promote unity in Aggieland” much like Selfless Service is a core value at our university. We are thankful for the opportunity to serve impactful organizations in the Bryan-College Station area such as Brazos Valley Food Bank, The Big Event, and our philanthropy, Still Creek Ranch.
Still Creek Ranch is a place where service in One Army thrives. With each member of our organization having weekly opportunities to get our hands dirty working on the ranch, or talk to, encourage, and hang out with the boys of SCR, we are able to form relationships with boys that will last long beyond our years at Texas A&M. We also actively serve in a mentorship program with the boys of Still Creek where one member is paired with one resident of the ranch. Within those partnerships, we are able to form one on one relationships with each other and guide them through their friendships, school, faith, and everyday life. Speaking from personal experience, I have learned more from my mentee in the last two years than I could have ever imagined. Hearing a completely different perspective on life from a 13-year-old boy with a past far different from mine, I have learned to open my eyes to more problems our world is facing, and have a more holistic view on life in general. I can confidently say that this is the case for each mentor in One Army.
Outside of Still Creek, everyone takes on service differently. We have had members of the One Army organize relief efforts following hurricanes, coordinate the historic Red, White, & Blue-out at the Texas A&M Football game following the attacks of 9/11, start nonprofits that provide benefits for those in need in our community, partner with other student organizations in their service efforts, and even serve our nation overseas. In the future, there will be many more examples and opportunities just like these as the men of One Army continue to serve both the campus and the community.
This year, service will be focused on the fact that the act of truly serving someone, and even changing one’s life comes from hundreds if not thousands of small interactions, conversations, or acts of service towards that person that compound upon each other. The act of changing someone's life doesn’t need to be a daunting task when it can be done through small acts following small acts. One doesn’t need to be a mentor to have an impact on someone, and the goal of One Army is to get our generation to realize that, and act upon it. The passion to serve our roommates, neighbors, family, friends, and even strangers will impact the men of One Army and our home here in Aggieland.
When speaking of service at Texas A&M, Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush said “A&M encourages volunteerism, encourages being one of a thousand points of light, helping others ... and it comes naturally to Aggies.” As Aggies, the men of One Army bleed service just as much as we bleed maroon. Although our priority throughout the year is Still Creek Ranch, we encourage members to share their passion for any particular mission or organization so that we can support and serve alongside one another.
If you have any questions regarding service in One Army, or opportunities to serve others, please feel free to contact me at the email listed below.
