Stewardship and Ethics

The image on the left is what was known to me and many others during my four years of undergraduate training in the Corps of Cadets as a DISCH card (discipline, integrity, selfless service, courage, and honor). This card holds extreme value to me for several reasons. I wore a uniform to class everyday of my undergraduate career and my DISCH card was considered to be part of my uniform (i.e. don't get caught without it). Carrying the card was more than just a rule but also a symbolic representation of the importance of upholding the corps values of Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets at all times.

Although no one checked for my DISCH card after my freshman year, the practice reinforced the most important value: integrity, the willingness to do what is right even when no one is looking. To me, this is the basis of all other corps values. The willingness is the heart and soul of the 12th man spirit at Texas A&M.