The queen’s cadet: Q&A with Reveille’s handler

At Texas A&M University, traditions are woven into the fabric of campus life. Some spark school spirit and excitement, while others inspire reflection and pride. Yet few hold the same charm and devotion as Texas A&M’s cherished mascot, Reveille, the First Lady of Aggieland.

Each year, a member of the Corps of Cadets’ Company E-2 is selected to care for Reveille, managing her schedule, health and happiness. This honor currently belongs to Wilson Winchester ’28, a student in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications.

Winchester shared with us what it’s like to live alongside Reveille X and the unique perspective that comes with caring for her.

Tell us about yourself

I’m from Fort Worth. My mom and brothers are Aggies, and my oldest brother served as the Corps Commander, which inspired me to follow in his footsteps and join the Corps. I have always had an interest in leadership and community involvement, and that led me to major in agricultural leadership and development.

I love connecting with people and hope to build a career in the nonprofit world where I can make a tangible difference. My major and the Corps share similar values, both focused on leadership, service and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

What was the process of becoming a Reveille handler like?

Only sophomores in Company E-2 can serve as Reveille’s handler. Freshmen complete a two-month tryout process in the spring, but upperclassmen observe and evaluate them before tryouts even start. The details of the process stay private, but it includes learning about all 10 Reveilles and developing strong public speaking skills, which play a big role in the job.

The tryout prepares the whole E-2 class to assist with Reveille’s events, and at the end, the unit selects one person to serve as her handler. The daily habits I formed with my buddies – workouts, studying, organizing activities and building relationships – prepared me for this role. I may be the one named as handler, but our whole class works together to care for Reveille and ensure she is ready for every event. It truly takes a village to do this job.

What does a typical day look like with Reveille?

She wakes up with us at 5 a.m. for workouts, joins the Corps for breakfast and spends the day going to classes and events. In the evening, she takes part in formation with the entire Corps.

I take her to many of my classes, but anyone in my buddy class can take her to theirs, too. I want everyone to have that opportunity because it’s pretty special, especially when she barks in class and everyone gets dismissed early.

What are some of Reveille’s favorite things?

Football games are her favorite events by far. She loves hearing the crowd cheer and gets so excited before we run onto the field. If we play the song “Power” in the dorms, she starts jumping up and down and barking because she associates it with football games.

She likes the Military Science building since she attends a lot of classes there, but I think her favorite building is Duncan Dining Hall. Right before lunch, she wags her tail and pulls me toward the doors because she knows there’s a good chance she’ll get food.

Reveille has an amazing memory and always recognizes her past handlers, but she especially loves their moms. I think she loves them more than us sometimes. She can always tell if a former handler’s mom is nearby and insists on going over to say hello.

She’s also a barker. When she has her blanket on, she’s calm because she knows it’s work time. But in class or at the dorm, she’ll bark at squirrels, dogs or anything moving outside the window.

Milk bones used to be her favorite snack, but I think she got tired of those. Someone gifts her treats at almost every event, so she has a lot to choose from. She’s on a big kick with bacon-flavored treats right now.

Why do you think students are so drawn to Reveille?

Reveille is special because she is truly part of the student body. She doesn’t just show up for football games; she lives with students, goes to class, visits the dining halls and is a daily part of campus life.

Reveille has been a staple of Aggie culture since 1931, and generations of students have stories about having her in class or seeing her around campus. I think every Aggie looks forward to those moments. She’s not just a mascot to us. She’s a living tradition.

What is your biggest takeaway from this experience?

More than anything, I am thankful. This role requires a lot of work, but it’s been such a blessing. I’m only a sophomore, yet I get to feel a deep connection to our school through this opportunity.

I love seeing how happy people are when they meet Reveille on campus. It takes a while to get places because we get stopped for pictures and conversations, but I never get tired of it. Those interactions remind me of the joy Reveille brings people, and I’m just grateful I get to be part of that.

I still wake up some days and think, “Wow – this is the mascot of our university.” I want to treasure every moment of this year as Reveille’s handler.