<p>As a Texas A&M former student, I have attended a LOT of games at Kyle Field in College Station. Last Saturdays Army vs. A&M event was one of the best. Sure, the game was entertaining, but the events surrounding the game were the best part of the day.</p>
<p>The Aggie Corps traditionally steps off from the Corps dorm area before each game, marches through campus, and enters Kyle Field. Last Saturday, the West Point cadets were in the center of this procession. They were wildly applauded by the A&M fans.</p>
<p>Before the start of the game, and after the National Anthem, a group of Apache choppers flew over the field. The fans were then treated to a great show by the Golden Knights. They landed in the middle of the field, and during game, they graciously signed autographs, posed for photos, and visited with wounded Iraq theater vets seated in the end zone. During the game, the big screen at Kyle Field showed a short film honoring the tradition of both schools. The Aggie Band played music representing each service branch, and added a tribute to the visiting cadets: the Ballad of the Green Berets.</p>
<p>On behalf of the Army fans I would like to thank A&M for the hospitality. You guys could not have been nicer. I was impressed with the fact that A&M let the USMA Cadets that made the trip march behind the A&M Band from the arches into Kyle Field. Everyone stood for the USMA Cadets and clapped as they passed by, all the way from the arches, into the stadium and around the field. What a classy thing to do! I overheard one Aggie Fan comment to another as they marched by "there go the elite of the elite." It sure made one father mighty proud. My son made the trip from West Point and he and all his friends had a wonderful time. Thanks again for the hospitality. Beat Navy! and for our Aggie friends, Beat Texas!</p>
<p>I must say, I was quite impressed with TAMU.</p>
<p>Coming back to Texas (and particularly A&M), I expected a hospitable crowd, but it was above and beyond that. Not only did we get to lead their parade, but all along the route, the walls of maroon t-shirts were clapping, cheering, and shouting 'Go Army!' It was a good feeling to hear the other team cheering you on. It was just great to be back in that Texas country hospitality :)</p>
<p>I did feel sorry for the Fish there; the ***heads had to assert their alpha male-ness and show off for the Kaydets with some extra hazing, but other than *that, the trip was swell ;)</p>
<p>PS - It's not a bad word, it's just what they call them!!!</p>
<p>Also, I talked to my sponsor Cadet and he told me the reason he was at TAMU was because he didn't get into USMA. Between my friends at the Corps and a few Cadets I talked to over the weekend, that is a prevailing theme among their Cadets. Having been in that position for the last two years, I think those Aggies are to be STRONGLY commended for their hospitality and attitudes over the weekend. I know what it's like to be in their place, on the outside looking in; it's not easy to keep a good attitude during it all. I was impressed.</p>