Mia Miller, a student at Texas A&M University, broke tradition when she was named Reveille IX’s new handler, making Miller the first female Texas A&M mascot corporal.
Last spring during family weekend at Texas A&M, Miller was awarded this honor and since then she says she has received many congratulations from people she sees when she’s out with Reveille.
“For me it was a really big honor because we all worked so hard to earn her,” says Miller. “We have been working to earn Reveille [our entire] Freshman year.”
Reveille is cared for by a sophomore cadet from Company E-2 within the Corps of Cadets. The mascot corporal is chosen from this outfit each spring. This is a huge honor for the cadet who is named Reveille’s handler.
“Our outfit doesn’t really hint who’s going to be the next handler,” says Miller. “They kind of keep it a mystery until the end. It was definitely a surprise. My friends and I were competing until the very end.”
Miller’s hard work finally paid off after studying the history of past Reveille’s and this tradition at Texas A&M, she says. The new responsibility also comes with a lot of work. Whether going to class, home, an event, or an outing, Reveille goes wherever her corporal goes and vice versa.
“We do take her everywhere we go,” says Miller. “If I can’t watch her one of the [E-2] sophomores will watch her. It’s a really big adjustment, but you can never think of it as a chore because it’s worth it. She’s a lot of work. She has events, grooming, and trainings, but it’s more of an honor than anything.”
Miller’s journey to becoming Reveille’s handler was a bit unexpected. Miller, originally from Waco, is a nursing student and a member of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M, although this was not always the plan.
“I have a Marine Corps ROTC scholarship, but I didn’t know that I was going to have to join the Corps of Cadets being under that scholarship,” says Miller.
Miller decided to attend Texas A&M because of its prestigious programs and its proximity to home. The university’s traditions were also a factor in her choice. Although she didn’t come to Texas A&M knowing she would be a part of the Corps of Cadets, it is something she has come to truly value.
“The Corps says that they build leaders, and this is 100 percent true,” says Miller. “I’ve learned a lot more than I would have anywhere else.”
After graduation Miller says she plans on joining the Marine Corps. However, her primary goal is to become a nurse after she serves in the Marines.
“I definitely value education and learning every day,” says Miller.
Having respect for others, self-motivation, and putting forth the best in everything are also important to Miller. Integrity, however, is most important. She says one of the things she loves about Texas A&M is that integrity is the basis for the honor code — “An aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do.”
“I love how you see this before every exam,” Miller says. “Texas A&M honors the code while many other schools don’t.”
Both of Miller’s parents graduated from Texas Tech, which is a bit of a rival school of Texas A&M, and has garnered some friendly competition within the family, according to Miller.
“My mom said, ‘If you get Rev we’re going to have to put a big Texas Tech sign in the front yard,’” says Miller.
Overall, Miller says her family is very supportive of her new role as Reveille IX’s handler. Miller also knows she has big shoes to fill as the first female mascot corporal, and ultimately wants to be the best handler she can be.
“I think that it will have a little more challenge to it,” says Miller. “I know it’s a break in tradition, but I haven’t had any negative feedback.”
Future generations of Aggies will have Miller to look back to as an inspiration. Through her historic appointment as the first female mascot corporal and her beliefs in the importance of self-motivation, putting your best foot forward, and being a woman of integrity — Miller is paving the way for the future.
