Origins and Early Foundations

The roots of what is now the Cadet Corps Alumni Council (CCAC) extend back more than two decades. While an exact founding date is not formally documented, the organization is generally understood to have been established around 1996, with Joel Ward serving as its first president. At that time, the organization was known as the Cadet Corps Alumni Chapter (CCAC) and operated as a subordinate chapter of the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) Alumni Association.

Membership in the Cadet Corps Alumni Chapter automatically conferred membership in the UTA Alumni Association, with annual dues applying to both organizations. During this period, the CCAC became the largest alumni chapter within the UTA Alumni Association, reflecting exceptional engagement among former cadets, cadre, and supporters of UTA’s Military Science Department.

Early Alumni Traditions and Pre‑CCAC Influences

The spirit of alumni involvement that later defined the CCAC predates its formal establishment. In 1967, Bunky Garanzik, John Henderson and others formed the Sam Houston Rifles Alumni Association (SHRAA). Over time, SHRAA members—many of whom were former members of the UTA “Jodies”—would later join the Cadet Corps Alumni Association, ultimately comprising more than half of its membership at one point.

These early alumni efforts included organizing large-scale reunions of former Jodies, marching at halftime during the final football game ever played by the UTA Mavericks, and coordinating annual canoe trips down the Guadalupe River that grew to more than 100 participants and received national media attention. Alumni leaders also supported cadet activities through logistical and morale efforts, including providing meals during long-distance marches, organizing transportation for drill competitions, and producing the video Freedom Isn’t Free, with proceeds donated to support CCAC initiatives.

Growth and Program Development (1996–2006)

During its first decade, the Cadet Corps Alumni Chapter expanded both its scope and impact. Among its most significant accomplishments was the establishment of the Cadet Corps Alumni Chapter Endowed Scholarship Fund, which provided a lasting source of financial assistance for ROTC cadets in UTA’s Military Science program. The endowment agreement for this scholarship was formally signed on January 31, 2003, by Jerry Thomas and Mark Martin.

Under the leadership of Jerry Thomas (President, 2002–2006), the organization also launched the Lifetime Membership Fund, a pivotal initiative designed to make the CCAC financially self-sufficient. The concept was simple but forward-thinking: rather than collecting small annual dues over decades, members could make a one-time lifetime contribution, allowing those funds to be invested and used to support ongoing operations and cadet programs.

Initial participation in the Lifetime Membership Fund exceeded expectations. With assistance from Larry Smith, Vice President for Finance, the CCAC established an investment account, and within a few years the fund generated enough annual interest to cover much of the organization’s operating expenses. This allowed additional revenue to be directed toward direct support of the Military Science Department.

Expansion of Cadet Support and Alumni Engagement (2006–2010)

When Ray Andre assumed the presidency in 2006, the CCAC continued to expand its cadet-focused initiatives. One of the most enduring traditions established during this period was the annual Cadet Barbecue held at the start of the fall semester, strengthening relationships between alumni and current cadets.

The organization also assumed a larger oversight role in supporting the Military Science Department Hall of Honor, helping to ensure that the achievements and service of distinguished alumni and supporters were properly recognized.

Organizational Independence and New Partnerships (2010–2014)

A significant organizational shift occurred following changes within the UTA Alumni Association, which requested that affiliated groups remove the word “Chapter” from their names. In response, the Cadet Corps Alumni Chapter became the Cadet Corps Alumni Council, reflecting its transition into an independent organization separate from the Alumni Association.

During the presidency of Bunky Garanzik (2010–2014), the CCAC expanded its ceremonial and public engagement activities. The Council began participating annually with the Sam Houston Rifles in the Gainesville Medal of Honor Parade, reinforcing its connection to cadet traditions and military heritage.

This period also marked a major turning point for the Lifetime Membership Fund. In 2013, the UTA Development Office presented the CCAC with a proposal to convert the existing Lifetime Membership Fund into a formal university endowment through a matching program. Under the terms of the proposal, if the CCAC committed to providing $25,000 over a five-year period, UTA would match the contribution dollar-for-dollar, creating a $50,000 endowment.

On August 22, 2013, the CCAC formally signed the agreement establishing the Cadet Corps Alumni Council Life Membership Endowment. The CCAC closed its existing Fidelity investment account, which held approximately $20,000, and transferred those funds to the UTA Office of Development. UTA immediately contributed its $25,000 matching funds, and the CCAC fulfilled the remaining $5,000 commitment over the following five years.

Modernization and Continued Support (2014–Present)

Under Rex Latham (President, 2014–2018), the CCAC modernized its outreach by enhancing its website and expanding support for cadets participating in events such as the Army Ten-Miler. Subsequent presidents—Jerry Houston (2018–2022) and Ricky Gibbs (2022–present)—have continued to build upon this foundation.

Today, the CCAC oversees multiple enduring initiatives:

• The Cadet Corps Endowed Scholarship Fund, now valued at over $180,000, providing approximately $8,000 annually in scholarships.
• The Life Membership Endowment, exceeding $118,000, generating more than $4,000 annually for the Cadet Support Fund.
• Continued oversight of the Military Science Department Hall of Honor.
• Sponsorship of the annual Cadet Barbecue.

The Council is increasingly focused on strengthening connections between alumni and cadets through the development of the Cadet Corps Alumni Network, mentorship programs, and potential branch-based connections for MS IV cadets following branch assignment.

CCAC Leadership

The presidents of the Cadet Corps Alumni Council and its predecessor organization are:

• Joel Ward (1996–1998)
• Jim Coughlin (1998–2000)
• Buck Herndon (2000–2002)
• Jerry Thomas (2002–2006)
• Ray Andre (2006–2010)
• Bunky Garanzik (2010–2014)
• Rex Latham (2014–2018)
• Jerry Houston (2018–2022)
• Ricky Gibbs (2022–present)

History Notes

This history is a melding of information from several sources. This combined history was written in December, 2025.