TCU’s Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) battalion commander does more than rally his troops, he also pumps up Horned Frog crowds.

CDT Lt. Col. Joseph Wilson, a senior criminal justice major, is the incoming ROTC commander and a member to TCU’s cheerleading squad.

Wilson said he had never cheered before the fall of 2018. He said he tried out because cheering forces him to smile and be happy, something he doesn’t show while training for the Army.

Wilson entered ROTC as a first-year student, who lived at home. He said he didn’t have his license yet, so his mother woke up every morning at 5 to drive him 35 minutes to physical training on campus.

He said cheering allows him to be involved in the community-at-large and he wants other cadets to get involved.

“Leadership is all about people and so if we’re not helping out the community then that’s not really leadership,” Wilson said.

Passing the guidon

Wilson assumed his latest role Thursday evening when ROTC held the 68th Horned Frog battalion change of command ceremony honoring the outgoing commander and welcoming the senior incoming commander.

During the ceremony, there was a transfer of the guidon, which signified trust, as LTC Janine A. Robinson-Turner received it from outgoing Commander John Donoghue and passed it on to Wilson. The guidon embodies the group’s accomplishments and honor.

He said his role as commander will allow him to influence future cadets.

“It’s my one chance to leave a mark on this program from the top down,” Wilson said. “Hopefully once I leave you can build on that legacy and make one of your own,” he told the other cadets.

Ronnie Cunningham, an assistant professor of military science, said he likes the idea of cadets doing more service. He said cadets don’t always take the opportunity to volunteer; however, he’s looking to change that by getting them involved more in outreach programs.

“I want to make sure we’re taking care of the community that’s taking care of us,” Cunningham said.

Wilson also has a legacy he wants to continue: to fill the shoes of his older brother, a 2010 alumnus who was a battalion command.