Aggie Legacy Veterans Project

Abstract

Texas A&M University (TAMU-Aggies), a Senior Military College, was established in 1876 in College Station, Texas, and is ranked No. 3 in the “Top 10 Military Schools in America” (TAMU Today, 2012). The ~2,500 member Texas A&M Corps of Cadets continues to provide exemplary leaders for the public and private sectors. The Corps has a rich history of responding to the nation’s call for service and leadership. For example, in the fall of 1942, over 20,000 former cadets served in World War II, of which 14,123 were commissioned officers. Many fallen Aggies who served in WWII and other tours rest in the Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries. To honor those who serve our country, the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets seek a partnership with the National Cemetery Administration (NCA).

Working under the research and leadership guidance of faculty in Geography, History, and Engineering and the Corps of Cadets Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership, cadets will assist in the development of a Veteran’s Legacy geographic information system (GIS) that digitally archives and shares veterans’ legacies for research, education, and historical narratives. The Veteran’s Legacy GIS will research: (i) an artificial intelligence Unmanned Aerial System mapping machine learning system to automatically create 3D objects of each headstone in a geodetic coordinate system; (ii) a “VA Legacy Citizen Scientist” Veterans Legacy Field Data Collection Web-Application Tool to collect and share headstone information tied to veteran’s history via augmented reality; (iii) instructional material in the form of a public Veterans Legacy GIS Micro-Certificate used to educate and test that citizen scientist achieve the skills to collect accurate data; and (iv) professional digital video. The video will include student’s research on mapping Houston VA Cemetery, student utilizing the field data collection app, their process to extend memorialization of Aggie Veterans enshrined at the Houston National Cemetery, a demonstration of the public accessing the VA Legacy information via augmented reality, and the development of the Veterans Legacy GIS Micro-Certificate.

An Advisory Board of internal and external experts across multiple disciplines will work with the Veteran’s Legacy Research Team to ensure VA Legacy meets high standards. TAMU has partnered with Klein Independent School District, where the Houston National Cemetery is located, to support mapping research, test Veterans Legacy GIS Micro-Certificate modules, and help research the historical history of Aggie Veterans. TAMU cadets will engage in social science research resulting in social media, publications, and videography products for educational outreach. Through this sponsored research, cadets will enhance key marketable skills such as problem-solving, oral and written communication, teamwork collaboration, and professional work ethics. This project will prepare the cadets for a lifetime of success as they become our nation’s future leaders. The Veteran’s Legacy Research Team will deliver several digital media products: (i) Scholarly publications on innovative methods to map and share Veteran biographies cartographically; (ii) Veterans Legacy GIS Micro-Certificate course curriculum in a Learning Management System for the public; (iii) the Veterans Legacy Field Data Collection Web-Application Tool; and (iv) professional videography formatted to meet NCA websites and social media platforms.