Roll Call Tribute

Colonel Glenn Starnes’ 81
It is with extreme sadness and a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of Colonel Glenn Starnes ’81, United States Marine Corps (Retired), a member of the Office of the Commandant’s staff.

Colonel Starnes had served as the Assistant Commandant for Operations & Training for the Corps of Cadets since 2012. Prior to that, Colonel Starnes served 30 years in the United States Marine Corps and commanded at every level from Field Artillery Battery to Field Artillery Regiment. He served two tours of duty in Iraq in 2003 and 2005 and served on joint duty with US Central Command (CENTCOM) and as an Exchange Officer with the United Kingdom’s Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ). Colonel Starnes’ awards and decorations include The Legion of Merit with 2 Gold Stars, The Bronze Star with Combat “V” Device, The Defense Meritorious Service Medal, The Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, and the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) from the Queen of England. Colonel Starnes retired from the United States Marine Corps in 2011.

Colonel Starnes was a true Aggie who loved Texas A&M, loved the Corps of Cadets, and loved the cadets he got the opportunity to work with every day. He was a tireless worker who was extremely well respected by his colleagues, the cadets, and all those who were lucky enough to know him and call him a friend. He was a mentor and role model for many, having a positive impact on the lives of the Marines and cadets he got to work with throughout his distinguished career. His loss will be felt by the Office of the Commandant and the Corps of Cadets for a long time to come.

I want to offer my personal condolences to Glenn Starnes’ family, and especially his wife, Connie, and his daughter Hailey Starnes Davis. As Aggies, I know the Starnes family will take great comfort in knowing that Glenn will never be forgotten, and that the unique Aggie spirit of camaraderie that is such an integral part of Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets will hold fast to support them in this very difficult time.

The Aggie family lost a great Aggie today, and we will all miss him. God Bless Colonel Glenn Starnes and his family.

“If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven’s scenes,
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.” ~Marine Corps Hymn

“We are the Aggies, the Aggies are we.

True to each other, as Aggies can be.”

HERE