The Aggie Muster Committee has selected Lt. Gen. Michael L. Downs ’92 as the keynote speaker for the upcoming 2025 Campus Muster event. Scheduled for Monday, April 21, at 7 p.m. in Reed Arena, the ceremony promises to be significant.
Downs received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas A&M University, where he was commissioned as a ROTC Distinguished Graduate back in 1992. He was actively involved with Squadron 15 and the Ross Volunteer Company.
Currently, Downs holds the position of associate director for military affairs at the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C. He functions as the military advisor to the CIA director, overseeing collaborative efforts between the CIA and the Department of Defense to enhance the United States’ global standing.
Before taking his present role, Downs was the vice director of the Joint Staff at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. In this capacity, he coordinated the Joint Staff to facilitate strategic guidance and ensured the efficient flow of information amongst military branches, combatant commands, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and interagency collaborators. His contributions provided timely suggestions to the defense secretary and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in support of national security goals.
Downs has been involved in joint and combined missions within the Central Command, Indo-Pacific Command, and Southern Command regions. He has commanded at various levels including squadron, group, and wing. His staff assignments encompass headquarters positions at Air Force Special Operations Command, United States Forces Korea, Combined Forces Command, United Nations Command, Air Staff, and Joint Staff. Officials from the Muster Committee assert that Downs’ outstanding service exemplifies the Aggie Spirit.
Aggie Muster stands as one of Texas A&M’s most cherished traditions, uniting Aggies to reflect on their time spent at the university and to pay tribute to fellow Aggies who have departed in the past year. The Campus Muster is the largest of over 200 ceremonies worldwide, bringing together thousands of Aggies to honor the Aggie Family — in the past, present, and future.
The 2025 ceremony will welcome esteemed family members and the Class of 1975 for their reunion. Besides Downs’ address, the event will include performances by the Ross Volunteers and the Corps of Cadets buglers, along with speeches from the university and student body presidents, the chair of The Association of Former Students, and the Muster Committee.
Gates will open to the public at 5 p.m., with the ceremony commencing sharply at 7 p.m. The Muster Ceremony offers an opportunity to contemplate Aggie traditions and allows honored families to experience the warmth of the Aggie community.
After the keynote address, the “Roll Call for The Absent” will follow. This poignant recitation of names guarantees that each Aggie is commemorated. As each name is announced, a family member will respond with “Here,” signifying their enduring spirit.
For further information regarding the Campus Muster ceremony, including details on the “Roll Call for The Absent,” please visit The Association of Former Students’ website. Additional details concerning Downs and other Muster activities can be found at muster.tamu.edu.
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