Issue date: 9/11/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Wade Barker Reveille stands at Yell Practice with her handler, sophomore political science major Pierce Hunter on Aug. 31 at Kyle Field. [Click to enlarge]

There was one very important Aggie missing at the football game Saturday against Fresno State. Reveille VII, or "Rev" as she is known to the students, was taking a break in the Texas A&M Veterinary clinic after an incident last week.

Dean Bresciani, vice president for student affairs, said that during one of company E-2's outfit runs in the Texas heat, Reveille's tail was accidentally stepped on while turning a corner and Pierce Hunter, the mascot corporal, was bitten.

Hunter was taken to the hospital to make sure there was no serious injury and was soon released.

"Someone stepped on her tail, she was not provoked. It was hot and she was tired," Bresciani said.

Bresciani said that in Texas, when a domestic animal bites someone, it must be observed for seven to 10 days.

"Reveille is currently at her regular vet for observation. She is thinking of it as a much needed vacation and the boys of E-2 are visiting her everyday. It is not a big deal. She will be back for Saturday's game. If we thought there was a threat we would take action. Reveille simply reacted to pain like any normal dog would do. This was a fluke, not a big deal." Bresciani said.

Reveille VII was born Oct. 9, 2000, in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and arrived at Texas A&M on Feb. 16, 2001. She was inducted as A&M's mascot during Parents' Weekend.

Reveille has also attended and passed several obedience classes after she showed nervousness around Kyle Field's more than 80,000 fans. Reveille VII was the first A&M mascot to get banned from public restaurants due to health code regulations and the first to wear a muzzle for a short time to help lead her during marches.

Reveille is the highest ranking member of the Corps of Cadets and is its only five star general. The cadets address her as, "Miss Rev, ma'am." She is enrolled as a full time student, goes to class on a regular basis and even has her own credit card.

It is an old tradition that if Reveille barks during class, the class is immediately dismissed. Also, should she fall asleep in a cadet's bed, he or she must sleep on the floor.

In November 2004, The Battalion reported another cadet bitten by Reveille VII. Earlier that year, yell leaders were escorting Reveille onto the field when she tore off a cadet's pant leg.

Reveille will soon return to her normal outfit runs and a full schedule of appearances.

The Commandant of the Corps, Lt. Gen. John Van Alstyne, could not be reached for comment.

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