At 5 a.m., while much of Fort Worth is still asleep, Gustavo Almanza ’28 is already on his way to TCU for Army ROTC physical training. 

Early mornings and busy schedules are nothing new for the Army veteran. College, though, once felt out of reach. 

Today, he’s studying communication studies with a minor in military science at Texas Christian University, where the move from soldier to student has been smoother than he ever expected. 

How Green to Gold Brought Him to TCU 

Born and raised in Fort Worth, Almanza graduated from South Hills High School in 2020 before enlisting in the U.S. Army that fall. 

Although college had always been a goal, financial assistance was essential to making it a reality. 

“College was never an option for me unless I had some sort of financial assistance,” Almanza explains.

While serving in the Army, Almanza worked as a 42A human resources specialist and held the rank of sergeant. He served as executive administrative noncommissioned officer to Lt. Gen. Sean Bernabe, then commanding general of III Armored Corps and Fort Hood. 

While earning credits at Central Texas College in Killeen, Almanza found mentors in Bernabe and TCU alumnus Col. Steven Tabat ’96, one of his direct supervisors during his assignment to the Secretary of the General Staff. 

Tabat guided him through the scholarship and university application processes, connecting him with TCU staff and students, introducing him to academic programs and allowing him time away from duty to attend orientation and transfer events. 

“Without his commitment to my future I would not be here today,” Almanza says.

With Tabat’s support and Bernabe’s approval, Almanza received a four-year Green to Gold Hip Pocket Scholarship through Fort Hood and transferred to TCU in fall 2024. 

Today, Almanza uses his GI Bill benefits and TCU’s participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program to cover his tuition, while his ROTC scholarship supports his housing and books. 

TCU had always been his dream school, drawing him with its athletics, prestige and small-school feel. But it wasn’t until he met the people who made up the university that he knew he’d made the right choice. 

“I had the opportunity to meet students and faculty from all over the nation during orientation and those conversations made TCU feel like home,” he reminisces.

Support for Transfer and Veteran Students at TCU 

Almanza said the transfer process was simple, and as a transfer student he was invited to the same new student events as everyone else. 

Through TCU’s Transfer Connection Space, he found guidance on scheduling classes, getting involved in student organizations and navigating financial aid. 

He also found support through the Veterans Resource Center, which provides military-affiliated students with opportunities to connect, access resources and build community on campus. 

For Almanza, the biggest value has been connecting with students in the same situation. 

“Sometimes it isn’t always about having the answers, but having a group and safe space where things can get figured out,” he says.

Beyond these resources, the Army ROTC program has become another important part of his TCU community, connecting him with students who share his commitment to leadership and service. 

A Day in the Life of a TCU Army ROTC Cadet 

Between ROTC, classes and time with friends, Almanza’s days start early and run full. 

After physical training, he heads home to get ready and pack for the day: Army uniform, books and lunch. 

As a commuter student, he typically spends the day at TCU, attending classes from about 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

And when he’s not studying or training, he makes time for activities outside the classroom, including occasional Thursday indoor soccer games with friends from TCU and high school. He also works on weekends and holidays at Hard Eight BBQ in Burleson. 

Almanza credits his military experience with helping him manage his responsibilities as a student. 

“It was always a must to be in the right place at the right time and in the right uniform,” he says.

His time at TCU has also brought memorable opportunities beyond his daily routine. 

In 2025, Almanza was selected to participate in TCU’s Military Appreciation Game Day commercial, an experience that included visiting Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth and seeing F-22 and F-35 fighter jets up close. 

Preparing to Commission as an Army Officer 

When Almanza graduates in 2028, he plans to commission as an officer in the U.S. Army, which means he’ll walk across the stage with a job already secured. 

Through TCU’s Center for Career & Professional Development, he has received support with résumé development, interview preparation and his LinkedIn profile. 

These resources, combined with his military background and experiences at TCU, have helped him prepare for his future career and the opportunities that will follow. 

His Advice? “Why Not You?” 

For veterans considering returning to school or transfer students wondering whether they’ll find their place at a new university, Almanza has a simple message. 

“Why not you?” 

He encourages others not to let uncertainty or the fear of failure keep them from pursuing their goals. 

“Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from achieving a goal,” he says. 

And for students considering transferring to TCU, Almanza believes the university offers something special: the opportunities of a larger school with the personal connections of a smaller community. 

“TCU has everything a big school has without feeling overwhelming,” he says. 

For someone who grew up in Fort Worth, served his country and returned home to pursue a college education, becoming a Horned Frog has brought his journey full circle. 

As Almanza puts it, “Purple is the color of Fort Worth.”