2021

Claire Johnston ‘21

by

Claire Johnston ‘21 is an Animal Science major from Mankato, Minnesota. She is originally from A Company in the Aggie Band, but has served on both Combined Band and Infantry Band staffs.

Claire currently serves as the Infantry Band Logistics Officer, and is also the Dorm 10 Housing Officer. She also serves as the Executive Officer of the Darling Recruiting Company and is a member of the Corps of Cadets Marathon Team. In her free time, Claire enjoys spending time at the Winnie Carter Wildlife Center, and The Oak Creek Zoological Conservatory, assisting in the care of their wildlife.

Claire is currently an Army contract cadet with the goal of serving as an Army Veterinarian. She plans to graduate in May 2021 and will attend Veterinary School. We are extremely proud of Claire and her hard work as a cadet and student. We know she is bound for many successes in the future!

Shaheed Barket ‘21

by

Shaheed Adam Barket is a Global Arts, Planning, Design and Construction major, minoring in Urban Planning and Business, from Denton, Texas. He is the son of Sajjad Ali and Zella Barket.

After being denied entry to Texas A&M twice, Shaheed made his life’s mission to never quit pursuing his dreams, including being an Aggie. He made a trip to Aggieland after his second denial to discuss an alternate route, and was ultimately admitted to Texas A&M as a Fightin’ Texas Aggie. In a situation where Shaheed could have given up, he chose to never quit, and credits this opportunity to be an Aggie to his faith in Christ.

Shaheed joined the Corps and became a member of Squadron 18. After his fish year, he became an Outlaw in Squadron 8. On the Quad, Shaheed serves as the Scholastics Officer for Squadron 8. Off the Quad, he has been involved with BUILD to serve those in need.

Shaheed will be graduating in May 2021.  After graduation, he plans to enlist into the United States Navy. While he’s not sure of his plans after serving in the Navy, Shaheed is certain that he wants to help those in need in whatever he decides to pursue.  He encourages all to “be someone special, go when you are called, and remember to never quit.”

We are proud of Shaheed and his passion to withstand adversity at all levels. We are confident in his future success and wish him the best! Good luck and Gig ‘em, Shaheed!

Deziree “Dez” Dickey ‘21

by

Deziree “Dez” Dickey ‘21 is majoring in University Studies Leadership, with a Minor in Youth Development and Sports Management. She is from San Antonio, Texas and is the daughter of Don and Belinda Dickey.

Dez is a member of Squadron 11, where she has served as a Fire Team Leader, First Sergeant, and now serves as the Commanding Officer. She is also a student worker at one of our Corps Leadership Learning Centers. Dez is also involved in Philadelphia Sisters, where she serves as the Selections and Prayer Committee Chair. She also devotes her time connecting incoming freshmen to local churches as a counselor and co-chair for the Texas A&M Impact Retreat. During the summer, Dez works as a counselor at the T Bar M Ranch in New Braunfels, a Christian summer camp for teenagers. In addition to her involvement in a variety of organizations on campus, Dez is currently pursuing an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification, while also accumulating flight hours as a pilot, hoping to become a pilot in the United States Air Force.

Dez will graduate in December of 2021 and commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.  She plans to work as an EMT while waiting to start flight school. We are all very proud of Dez and her dedication to suceed in all that she does. We are confident that she will continue to set the standard in all that she does in the future. We wish Dez nothing but continued success in all of her future endeavors!

Fely Vacek ‘21

by

Fely Vacek ‘21 is a Psychology major, minoring in Military Studies. She’s from the Philippines but calls Kapolei, Hawaii home. Fely is the daughter of Kenneth and Angela Vacek. Originally from Company A-2, Fely now serves as 1st Brigade PR and Recruiting Officer.

On the Quad, Fely has been a member of the Corps Color Guard. Off the Quad, she is a member of National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Psi Chi International Honor Society, Delta Xi Nu Multicultural Sorority Inc., and Patriot Paws of Aggieland, which assists in the socialization, training, and overall raising of specialized service dogs to aid disabled veterans.

Fely plans to graduate in May of 2021 and will commission as an Adjutant General Officer in the Army. After her time serving in the Army, she hopes to attend graduate school to become a nurse or psychiatrist.

Fely has been an excellent cadet and student at Texas A&M University. We are thankful for her time in the Corps and confident that she will succeed in her future. Good luck and Gig ‘em, Fely!

Jun Yi ‘21

by

Jun Yi ‘21 is an Industrial Distribution major from Katy, Texas who is also minoring in Business. He is the son of Hyun and Sung Yi ‘89. Jun is a member of Company N-1 in the Corps of Cadets.

Jun currently serves as the First Platoon Leader in N-1. He has also served as a member of the National Champion Texas Aggie Fish Drill Team, the Ross Volunteer Company, and the Naval ROTC Midshipman Battalion. Jun also enjoys running, bouldering, camping, and spending quality time with his buddies.

During his sophomore year, Jun was rewarded an ROTC scholarship with the United States Marine Corps. In the summer of 2020, Jun graduated from Marine Corps Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Quantico, Virginia, where he learned what it takes to be a Marine leader. Jun will graduate in May of 2021, commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, and will return to Quantico, Virginia to attend The Basic School.

Jun is a superb cadet who has dedicated himself to being the best cadet possible in the Corps. I have no doubt that he will also have a successful career in the Marine Corps! We wish Jun the best of luck in all of his future endeavors. Gig ‘Em and Semper Fidelis!

Copyright 2025 • Texas A&M Corps of Cadets | The Keepers of the Spirit • All Rights Reserved. • Hosted by Division of Student Affairs Department of IT