Air Force ROTC

Kathryne Speen ’22

April 5, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

Major: Business Management (Pre-Law track)

Outfit: Squadron 21

A member of Squadron 21, Kathryne currently serves as the Finance Officer within the outfit, where she also previously served as a Platoon Sergeant. Off the Quad, Kathryne works as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary’s Catholic Center, and was a member of the Texas Aggies Fighting Alzheimer’s organization.

Kathryne was granted acceptance into the Air Force’s Judge Advocate General-Educational Delay program. This program is designed to produce Active Duty Judge Advocates from current ROTC cadets, and allows senior year cadets to apply for a commissioning delay in order to attend law school. Of hundreds of applicants nationwide, Kathryne was one of only three AFROTC cadets to be admitted into the program.

Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Kathryne plans to attend law school at the University of Mississippi, where she would like to study International or Space law.

View the video below to learn more about Kathryne’s journey with the Corps of Cadets.

Landon Viera ’22

March 23, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Las Cruces, New Mexico

Major: Civil Engineering

Outfit: Squadron 16

Landon Viera ‘22 is a member of Squadron 16 and is also a Ross Volunteer, where he serves as the Squat Platoon Leader. Previously, Landon was awarded 2nd Wing’s Most Outstanding Cadet and the Air Force ROTC Warrior Spirit Award.

Off the Quad, Landon is a member of Texas A&M’s chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Landon is also preparing to run his first marathon in April, in an event that will benefit the Hill Country Youth Ranch.

“The Corps has done so much for me, to the point that it is difficult to put it into words. I’ve developed family-level relationships with my buddies, experienced the gift of getting to mentor and be mentored, overcome physical and mental boundaries I’d never entertain elsewhere, served our campus, community and beyond. In my opinion, one of the most critical things that I’ve gained from the Corps is an amazing candid life experience. None of my successes or failures came without putting forth my best effort, and I take great pride in that. It is guaranteed that college has a lot to offer, no matter where you go, but it’s also guaranteed that the Corps has way more to offer in addition – whether you’re looking to be the best of the best in the civilian sector or military,” Landon said of his time in the Corps.

Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Landon will commission into the United States Air Force, where he hopes to be a pilot.

Molly Smith ’22

February 9, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Lubbock, Texas

Major: Industrial & Systems Engineering with a minor in Mathematics

Outfit: Squadron 16

Molly Smith ‘22 currently serves as the Air Force ROTC Vice Commander for the Robbins Wing and is a member of the Ross Volunteer Company.

Off the Quad, Molly is a member of the Women in Aviation club, and participates with the Maroon & White Leadership Fellows.

“Since joining the Corps of Cadets, I have become an ethical leader, an invested team player, mentally resilient, and incredibly self-aware. I’ve met life-long friends and a version of me I can be proud of and excited to grow further. As a result of the ROTC requirement, I’ve ventured into a love for aviation and an even greater love for those I get to share this experience with. I’ve lately found myself saying, ‘the best things in my life are the ones that found me.’ I joined the Corps on a whim, found AFROTC as a result, and stumbled upon aviation by accident. The life I’ve found here at Texas A&M is far greater than anything I’ve ever known,” Molly said of her experience with the Corps of Cadets

Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Molly plans to commission into the United States Air Force, where she intends to be a pilot. After retiring from the Air Force, Molly hopes to go to work as an engineer, or open her own chiropractic clinic.

Brock Thompson ’22

February 1, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Portales, New Mexico

Major: Society, Ethics, & Law with minors in Philosophy & Military Science

Outfit: Squadron 8

Brock Thompson ’22 currently the Inspector General and Logistics and Operations Officer for Squadron 8. Brock also represents the Corps of Cadets in the Student Senate, where works to make a change in the lives of all Aggies, specifically cadets, by increasing mental health awareness around campus. He is currently working with the help of several off-campus mental health resource groups to begin a cadet mentorship program.

Off the Quad, Brock is a member of Young Americans for Freedom, a Fish Camp Counselor, and a member of Freshman Leaders in Education and Human Development. Additionally, Brock is a member of the Twin Cities Church of Christ.

This past Summer, Brock had the opportunity to work for New Mexico Congresswoman, Yvette Herrell, in Washington D.C. While working in Washington, he was able to meet with many members of the Texas Delegation, including Congressman Dan Crenshaw and Senator Ted Cruz. Through this experience, Brock was also able to sit down with former Aggie Cadet and Congressman, Ronny Jackson, who also served as the Physician to the President under both President Obama and President Trump’s presidential terms.

Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Brock plans to commission into the United States Air Force, where he has received a pilot training spot. He hopes to one day fly fighter jets with the Air Force.

“I love Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets and am forever grateful for the people, memories, and opportunities that have been set before me because I’m an Aggie. This place is my home, and there is no place on earth as special as this university,” Brock said of his experience with the Corps.

Matthew T. Nagbe ‘22

October 26, 2021 by amy.thompson

Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Major: Technology Management with minors in Cyber Security & Business Administration

Outfit: Squadron 2

Matthew T. Nagbe ‘22 is a member of Squadron 2, where he currently serves as the Athletics Officer. Matthew is pursuing an Air Force contract. Off the Quad, Matthew has been involved in several professional internship opportunities in the Information Technology and Human Resources fields. Matthew is married to Zaria Nagbe ‘22 and is the proud father of Airaz Nagbe ‘43!

“I think the beauty of life comes through the diverse paths we all chose to walk on and how we cultivate and maintain the relationships which help shape us,” Matthew said. “I love this great university. I love the Corps of Cadets, and I know I was ordained to be here. I would not have met my wife nor had my baby girl right now. Who knew a kid from the inner city of Philadelphia would be at Texas A&M, would be seeking to commission into the United States Air Force right now? God makes everything beautiful in his time, despite our weaknesses and flaws. Make your pathway and set it ablaze, that’s my Gator 2 cents.”

Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Matthew will commission into the United States Air Force, where he hopes to work in either intelligence, cyber security, or aircraft maintenance.