Animal A-1

Katie Humphreys ’23

March 1, 2023 by rnelson

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Major: Political Science

Outfit: Company A-1

Currently a member of Company A-1, Katie Humphreys ‘23 serves as the outfit’s Executive Officer.

On the Quad, Katie is involved in Rudder’s Rangers, where she has been a member since her freshman year. As a sophomore, Katie competed with the Army ROTC’s Ranger Challenge team. Katie is also a member of the O.R. Simpson Honor Society, where she serves as an academic mentor and resource to her peers.

In 2021, Katie attended and graduated from Air Assault school at Fort Campbell, KY. In 2022, she attended and graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate from Cadet Summer Training, and was ranked within the top 10% in the nation. In addition to her success at Cadet Summer Training, Katie also earned the Magellan Federal Award for scoring the highest in her regiment in the female division of the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).

After graduation, Katie plans to commission into the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant, where she will serve as a Military Intelligence Officer.

Jack Detten ’23

October 4, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Hereford, Texas

Major: Animal Science with a minor in Genetics

Outfit: Company A-1

The current Commanding Officer for Company A-1, Jack Detten ’23 serves the Quad as the Pistol Training Officer for Parsons Mounted Cavalry and as a member of the O.R. Simpson Honor Society.

Off the Quad, Jack is active in the American Society of Animal Science’s Academic Quadrathlon Team (2021-2022 Reserve National Champions), is an Ambassador for the Animal Science Department, and is a member of Texas A&M’s Saddle and Sirloin Club. In the 2019-2020 academic year, Jack was a member of Texas A&M’s National Champion Wool Judging Team.

“The Corps of Cadets has allowed for the simultaneous development of character, leadership, and interpersonal competencies alongside my education in a way that would not be possible anywhere else. It gave me a family and home away from home. If I could, I would go back and do it all over again,” Jack said of his time in the Corps.

After graduation, Jack plans to attend veterinary school and serve in the U.S. Army as a Veterinary Corps Officer. After his time in the Army, Jack would like to open up a mixed animal practice in West Texas or the Panhandle.

Michael Rodriguez-Garza ’22

May 4, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Harlingen, Texas

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Outfit: Company A-1

The 2021-2022 Commanding Officer of Company A-1, Michael Rodriguez-Garza also serves as a Ross Volunteer.

Previously, Michael served as a Weapons Squad Leader for Rudder’s Rangers.

“I joined the Corps of Cadets to define who I was. To me, the Corps is a place to practice discipline and show erudition. Over my four years here, I have been able to hone my skills and become the leader I was meant to be. I have endured many challenges throughout my Corps experience, and I am able to look back on them and be proud of what I have accomplished,” Michael said of his time in the Corps.

After graduation, Michael will commission into the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant. Michael would like to serve as an Engineering Officer.

PMC Gives Old Boots New Purpose

May 4, 2022 by rnelson

One of the most iconic symbols of the Corps of Cadets are the coveted senior boots. A part of every senior cadet’s uniform, these handcrafted boots are also the most expensive piece. Each year, hundreds of cadets are unable to afford purchasing their own boots. Recognizing the need for a solution to this issue, the Sam Houston Sanders Corps Center established the generous Boot Loan Program in 2003. Through the Corps Center, cadets are loaned a pair of boots for their senior year, and add their names to the rich history of cadets that have worn the same pair before them.

Naturally, after many years of wear, older boots become unserviceable and can no longer be used by the Boot Loan Program. Though their use as senior boots comes to an end, members of Parsons Mounted Cavalry’s Leather Chain are able to repurpose them and extend their useability through a number of different projects.

“It’s amazing to me to be able to give these boots a new purpose. There is so much history and tradition imbued in them, and to be able to continue using them by turning them into useful items allows us to preserve their beauty and purpose,” Jackson Ghatalia ‘23 (Company A-1) said of the opportunity.

Not only do these projects allow for the leather to be repurposed, they also allow cadets to express their creativity while developing a new skill.

“My favorite part about working on these projects is the ability to gain and develop such an amazing skill. I love learning new things, and to learn more about a skill that not many people have is quite amazing. You gain a level of respect for the amount of work that it takes to craft many everyday leather products, and gain the skills to start doing your own work and making things for yourself and others that will be cherished for years,” Jackson said.

These leather projects are just one of the many opportunities that cadets have to express themselves and learn new skills. The Corps of Cadets enables and encourages every member to discover, explore, and develop new passions.

Story by: Robin Nelson ’22

Haoning Wang ’22

November 16, 2021 by rnelson

Hometown: Beijing, China & Plano, Texas

Major: Computer Engineering with a minor in Mathematics

Outfit: Company A-1

Haoning Wang ’22 is a first-generation American, having emigrated from Beijing, China with his family. Originally from Company A-1, Haoning currently serves as the Third Brigade Staff Public Relations and Recruiting Officer. As a junior, Haoning served as the Third Brigade Color Sergeant. Throughout his time in the Corps, Haoning has been involved in the Fish Drill Team, Corps Color Guard and was a member of the Corps Military Proficiency Inspection team.

Off the Quad, Haoning stays involved in a variety of engineering activities. As a sophomore, he and his team participated in and were awarded the best project for ENDEAVR Smart City Project. As a junior, Haoning participated in an undergraduate research project with the Texas A&M Human Factors and Machine Learning Lab. Additionally, he also works with engineering freshmen through his role as a mentor with the Engineering Mentorship Council. Haoning also participates in the Texas A&M Philharmonic Orchestra as a violinist.

Haoning credits his involvement with the Corps of Cadets for developing his leadership skills and allowing him to broaden his perspectives. His involvement with the Corps has enabled him to pursue other on campus organizations and opportunities in the professional world.

This past summer, Haoning worked with General Motors as an engineering intern. Haoning plans to graduate in the Spring of 2022 and become a full time engineer.