Company E-2

Colton Ray ’22

February 16, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Greenbrier, Arkansas

Major: Geographic Information Science & Technology (GIST)

Outfit: Company E-2

Colton Ray ‘22 currently serves as the Mascot, Training, and Career Readiness Officer for Company E-2. Colton is also currently a member of the O.R. Simpson Honor Society and works for the Corps of Cadets Media & Marketing team. In previous years, Colton served as the handler to Miss Reveille IX for the 2019-2020 academic year and the trainer to Miss Reveille X in the 2020-2021 academic year.

Off the Quad, Colton previously served as the Junior Class Vice President for the Class of 2022 and is a current member of Texas A&M’s Geography Society. In 2021, Colton was named a recipient of the Buck Weirus Spirit Award.

“The Corps has allowed me to build from my foundation and act on my priorities and values. Although being a college student comes with a lot of individuality, the Corps brings in the teamwork and collaboration aspect that is practical for life beyond graduation. Being able to be in an environment that allows me to develop has improved my interpersonal skills through humility, adaptability, and persistence,” Colton said of his time in the Corps.

Upon graduating from Texas A&M this Spring, Colton plans to pursue a career in either the geospatial intelligence community or as an analyst in the renewable energy resource field. Colton hopes to one day return to Aggieland, where he would like to obtain a Master’s degree in GIST.

Kaywin McCall ’22

January 25, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Bryan, Texas

Major: Kinesiology

Outfit: Company E-2

Kaywin McCall ‘22 is a member of Company E-2, where she also serves as a Training Officer.

On the Quad, Kaywin is currently the team captain of the Corps Women’s Basketball team. She is also a member of the OR Simpson Honor Society and serves as a Platoon Leader in Alpha Company for Texas A&M’s Army ROTC. Last year, Kaywin was named the “Strongest Female Cadet in the Corps,” posting the highest squat weight, bench weight, and performing the most pull-ups.

Off the Quad, Kaywin is a pool manager for the City of Bryan and trains new lifeguards during the summer while also running weekly in-service training sessions. Kaywin also coaches the middle school girls basketball team at Brazos Christian, where her players are coming up on an undefeated season. Kaywin enjoys working out at Crossfit Obey in Bryan, which is a Christian based CrossFit gym.

“The Corps has helped me grow in my leadership abilities, which I have used in Army ROTC officer training this past summer. I have grown my personal Aggie network in ways I never thought possible,” Kaywin said.

After graduation, Kaywin plans to commission into the Army National Guard, while her soon-to-be husband, Anthony Niemiec, plans to commission into the Army as an Armor Officer. Kaywin also plans to go to TEEX Academy for firefighting and paramedic studies, where she later hopes to work in emergency medicine.

View the video below to learn more about Kaywin’s work with Brazos Christian and her journey with the Corps of Cadets.

Leighton Durham ‘22

November 3, 2021 by amy.thompson

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Major: Finance

Outfit: Company E-2

Leighton Durham ‘22 is currently the Commanding Officer of Company C-2, where he also served as the First Sergeant during the 2020-2021 academic year. Prior to joining Company C-2, Leighton was a member of Company E-2, where he and his buddies earned the honor of caring for Miss Reveille IX in the Spring of 2019. Leighton is also a member of Parsons Mounted Cavalry.

“Joining PMC was a real dive off the deep end as I had never really ridden horses before. I really enjoy my time with PMC and it pushes me out of my comfort zone everyday that I go out to ride,” Leighton said of his experience with PMC.

Upon graduation Leighton plans to attend the Bush School of Government and Public Service.

Maj. Gen. (TXSG) Gerald R. “Jake” Betty ’73

August 27, 2021 by amy.thompson

Major General Gerald R. “Jake” Betty graduated with a degree in Agricultural Economics in 1973 and earned his master’s in Educational Administration in 1995. Jake served as Mascot Corporal for Reveille III, and was a Ross Volunteer and Yell Leader.

He was commissioned as an Infantry Second Lieutenant in 1973. Upon leaving active duty in 1976, he returned to Texas A&M, working as a Staff Assistant on the Commandant’s staff. Betty moved to Lubbock in 1978 to work in residential construction and real estate. He returned to Texas A&M in 1988 and held positions as a Cadet Training Officer, Assistant Commandant for Recruiting, and finally Deputy Commandant and Chief of Staff.

Major General Betty retired from the United States Army Reserves with 30 years of combined Active and Reserve service in 2003 and from the Office of the Commandant and Texas A&M University in August 2012.