News

Nate Rossi ’22

March 2, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Sealy, Texas

Major: Natural Resources & Rangeland Management

Outfit: B-Company

Nate Rossi ‘22 is currently the B-Company Commanding Officer in the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band.

On the Quad, Nate has previously served as the Infantry Band Bass Drummer and the First Sergeant of B-Company.

Off the Quad, Nate is an active member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church. In his free time, Nate enjoys playing the guitar and exploring the outdoors.

“Throughout my Corps career, I have realized my passion is to pass on intangible lessons to others so that they become a leader in their own unique way,” Nate said of his time in the Corps.

Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Nate plans to work in the environmental research field or for the state of Texas.

Rachel Talkington ’22

February 23, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Carrollton, Texas

Major: Technology Management with a minor in Business

Outfit: C-Company

Rachel Talkington ’22 is a member of C-Company in the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, where she currently serves as the outfit’s Career Readiness Officer. In addition to her leadership role within her outfit, Rachel also serves as the Commanding Officer of the Corps Center Guard.

Rachel has participated in a number of activities throughout her time at Texas A&M, including the Cyber Operations Unit and the University’s Concert and Symphonic bands. Prior to being named the Commanding Officer of the Corps Center Guard, Rachel served as the special unit’s Guidon Bearer for the 2019-2020 academic year, and the First Sergeant for 2020-2021.

“The Corps has given me experiences that I would not have anywhere else. I’ve been able to spend the last four years with some of the best friends that I will ever make. I have had leadership challenges and experiences that I never could have dreamed of. I have been changed by the Corps and I believe that it has made me better,” Rachel said of her time in the Corps.

Upon graduating from Texas A&M in the Spring of 2023, Rachel plans to work in the Information Technology field and one day work for her family’s business.

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.

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.