News

Hayden Johnson ’22

November 22, 2021 by rnelson

Hometown: Gilmer, Texas

Major: Chemical Engineering with an emphasis in Biomedicine

Outfit: Corps Staff

Hayden Johnson ‘22 is currently a member of Corps Staff, where he serves as the Corps Inspector General, as well as the Navy ROTC Midshipman Battalion Finance Officer. Additionally, Hayden is a member of the O.R. Simpson Honor Society and the Corps’ Cultural Awareness and Diversity Expansion Team.

Off the Quad, Hayden is a member of the Christian Engineering Leaders and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where he serves as a Sunday School teacher for high school juniors and seniors.

“My religion is a major part of my life. My favorite passage of scripture is 2 Nephi 2:25 which states ‘Men are that they might have joy.’ I believe we exist to find joy through everything that we are given, even the difficult and bitter things. I believe that ‘all things work together for good’ (Romans 8:28), and that by taking on responsibility for what we are able and leaving the rest up to God, we can find the deepest levels of meaning and therefore joy. I work to remain optimistic even in the face of uncertainty, adversity, and ambiguity,” Hayden said of his faith.

Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Hayden plans to commission into the U.S. Navy and travel the world with his wife, Rebecca.

“My time in the Corps has allowed me to push myself in ways I never really expected. I initially joined the Corps because I wanted to become a Naval Officer, and ROTC required it. Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else. The Corps has helped me accomplish academic, physical fitness, and leadership goals. I feel better equipped not only to become a leader in the U.S. military, but also in the private sector when my service is over, and even in my own home and family. I experience a greater sense of meaning and purpose by being a part of this organization. I truly believe it is helping me to become the best version of myself. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity I have this year to serve as the Corps Inspector General, and I hope to give back to this organization and influence it for good,” Hayden said of his time in the Corps.

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.

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.

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.

Erin Keohane ‘22

October 20, 2021 by amy.thompson

Hometown: Hurst, Texas

Major: Industrial Distribution

Outfit: Company S-2

Erin Keohane ‘22 currently serves as the Recruiting Officer for Company S-2. Erin has held a variety of positions within the outfit, including Guidon Bearer and Platoon Sergeant. Outside of her outfit, Erin serves as the Public Affairs Officer for the Texas A&M NROTC Battalion and is a Platoon Leader within Parsons Mounted Cavalry. Erin was also previously involved with the Corps Women’s Soccer Team for two seasons.

“My experiences in the Corps and in Parsons Mounted Cavalry have taught me to consistently push myself outside of my comfort zone and that true leadership comes from a place of humility,” Erin said of her time in the Corps.

Off the Quad, Erin is involved in a number of activities. She has spent much of her time volunteering as a group leader with the John 15 group at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, where she serves as a mentor to freshman students. Erin is also a member of the Professional Association for Industrial Distribution (PAID).

After graduating from Texas A&M in December of 2022, Erin will commission into the United States Navy as an Ensign, where she hopes to serve as a Naval Aviator.