O.R. Simpson Honor Society

William Walford ’22

March 9, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Berlin, Germany

Major: Forensic & Investigative Sciences

Outfit: Squadron 20

William Walford ’22 currently serves as the Executive Officer for Squadron 20 and is a member of the O.R. Simpson Honor Society.

Off the Quad, William is the President of the Aggie Forensic and Investigative Sciences Organization, and is a member of the Texas A&M Pre-Law Society.

“The Corps of Cadets has been one of the greatest challenges of my life. Whether it was pushing my physical limits, contemplating the philosophy of truly ethical leadership, or understanding that sleep is sometimes optional when there is a job to do, the Corps of Cadets cultivated a keen sense of purpose within me and helped me establish a values-oriented lifestyle. Beyond personal development, I gained an extension of my family through my squadron, but I was also able to connect with my own family on a deeper level. As the 31st Aggie in my family, and one in a long line of members of the Corps of Cadets, being a part of this organization brought me great honor in carrying on a long-standing family tradition,” William said of his time in the Corps.

William will graduate this spring and plans to attend the University of Texas School of Law, where he will pursue a Juris Doctor degree with an emphasis on Criminal Law. William hopes to one day work as a prosecutor in Texas.

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.

Carter Gansky ’22

January 19, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Fort Worth, TX

Major: Kinesiology Motor Behavior

Outfit: Squadron 5

Carter Gansky ’22 is the current Career Readiness and Athletics Officer for Squadron 5. Additionally, Carter serves the Corps as a member of the O.R. Simpson Honor Society, where he is a tutor.

Off the Quad, Carter is the president of the Physical Therapy Society on campus. In this role, Carter leads weekly meetings for 100 undergraduate Pre-Physical Training students. Carter enjoys a variety of activities in his free time including reading, bodybuilding, mentoring, hiking, and spending time with his friends and family.

“I believe that to change the world you must first start with making the individual competent. You must first do the ‘small’ things correctly; making a proper rack, shining your brass, and having a fresh shave. These things quickly evolve into efficiently running organizations and leading communities. The Corps of Cadets is one of the most powerful tools to improve society that I have encountered, and I am thankful that I was able to spend my time at Texas A&M University on the Quad,” Carter said of his time in the Corps of Cadets.

Upon graduating from Texas A&M in the spring of 2022, Carter plans to enter a three-year Doctorate of Physical Therapy program in Texas. Following his completion of the program, Carter plans to open his own private orthopedic sports medicine clinic. Carter hopes that he will be able to assist individuals in overcoming their orthopedic injuries so they can regain the freedom to pursue their fitness and life goals.

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.

Jacob Abell ‘22

November 10, 2021 by rnelson

Hometown: Keller, Texas

Major: Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Spanish

Outfit: B-Company

Jacob Abell ‘22 is the 2021-2022 Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band Commander. Prior to becoming the Band Commander, Jacob followed in his father’s footsteps as a member of B-Company. Jacob is a member of the Ross Volunteer Company, the O.R. Simpson Honor Society, the Premed Society, and the Corps Marathon Team. His freshman year, Jacob was a proud member of the Fish Drill Team (FDT). During his time on FDT, Jacob played a role in the team’s success as they were named the National Champions at the Tulane drill competition in 2019.

Jacob has been accepted into Texas A&M’s Medical School through the Cadet to Medicine Program. Upon his graduation from Texas A&M, Jacob plans to attend Texas A&M’s Medical School and complete his military residency. After completing medical school, Jacob plans to serve as an orthopedic surgeon in the United States Army.