Out Of State Cadets

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.

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.

Brendan Ertle ‘22

October 13, 2021 by amy.thompson

Hometown: Manasquan, New Jersey

Major: International Politics & Diplomacy with minors in Russian & Military Studies

Outfit: Company D-2

Originally from Company D-2, Brendan Ertle ‘22 currently serves as the Second Brigade Major Unit Commander. Brendan is a member of the Ross Volunteer Company.

On the Quad, Brendan has been involved in a variety of activities. As a junior, Brendan served as the Sergeant Major for Second Brigade. During his sophomore year, Brendan earned the coveted Rudders Rangers pin. In his free time, Brendan enjoys hiking, lifting, and reading up on military history.

Upon graduating, Brendan will commission into the United States Army and plans to branch Armor. He also plans to one day serve as a special forces officer with the Army.

Grace Pick ’22

September 22, 2021 by amy.thompson

Hometown: Owatonna, Minnesota

Major: Kinesiology

Outfit: Squadron 8

Grace Pick ‘22 currently serves as the First Regiment Major Unit Commander. Prior to being named the Major Unit Commander, Grace was a member of Squadron 8.

Grace is also a member of the Ross Volunteer Company. Off the Quad, she is a member of the women’s organization Aggie Belles, who work closely with the Aggie Miracle Network in volunteering at Aggiethon, an event that benefits the Children’s Miracle Network.

Following graduation from Texas A&M, Grace plans to attend medical school through the Cadet to Medicine Program; a program that allows cadets interested in medical school to partake in various experiences and mentorship opportunities in the medical field. Upon her completion of medical school, Grace plans to become a flight surgeon.

“I am extremely grateful for my time here at A&M and would not be the person I am today without the Corps of Cadets,” Grace said. “I have learned the importance of first learning to follow before being able to lead in any capacity. I also believe the best way to grow is to step out of our comfort zone, and the Corps has definitely helped me enjoy being uncomfortable. I am excited for senior year and cherishing each day with the little time we have left."