Ross Volunteer Company

Madison Beall ’22

May 11, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Katy, Texas

Major: Biomedical Sciences

Outfit: Company E-2

The 2021-2022 Second Regiment Major Unit Commander, Madison Beall ’22 is originally from Company E-2.

In addition to her role as a Major Unit Commander, Madison also served as a Ross Volunteer, and was a member of the O.R. Simpson Honor Society. Previously, Madison served as E-2’s 1st Sergeant and as the Second Handler to Miss Reveille IX as a sophomore.

“The Corps has provided an opportunity for personal growth and development through leadership opportunities. Through the respectful environment, self-discipline and integrity were instilled, enabling success in the future,” Madison said of her time in the Corps.

After graduation, Madison will attend Texas A&M’s College of Medicine and has been admitted into the U.S. Army’s Health Professions Scholarship Program. After graduating from the College of Medicine, Madison plans to commision into the U.S. Army and serve in the Army’s Medical Corps.

Michael Rodriguez-Garza ’22

May 4, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Harlingen, Texas

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Outfit: Company A-1

The 2021-2022 Commanding Officer of Company A-1, Michael Rodriguez-Garza also serves as a Ross Volunteer.

Previously, Michael served as a Weapons Squad Leader for Rudder’s Rangers.

“I joined the Corps of Cadets to define who I was. To me, the Corps is a place to practice discipline and show erudition. Over my four years here, I have been able to hone my skills and become the leader I was meant to be. I have endured many challenges throughout my Corps experience, and I am able to look back on them and be proud of what I have accomplished,” Michael said of his time in the Corps.

After graduation, Michael will commission into the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant. Michael would like to serve as an Engineering Officer.

Ivan Carrasco ’22

April 27, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Spring, Texas

Major: Computer Science

Outfit: Squadron 21

The current Commanding Officer of Squadron 21, Ivan Carrasco ’22 also previously served as the outfit’s First Sergeant. In addition to his leadership within the outfit, Ivan is a member of the Ross Volunteer Company.

Off the Quad, Ivan is a member of the Canterbury Episcopal Student Center and Texas A&M’s Defense Cyber Leadership Development Program.

“The Corps of Cadets has provided me with challenges that helped develop me into the man that I am today and has given me lifelong friends,” Ivan said of his experience with the Corps.

After graduating from Texas A&M, Ivan plans to commission into the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant, where he hopes to work as a Cyber Warfare Officer.

Landon Viera ’22

March 23, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Las Cruces, New Mexico

Major: Civil Engineering

Outfit: Squadron 16

Landon Viera ‘22 is a member of Squadron 16 and is also a Ross Volunteer, where he serves as the Squat Platoon Leader. Previously, Landon was awarded 2nd Wing’s Most Outstanding Cadet and the Air Force ROTC Warrior Spirit Award.

Off the Quad, Landon is a member of Texas A&M’s chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Landon is also preparing to run his first marathon in April, in an event that will benefit the Hill Country Youth Ranch.

“The Corps has done so much for me, to the point that it is difficult to put it into words. I’ve developed family-level relationships with my buddies, experienced the gift of getting to mentor and be mentored, overcome physical and mental boundaries I’d never entertain elsewhere, served our campus, community and beyond. In my opinion, one of the most critical things that I’ve gained from the Corps is an amazing candid life experience. None of my successes or failures came without putting forth my best effort, and I take great pride in that. It is guaranteed that college has a lot to offer, no matter where you go, but it’s also guaranteed that the Corps has way more to offer in addition – whether you’re looking to be the best of the best in the civilian sector or military,” Landon said of his time in the Corps.

Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Landon will commission into the United States Air Force, where he hopes to be a pilot.

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.