Ross Volunteer Company

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.

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.

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.

Megan Ging ’22

September 22, 2021 by amy.thompson

Hometown: Bay City, Texas

Major: Master's of Human Resource Management

Outfit: Company G-1

Megan Ging ’22 currently serves as a Platoon Leader in Company G-1, and is also a member of the Ross Volunteer Company and the O.R. Simpson Honor Society. In May of 2021, Megan graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing.

Megan is a fifth-generation Aggie, following in the footsteps of her great-great-grandfather Nelson Bass, Class of 1923, and several other Aggies in her family tree.

Off the Quad, Megan is involved in Traditions Council and Aggie Network Student Ambassadors. She also works as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Department of Management at Mays Business School.

Following the completion of her Master’s degree in December of 2022, Megan plans to begin her career as a Human Resources generalist before moving into a role with a focus on Training & Organizational Development.

“Being a member of the Corps of Cadets has given me the opportunity to become fully immersed in the traditions of Texas A&M and develop as a leader while challenging myself to grow in ways I never imagined,” she said of her time in the Corps.