Squadron 16

Leslie Contreras-Ruiz ’23

September 21, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Major: Business Marketing

Outfit: Squadron 16

Originally a member of Squadron 16, Leslie Contreras-Ruiz currently serves on Corps Staff.

Off the Quad, Leslie is involved in the Texas A&M Collegiate Sales Team, where she has competed at the national level. Leslie is an active member of the Sales Club, and serves as a campus brand ambassador for Samsung and Celsius.

“I can certainly say that these past three years have not been easy, but they have been worth it. I have made long life friends and have seen myself and others grow along the way. I found myself getting out of my comfort zone and always eager to achieve more, whether it was through leadership opportunities or a chance to make an impact on someone. What comes easy won’t last, what does last won’t come easy,” Leslie said of her time in the Corps.

After graduating from Texas A&M in December, Leslie plans to work full-time in the oil & gas industry as a sales representative.

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.