Poultry Science celebrates former student and veteran for Veteran’s Day
Aaron A. "Gunny" Smith '20 of Kerrville, Texas, is a former poultry science student and member of the Corps of Cadets in the Delta Company. Prior to attending Texas A&M, he was a Gunnery Sergeant (E-7) in the United States Marine Corps.
During his 18 years in the Marines as a Small Unit Infantry Leader and a Marine Security Guard Detachment Commander, Smith traveled to five out of the seven continents.
As a student at Texas A&M Aaron performed exemplary both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. He was awarded the COALS Alpha Zeta Outstanding Sophomore Award and Thomas S. Gathright Award in 2018, COALS Alpha Zeta Outstanding Junior Award 2019, and the COALS Senior Merit Award in 2020.
He played an active roll in the Poultry Science Department where he worked at the Poultry Science Research, Teaching, and Extension Center and in Dr. Morgan Farnell's lab. Aaron was an involved member of the Texas A&M Poultry Science Club and held an officer position as Treasurer. He participated in the International Poultry Production Mexico Study Abroad program, and was a familiar face at all departmental events such as Steak Fry, wingbandings, and holiday celebrations.
Currently, Aaron is a Breeder Field Representative for Wayne-Sanderson Farms at the Kinston Complex in Kinston, North Carolina. Aaron says that his degree prepared him to hit the ground running in his career by giving him the tools to identify deficiencies and create resolutions. He enjoys educating the public about the poultry industry and seeing their "lightbulb moment" when they learn the truth behind where their food comes from, especially regarding the egg industry.
In his free time, Aaron enjoys exploring the great outdoors and fishing, spending time with his family, and chowing down on some BBQ chicken.
