Kennett Ho

Vanguard Commander – Founder & CEO

Previous Leadership Roles:
Maryvale High School Army JROTC
– Armed Drill Team Commander (’23/24)
– Air Rifle Team Commander (’23/24)
– Raider Team Event Captain (’22)
– Battalion Commander (’23/24)
– S-2/5 | Security & Public Affairs Officer (’22/23)

ASU Air Force ROTC
– Armed Duo Co-Commander (’25)

Why Panther Vanguard?
I built Panther Vanguard because after graduating from Maryvale, I realized something: there were no longer opportunities within Arizona for me to continue competing or training with a team.

Drill has always been one of my greatest passions. After graduation, I felt like I lost a sense of purpose because there was no longer a team to train with or a realistic competition to work toward, especially for those without access to out-of-state travel, transportation, or funding opportunities needed to compete on the West Coast.

Because of this, I wanted to begin building something here in Arizona, starting in the Metro Phoenix area. My goal is to create more opportunities for drillers through competitions open to both high school students and post-high school graduates alike, while also hosting events where drillers across the valley can connect, train, socialize, and learn from one another.

More than anything, I want to help build a lasting community that strengthens drill culture within our Grand Canyon State.

Vanguard Role:
As Vanguard Commander, I oversee the overall direction, growth, and organizational development of The Panther Vanguard. I lead long-term planning, organizational structure, community initiatives, and the expansion of drill opportunities throughout Arizona while helping shape the culture and vision behind the organization.

Xavier Cohen

Command Sergeant Major – Co-Founder & Chief Operation Officer (COO)

Previous Leadership Roles:
Maryvale High School Army JROTC
– Unarmed Commander (’24-26)

Why Panther Vanguard?

Vanguard Role:
As Command Sergeant Major, I oversee drill standards, operational discipline, and the development of Panther Vanguard’s training culture. I help lead team coordination, mentorship, and operational readiness while supporting the organization’s long-term growth and vision.

Elias Contreras

Command Sustainment Officer – Co-Founder & Vice President (VP)

Previous Leadership Roles:
Maryvale High School Army JROTC
– Raider Team Commander (’22/23)
– Unarmed Commander (’22/23)

Why Panther Vanguard?

Vanguard Role:
As Command Sustainment Officer, I oversee organizational sustainment, administrative coordination, and long-term structural development within Panther Vanguard. I help manage internal planning, logistics, documentation, and organizational systems while supporting the continued growth and stability of the organization.

Yasmin Gamez

Executive Officer (XO)

Previous Leadership Roles:
Maryvale High School Army JROTC
– Unarmed Drill Team Commander (’25/26)
– Air Rifle Team Commander (’25/26)
– S-4 Logistics Officer (’25/26)

Why Panther Vanguard?

Vanguard Role:
As Executive Officer, I oversee internal coordination, organizational administration, and day-to-day command support within Panther Vanguard. I help manage communication between leadership staff, assist with organizational planning and accountability, and support the continued development and structure of the organization.

Mia Gordillo

S-1 | Personnel & Administration Officer

Previous Leadership Roles:
Maryvale High School Army JROTC
– Armed Drill TL (’23/24)

Why Panther Vanguard?

Vanguard Role:
As S-1 for Personnel & Administration, I oversee personnel management, administrative organization, and internal recordkeeping within Panther Vanguard. I help maintain accountability, coordinate member onboarding and documentation, and support the organizational structure and day-to-day administrative functions of the command team.

Shelsy Castaneda

S-2 | Intelligence & Safety Officer

Previous Leadership Roles:
Maryvale High School Army JROTC
– Color Guard Commander (’24-26)
– Command Sergeant Major (’25/26)

Why Panther Vanguard?

Vanguard Role:
As S-2 for Intelligence & Safety, I oversee safety awareness, risk management, and internal accountability within Panther Vanguard. I help support operational preparedness, maintain situational awareness for events and activities, and assist in promoting a safe, disciplined, and organized environment for members and participants.

Peyton Shinn

S-3 | Operations & Training Officer

Previous Leadership Roles:
Las Vegas (?) Air Force JROTC
– Armed Drill Team Commander (’23/24)

ASU Air Force ROTC
– Armed Duo Commander (’25)

Why Panther Vanguard?

Vanguard Role:
As S-3 for Operations & Training, I oversee training development, operational planning, and drill readiness within Panther Vanguard. I help coordinate practices, events, and organizational activities while supporting the continued growth of Panther Vanguard’s competitive and training culture.

John Calen

S-6 | Public Affairs & Communications Officer

Previous Leadership Roles:
Maryvale High School Army JROTC
– Color Guard Rifle Guardsman (’24-26)
– Battalion Photographer (’25/26)

Why Panther Vanguard?

Vanguard Role:
As S-6 for Public Affairs & Communications, I oversee public communication, media coordination, and organizational outreach within Panther Vanguard. I help manage the organization’s public presence, support internal and external communications, and assist in promoting Panther Vanguard’s events, initiatives, and continued growth throughout Arizona.