NATCHITOCHES – For Breanna James of Stonewall, a desire to serve her country dovetailed with her pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Northwestern State University.  James will graduate this week with a Bachelor of Science and commission as a 2nd lieutenant through NSU’s ROTC program.  She has assessed Adjutant General’s Corps and will continue service in the Louisiana Army National Guard. Her initial assignment will be with the 528th Engineer Battalion in Monroe.

James’ family has a tradition of service in the U.S. Army and Navy.

“My Pawpaw always told me stories growing up of his experiences in the military and of my great grandparents, so I developed a very deep admiration for the men and women who served our country,” she said. “I always felt a strong calling to be a part of something greater than myself and to push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of.”

James graduated from North DeSoto High School in 2019 and enrolled at NSU as a first-generation college student. In 2021, she joined the Louisiana Army National Guard to become a 68W Combat Medic.  She is the first woman in her family to serve in the military. She decided to join NSU’s ROTC program as soon as she completed Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

“Before joining ROTC, I had heard multiple accounts of how outstanding the program was at NSU,” she said. “I knew that by joining NSU’s ROTC program, I would have the opportunity to develop into a great leader and achieve my goals of becoming an officer in the United States Army.”

When she was appointed as Cadet Company First Sergeant in the battalion, James led physical training sessions in the morning and formations throughout the week and coordinated with other cadets for the football games we worked during the fall semester. Later, she received more administrative roles where she formulated and sent out weekly training orders and operation orders. She also learned to plan and execute weekly labs and other events, growing her leadership skills.

She participated on teams such as Ranger Challenge, Color Guard and intramurals, as well as RSO events such as parades, paintball, water balloon fights, game and movie nights, potlucks and obstacle courses.

“Although our ultimate goal is to become commissioned officers in the Army, our cadre and other administrators in the program have always ensured that we have an awesome time in ROTC as we develop into leaders. In doing so, we forge bonds through our team-building activities and events that will last a lifetime.”

While at NSU, James’ most notable mentors were the cadre in the ROTC program, LTC Joshua Drake, MSG Michael Blakely, CPT Joseph Davis and Reeves Flurry.

“They have not only developed me as a leader, but they have also guided me in achieving my goals academically, physically and professionally,” James said. “I would not be the leader that I am today without them, so I am very grateful for their direction and support during my last few years in college.”

When James first joined the National Guard, her initial unit assignment was with the 2-108th Cavalry Squadron in Shreveport where she has served over two years.

“I am excited for my assignment with the 528th Engineer Battalion in Monroe. Once I complete the 12-week Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC) in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, I will serve as an Adjutant General Officer at my new unit.”

James has been accepted to graduate school at LSU-Shreveport where she will pursue a master’s degree in healthcare administration. She will complete BOLC and drill at her unit as Adjutant General Officer, which is a human resources officer for the U.S. Army.

“With my HR background that I will earn as an officer in the Army and my background in healthcare as a civilian, I would love to eventually advance to working in the HR department in the healthcare industry,” she said.

NSU will hold commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 8 and at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 9 in Prather Coliseum.  The ceremonies will also be streamed online. Details and answers to Frequently Asked Questions are available at www.nsula.edu/graduation. The Commissioning ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 9 in the Friedman Student Union Ballroom.

Information on NSU’s ROTC program can be found at www.nsula.edu/rotc.