NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University honored members of the Armed Forces during Saturday’s doubleheader basketball game.  Military Appreciation Day included recognition of military personnel and the USO.

Veterans recognized by NSU’s Department of Military Science as honorees were Velverlon Holden and Major Leonard “Ted” Fowler, U.S. Army Retired, and Deana Flower, U.S. Army veteran.

From 1989 to 1997, Holden served in the Army and Army Reserve as a 91 Alpha – Medic and attained the rank of sergeant.  She served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Saudi Arabia, and then in Iraq with the 2nd Armored Division, Hell on Wheels.  Holden received her undergraduate degree from Grambling State University and her master’s at NSU where she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Holden is a teacher at Natchitoches Junior High – Frankie Ray Jackson School.  In addition to serving as the PE coach, she coaches the track team and the girls’ basketball team.   Holden is a Natchitoches native and was joined today by her grandson, Bryn, sister and brother, Fannie and Altorio Senior, and her nephew Altorio Junior.

recognized during Northwestern State University’s Feb. 11 basketball game. The Fowlers are long-time supporters of area veterans and the NSU ROTC Demon Battalion. From left are NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones, Dee and Ted Fowler, Lt. Col. Joshua Drake and Director of Athletics Kevin Bostian.

“Ted and Dee Fowler are two of the hardest working members of the community who serve on just about every board and volunteer for every committee, especially those that impact the lives of local veterans,” said Lt. Col. Joshua Drake, professor of military science.

During Saturday’s double-header, the Fowlers presided at a poppy information table in Prather Coliseum to raise funds for the local chapters of the VFW, the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary.

In support of Military Appreciation Day, today’s game day sponsor, Bank of Montgomery, made a donation to support the USO. Donations can be made to USO.org.

NSU’s Department of Military Science has a. history of honoring active and retired service members at home athletic contests.  To nominate an individual, contact Sid Hall at halls@nsula.edu/