By Sid Hall,
Military Affairs Coordinator / ROTC Program Manager
NATCHITOCHES – In an event steeped in military tradition, Northwestern State University’s Department of Military Science co-hosted their annual military ball with their alumni organization, the Northwestern Demon Regiment, Saturday, April 13. The ball featured graduating seniors presented through an Arch of Steel, formal toasts, the Fallen Soldier’s Table, a streamer ceremony, change of command and recognition of the program’s supporters.
The peer-selected Legacy Cadet is Cadet Arianna Astorga of New Iberia. She credited her parents’ military service as her inspiration for training to become an Army Logistics officer. She thanked the Corps of Cadets, cadre, and alumni for their support throughout her journey.
Cadet Loren Higginbotham of Jennings, Commander of the Demon Battalion, was awarded the Major General Erbon W. Wise Touchstone Award. The department’s highest award is presented annually to a cadet who is the model of good citizenship. The honoree not only embodies the Army Values and Warrior Ethos but is recognized for contributing beyond the expected and encourages others to do the same.
The keynote speaker was Colonel Derek Johnson, Deputy Commander, Operations Group, Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Johnson. Colonel Johnson served in numerous command and staff assignments across Airborne, Light, Ranger and Mechanized units and has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Two distinguished alumni of the university’s ROTC program were inducted into the Demon Regiment’s Hall of Fame. Inductees are Colonel (Retired) Wayne R. Sears and the late Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Richard “Dickie” Rogers. Individuals are selected for their service to the nation and their communities, each having made a lasting impact to serve as examples for cadets to emulate throughout their careers.
Later in the evening, a Change of Command ceremony was held to pass the mantle of Demon Regiment leadership from Lieutenant General (Retired) Joseph Cosumano Jr. to Colonel (Retired) William Gates. The passing of the colors demonstrates to the unit that the outgoing commander has passed the mantle of leadership to the new commander and with it must also pass their loyalty.
Northwestern State’s graduating cadets will commission into the Army during a ceremony at 2 p.m., Thursday, May 9, in the Student Union Ballroom. The Demon Battalion will celebrate its diamond anniversary during the 75th Demon Battalion Military Ball scheduled for Saturday, May 12, 2025, at the Student Union Ballroom.
Information on NSU’s Department of Military Science and the Northwestern Demon Regiment can be found at https://www.nsula.edu/rotc.
Cadet Loren Higginbotham of Jennings, Commander of the Demon Battalion, right, was awarded the Major General Erbon W. Wise Touchstone Award. LTC Joshua Drake presented the award.
Col. Wayne R. Sears, U.S. Army Retired, was inducted into the Northwestern State University Demon Regiment Hall of Fame. Sears graduated from NSU in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Resources Management and commissioned active duty as an Infantry officer. From left are LTC Arthur Smalley, Sears and Colonel (Retired) William Gates.
The late Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Richard “Dickie” Rogers was inducted into the NSU Demon Regiment Hall of Fame. Rogers graduated from NSU in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and commissioned as an active duty Infantry officer. From left are LTC Arthur Smalley, Mrs. Leah Rogers, Cpt. Ryan Rogers and Colonel (Retired) William Gates.
