By Sid Hall, Military Affairs Coordinator / ROTC Program Manager
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Department of Military Science conducted an activation ceremony for the 75th Demon Battalion Thursday, Aug. 29. The military tradition allows the commander to assess the readiness and discipline of the unit and commemorates the unit’s history and lineage. ROTC’s curriculum and training ensures cadets’ scholastic, athletic and leadership abilities are developed and tested, preparing each for their career paths.
“What a great new year we have in store for the Demon Battalion,” said Lieutenant Colonel Josh Drake, professor of Military Science. “Last year, we recruited our largest freshman class in over 25 years, and I am happy to report we’ve topped our record.
“Retention is almost more important than recruiting, and we are excelling there as well,” Drake continued. “While cadre can take much of the credit for recruiting, cadets have earned the credit for retention. Not only do they mentor and assist each other with studies, but they’ve instituted family activities to form stronger bonds to care for one another. After all these years of soldiering, it is truly wonderful to watch how the younger generation has identified the need to care for one another so early in their careers.”
Joining the program this semester are Lamyah Baker of Shreveport, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Eric Cao of Morgan City, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Physical Science; John Clinger of Bossier City, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Mia Cole of DeRidder, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems; Courtney Deans of Shreveport, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Rebecca Deaton of Leesville, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice; Thomas DeMar of West Monroe, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accounting; Tin Huynh of Morgan City, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology through the Louisiana Scholars’ College; Jazmyn Johnson of Shreveport, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology through the Louisiana Scholars’ College; Chaslynn Jones of Alexandria, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Jaida Kelly of Greenwood, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Morgan Lee of Shreveport, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and Jackson Lester of Iowa, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science.
Also joining are Caitlin Moak of Robeline, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology; William Moore of Leesville, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Applied Microbiology; Mariah Morris of Shreveport, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Hallie O’Halloran of Deville, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Marivel Rodriguez of Leesville, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Keniah Snow of Shreveport, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences; Destiny Theriot of Gheens, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and Tourism; Hailey Viator of Maurice, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and Shalonda Wells of Alexandria, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Sisters, Aniyah and Lanai Miller of LeCompte are new to the program. Aniyah is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine and Graphic Arts, and Lanai is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.
Also new is Joao Vitor Dos Santos of Fort Johnson, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. With over three years as an enlisted soldier, Dos Santos joined the program under the Army’s Green to Gold program, which provides eligible active duty enlisted soldiers an opportunity to complete their first baccalaureate degree or first graduate degree and earn a commission as an Army officer.
The Demon Battalion Commander and Company First Sergeant, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Caiden Matthews of Shreveport and Cadet First Sergeant Layla Theriot of Gheens, attached the streamer of the 75th Demon Battalion symbolizing the activation of the Battalion.
This year’s Battalion staff includes Cadet Command Sergeant Major Jaylon James of Stonewall; Executive Officer, Cadet Major Jan Amutan of Bossier City; Battalion Operations Officer, Cadet Major Damarkus Lawson of Fort Johnson; Personnel Officer, Cadet Captain Brendan Campbell of Pearland, Texas; Intelligence and Recruiting Officer, Cadet Captain Christian Holmes of Shreveport; Company Commander and Logistics Officer, Cadet Captain Ethan Jones of Montgomery; Communications Officer, Cadet Captain Jemena Leopoldo of Vivian; Physical Training Officer, Cadet Captain Lawson Turner of Haughton, and the Battalion’s Color Sergeant, Cadet Sergeant First Class Colton Wood of Ragley.
In his remarks, Matthews offered advice to the Corps of Cadets by quoting General George Patton.
“Always do more than is required of you,” Matthew said. “I ask that you take the initiative to strive for excellence, both mentally and physically, so that you may lead your Soldiers by example.”
Cadets were then recognized for their summer achievements.
ROTC Advanced Camp is a 35-day training event designed to develop cadets’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills and forge them into tough, adaptable leaders who can thrive in ambiguous and complex environments. Cadets Holmes, James, and Matthews completed Advanced Camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
Sophomore Cadets stand in as the “enemy” on the opposing forces to facilitate Advanced Camp field training exercises. Cadet Jones volunteered for this duty, which will help to prepare him for Advanced Camp next summer.
Cadet Troop Leader Training provides the opportunity to shadow Army officers and learn first-hand how active duty units operate and conduct training. Two Demons participated this summer.
Cadet Holmes served with the 239th Forward Support Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 17thField Artillery Brigade, Joint Base Lewis – McChord, Washington.
At Fort Cavasos, Texas, Cadet Matthews served with B Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1stCavalry Brigade.
The scope of the Army Air Assault School is to train on missions performed by rotary wing aircraft, aircraft safety, aero-medical evacuation procedures, pathfinder operations, principles and techniques of combat assaults, rappelling techniques and sling-load operations. Cadet Jacob Mullican of DeRidder and Major Kegan Davis, the program’s assistant professor of Military Science, were recognized for earning their Air Assault wings. Both agree with the school’s moniker, “The Ten Toughest Days in the Army.”
When students first enroll in an ROTC class, they have no military obligation. By choosing to contract, cadets demonstrate not only their physical fitness and academic excellence, but also their desire to serve a higher purpose through service to the nation. Cadets Megan Franchino of Santa Rita, Guam, and Dos Santos contracted as the Demon Battalion looked on.
Before closing out the ceremony, Wise Family Foundation Scholarships, established by the family of Major General (Retired) Erbon W. Wise of Sulphur, were awarded to first-year Cadets Clinger, Lester, Aniyah and Lanai Miller and Wells.
Information on Northwestern State’s ROTC program is available at
https://rotc.nsula.edu/.
