By Margaret Bell

Facilitator of Military Science / Office Manager

NATCHITOCHES – In continuing its tradition of honoring those who serve in the nation’s Armed Forces, Northwestern State University named First Sergeant Edward Kelly, U.S. Army Retired, the honorary captain during the Demon football game on Sept. 30.

For over 23 years, Kelly served the U.S. Army Transportation Corps as a Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant and First Sergeant.  He has worked for NSU’s ROTC program for over nine years and is currently serving as ROTC’s Logistical Supply Technician.

Kelly proudly recalls the highlight of his career of serving as a First Sergeant at Fort Eustis Virginia, deploying with over 200 soldiers for Operation Enduring Freedom.  He has served at Fort Eustis, Fort Cavazos, Texas; two tours to Korea; Izmir, Turkey, and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, to complete nine military assignments.

Kelly’s military education includes the Instructor Trainer Course, Battle Staff Course, Primary Leadership Development Course, the Basic and Advance Non-Commissioned Officer Courses, as well as the First Sergeant Course.  His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal (6th Award), Army Achievement Medal (9th Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and the NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award).  Kelly is also a member of the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and serves as the Junior Vice Commander for Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1962 in Natchitoches.

Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Columbia Southern University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Transportation and Logistics Management from American Military University.

Kelly hails from Mobile, Alabama, and was joined by Ms. Debbie Hobdy and his brother, First Sergeant Michael Kelly, U.S. Army Retired.  He was escorted on field by Dr. Marcus Jones, President of Northwestern, and Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Smalley, U.S. Army Retired, Northwestern Demon Regiment Chief of Staff.

Pictured:

First Sergeant Edward Kelly was the Honorary Captain for the NSU Demons Sept. 30 football game.  From left are LTC Josh Drake, professor of Military Science; Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Smalley, Demon Regiment chief of staff; Edward Kelly, NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones and First Sergeant Michael Kelly.