Northwestern State University ROTC Cadets Christian Holmes of Shreveport, Ethan Jones of Montgomery, Lawson Turner of Haughton and Layla Wood of Gheens commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army during spring commencement May 13 with a separate commissioning ceremony hosted by NSU’s Department of Military Science for family and friends on May 14.
Holmes earned a Bachelor of General Studies degree with a minor in military leadership and was selected for active duty in the Chemical Corps where he will serve as a chemical officer. As a member of the Demon Battalion, Holmes earned several notable honors, including the Most Improved GPA Award and the prestigious Auburn Honor Medal. He actively participated in battalion intramural competitions and demonstrated leadership serving as First Sergeant, Assistant S4, S2 and Executive Officer. Holmes was also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity serving as historian, chapter president, step master and membership chair.
Jones earned a Bachelor of Science in biology and commissioned into the U.S. Army Chemical Corps to serve on active duty. He will attend the Chemical Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Leonard-Wood, Missouri. Jones joined the NSU Rowing Team as a freshman and simultaneously swore into the Louisiana National Guard. He was assigned to the C-Troop, 2-108th Cavalry in Coushatta as his National Guard unit. Jones joined ROTC in 2022 serving on the Color Guard and on the Ranger Challenge team and as the Demon Battalion’s Recruiting Officer, Supply Officer, Company Commander, Operations Officer and Battalion Executive Officer…