NATCHITOCHES â Four graduating senior ROTC cadets from Northwestern State Universityâs 71st Demon Battalion were commissioned as second lieutenants in the United States Army Friday, concluding three days of commencement ceremonies and celebrations.
The cadets completed not only academic requirements for graduation, but also special military training to become an officer. The four took their oath during the sixth and final graduation ceremony May 7 and were commissioned in a separate ceremony that followed, joined by family and friends. Lt. Col. Wendell Bender, senior military instructor, issued the oath.
The new officers are 2nd Lt. Ethan P. Lewis of Dry Prong, 2nd Lt. Bruna F. Galarza of Leesville, 2nd Lt. Neil Ahldwin M. Garcia of Zachary, and 2nd Lt. Gennyfer Pena-Guzman of Kenner.