ASU ROTC commissions eight cadets as second lieutenants in U.S. Army

June 11, 2008 -- Arkansas State University’s Military Science Department commissioned eight ROTC cadets as second lieutenants into the United States Army during a ceremony in the ASU Convocation Center Auditorium May 9. Maj. Gen. Elder Granger, M.D., a 1976 ROTC alumnus and 2008 ASU Commencement guest speaker, conducted the swearing-in segment of the ceremony. Col. (ret.) Steven R. Sawdey, a 1982 alumnus of the master's degree program and former assistant professor of military science, was guest speaker.

Logan P. Allen of Jonesboro received a Bachelor of Science degree in business management. Allen was commissioned into the Arkansas Army National Guard, Corps of Engineers branch. He is the son of Ben S. Allen of Bryant, Ark. and Velda M. Wilson, of McGehee, Ark.

Brian N. Ballew of Jonesboro received a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture business and the Distinguished Military Graduate honor. Ballew was commissioned into the Arkansas Army National Guard, Corps of Engineers branch. He is the son of Randal N. and Teresa L. Ballew of Jonesboro, Ark., and Sharon Melton of Joplin, Mo.

John R. Harrell of Conway received a Bachelor of Science degree in business management, the Distinguished Military Graduate honor, and the George C. Marshall Award. Harrell was commissioned into the active Army as an Infantry officer. He is the son of Clois L. and Donna Harrell of Conway, Ark.

Megan N. Holcomb of Jonesboro received a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science. Holcomb was commissioned into the active Army and will serve in the Transportation Corps. She is the daughter of David M. and Theresa E. Horton of Star City, Ark., and is married to SFC Steve L. Holcomb, Arkansas Army National Guard.

Richard Aaron B. Hurst of Searcy received a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies. Hurst was commissioned into the Arkansas Army National Guard as an Armor officer. He is the son of Ricky L. and Robin R. Hurst of Searcy, Ark.

Courtney L. Russell of Jonesboro received a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science. Russell was commissioned into the Arkansas Army National Guard, Aviation branch. She is the daughter of Carlon L. and Gayla A. Smith of Searcy, Ark.

Elijah B. Stamps of Maumelle received a Bachelor of Science degree in business management and the Distinguished Military Graduate honor. Stamps was commissioned into the active Army, Armor branch. He is the son of Larry C. and Sandra L. Stamps of Hot Springs, Ark. and is married to Sara K. Stamps.

Joshua K. Wright of Searcy received a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies. Wright was commissioned into the active Army, Ordnance branch. He is the son of Bradley K. and Tonya L. Wright of Searcy and Terri M. Fowler.

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