Northwestern State University’s Department of Military Science commissioned two graduating ROTC cadets as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army Friday in conjunction with fall commencement.  Alejandro M. Cespedes of Fort Polk and Coleman Hearne of Bossier City were recognized during a ceremony that included the administration of oaths, a pinning ceremony, first salutes and the presentation of gifts.

Cespedes was commissioned as an Army Aviation Officer.  He graduated from NSU with two degrees, a Bachelor of Arts in history and a Bachelor of Science in general studies, with an overall grade point average of 3.95. He plans to pursue a Master of Science degree in homeland security at NSU.

Cespedes enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in 2011 and joined the Demon Battalion in 2014.  He became a contracted cadet through the Simultaneous Membership Program where he served with the 303^rd Quartermaster Company in Lake Charles.  While at NSU, he served as the Cadet Company Commander and participated in the 2015 Ranger Challenge.

Hearne commissioned as an officer in the Louisiana National Guard and will serve as a military policeman.  He graduated from NSU with a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice and plans to pursue a Master of Science degree in homeland security and a career in law enforcement.

Hearne is a native of Blanchard and enlisted in the Louisiana National Guard in 2009 and joined the Demon Battalion in 2011.  In 2011, he was nominated for Soldier of the Year for the 773^rd Military Police Battalion.  In 2012, he reclassified as a military policeman.  While in the ROTC program, he served as the Battalion Signal and Communications Officer.

Colonel Brian P. Sullivan, Chief of Staff of the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, was guest speaker at the commissioning ceremony.