Northwestern State University graduating senior Gavin Trent Bazer, center, was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Friday in conjunction with fall commencement exercises. Bazer is a native of Benton who followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather in serving in the military. Having earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Bazer has been assessed Military Police.

He was congratulated by Colonel Nelson G. Kraft, commissioning guest speaker, left, and Lt. Col. Katherine Carlson, head of NSU’s Department of Military Science.