The Natchitoches City Council presented 1SG (R) Michael L. Selby with special recognition at its meeting on April 24.
“You honor me here today and I am humble in your presence,” Selby said. “Serving this community, the kids, the cadets [JROTC Program at Natchitoches Central High School] has made it all worthwhile. I cherish their success and look forward to the things they do in life and all the things they become.”
He served the JROTC Program at Natchitoches Central for 17 years and said he has never worked a day because it’s always been fun for him. His mother’s health issues pulling him away from the program.
“Your children deserve me 100 percent,” he added. “Nothing less is acceptable to me. That’s why I’m stepping away. If I can’t give you 100 percent, I don’t think I should do it. Your kids mean that much to me”
First Sergeant (R) Michael L. Selby was born in Belhaven, North Carolina January 22, 1963. He graduated from Mattamuskeet High School June 12, 1981. He entered the U. S. Army in June 29, 1981 completing Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. First Sergeant Selby retired from the U.S. Army 1 July 2004. During his 23 years of service, First Sergeant Selby has held leadership positions as Section Chief, Gunnery Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant, Intelligence NCOIC, First Sergeant, and Senior Military Instructor at Lehigh University.
His assignments include: 1st Battalion 39th Field Artillery, Kitzingen Germany; 3rd Battalion 6th Field Artillery, Fort Riley, Kansas; 2nd Battalion 11th Field Artillery, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; 1st Battalion 20th Field Artillery 1st Calvary Division, Fort Hood, Texas; 5th Battalion, 41st Field Artillery, Germany; 1st Battalion, 507th PIR Charlie Company, Fort Benning, Georgia; 5th Battalion 8th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; 120th Infantry Brigade, Fort Chaffee, Arkansas; 2nd Battalion 82nd Field Artillery, 1st Calvary Division, Fort Hood, Texas; Lehigh University ROTC, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and is currently the JROTC Instructor at Natchitoches Central High School.
His Military & civilian education and training includes: the Primary Leadership Course, the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, the Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course, Airborne School, Air Assault Course, Combat Lifesaver Course, Instructor Training Course, First Sergeants Course, Cadet Command Leadership Course, and the Junior ROTC Leadership Course, and an Associate’s Degree from Central Texas College.
First Sergeant Selby’s awards and decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal (4 Oak Leaf Cluster); Army Commendation Medal (4 Oak Leaf Cluster); Army Achievement Medal (7 Oak Leaf Clusters); Good Conduct Medal (7th Award); National Defense Service Medal; Southwest Asia Service Medal; NCO Professional Development Ribbon (with Numeral 3); Army Service Ribbon; Kuwait Liberation Medal; Saudi Arabia Kuwait Liberation Medal (2 bronze stars); Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Parachutist Badge; and Air Assault; was also awarded the Natchitoches Central High School 2017-2018 Teacher of the Year; Natchitoches Parish 2018-2019 Teacher of the year.
He is married to Donna Lynn Selby. They have four children three daughters, Antoinette and Ambrosia, Aaliyah, one son Aaron and three grandchildren. They currently reside in Leesville, Louisiana.
