NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Demon Regiment hosted the 79th Deon Battalion Military Ball April 11, an occasion in which senior ROTC cadets were recognized and Col. Gayland D. Muse was inducted as the newest member of the Demon Regiment Hall of Fame.
Demon Battalion Commander Cadet Layla Theriot Wood of Gheens was named this year’s recipient of the MG (R) Erbon W. Wise Touchstone Award, presented annually to a cadet who is the model of good citizenship. The honoree not only embodies Army values and warrior ethos but is recognized for contributing beyond the expected and encourages others to do the same.
Demon Battalion Commander Cadet Layla Theriot Wood of Gheens was named this year’s recipient of the MG (R) Erbon W. Wise Touchstone Award.
Col. J. Adam Barlow, garrison commander at Fort Polk, was guest speaker.
Col. J. Adam Barlow, garrison commander at Fort Polk, was guest speaker at the 76th Demon Battalion Military Ball. LTC Tyrek Swaby, professor of Military Science, presented a certificate of thanks.
Muse was unable to attend. Maj. (R) Richard Hooter, Marketing Officer for the Demon Regiment Executive Council, accepted the award on his behalf.
Muse was commissioned as a U.S. Army Infantry officer upon graduating from Northwestern State in May 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Management. He later earned a Master of Science degree in International Studies from Troy State University in 1984. His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Course, the Ranger Course, the Airborne Course, Initial Entry Rotary-Wing Aviator Course, Aircraft Maintenance Officer Course, Pathfinder Course, Foreign Area Officer Course, Spanish Language Course, Colombia Command & General Staff Course, UH-60 Blackhawk Transition Course and the Defense Institute for Security Assistance Management Course.
He retired from active duty in 2004 after over 29 years of service, which included over 13 years in overseas assignments. He earned numerous awards and decorations, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, two Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal and over 24 other medals and badges indicating a distinguished service and accomplishments.
Col. Gayland D. Muse was inducted as a member of the Demon Regiment Hall of Fame. He was unable to attend. The award, presented by Lt. Col. (R) Arthur Smalley, Regimental Chief of Staff for the Demon Regiment Executive Council, was accepted on Muse’s behalf by Maj. (R) Richard Hooter, Marketing Officer for the Demon Regiment Executive Council.
Northwestern State’s Department of Military Science and Leadership is part of the Gallaspy Family College of Education and Human Development. The program develops students into confident leaders through Army ROTC training, academics and hands-on experience.
Information is available at: https://www.nsula.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/gallaspy-college-of-education-human-development/military-science-and-leadership/
Next year’s ball will be held Saturday, April 11, 2027.
ROTC Senior Military Science Instructor MSG Michael Blakely, LTC Josh Drake, recently retired senior military instructor, and Sid Hall, recently retired ROTC program manager/NSU Military Affairs coordinator, were named honorary members of the Regiment. The honors were presented by Lt. Col. (R) Arthur Smalley, Regimental Chief of Staff for the Demon Regiment Executive Council.