NATCHITOCHES – In continuing its tradition of honoring those who serve in the nation’s Armed Forces, Northwestern State University recognized the military service of Sergeant Major (SGM) Blake Fowler as the honorary captain during its football game against Nicholls State University Oct. 24.
Sergeant Major (SGM) Fowler is a native of Natchitoches and entered service with the Louisiana Army National Guard in January 1997 while a junior at Natchitoches Central High School. He attended One-Station Unit Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, as a Tank Crewman (19K) and later reclassified as a Cavalryman (19D) in 2007 and again in 2008 as a Unit Supply Specialist (92Y).
Fowler is currently serving as the J4 Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Louisiana Army National Guard Joint Force Headquarters at Camp Beauregard, Pineville. In this role, he serves as the enlisted advisor for logistical operations for over 10,000 Soldiers across the state.
His previous assignments include Tank Crewman from 1997-2006; Supply Sergeant from 2007-2014 for Alpha Troop, 2-108th Cavalry Squadron in Natchitoches; Senior Supply Sergeant for the 199th Bridge Support Battalion in Alexandria, from 2014-2018, and Senior Supply Supervisor for the 225th Engineer Brigade at Camp Beauregard from 2018-2025.
His overseas tours include three deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004, Operation New Dawn in 2010, and Operation Inherent Resolve in 2019. SGM Fowler has also had numerous state activations to support the citizens of Louisiana during all-hazard events such as hurricanes, winter storms and wildfires.
Fowler’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, and various other campaign and service awards.
He currently resides in Natchitoches with his wife of 25 years, Kara Krouse Fowler. His oldest child, Scott Fowler, graduated from NSU in 2024 and lives in Dallas. His son, Preston Fowler, is currently attending NSU.
Fowler was escorted on field by NSU President James Genovese, and U.S. Army Captain Armando Lopez, head of NSU’s Department of Military Science.