NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Department of Military Science honored veterans as the university played host to the Southland Conference Women’s Soccer Tournament.

The first game’s military honoree was Staff Sergeant Brandi Johnson. Johnson has served in the Army National Guard for over 16 years.  She completed a one-year deployment to Kuwait and is currently the Supply Sergeant for Alpha Troop, 2nd Squadron, 108th Cavalry in Natchitoches.  Johnson hails from Bayou Chicot. She has trained for Combat Medic, Motor Transport Operator, Supply and Medical Readiness Manager.  In addition to certifications for Active Shooter and Heavy Equipment Transport, she holds the national certification in Emergency Medical Services.

The second honoree was Lieutenant Colonel Harold Foster, U.S. Army Retired. Foster retired from the Army after serving over 30 years as an Infantry officer.  His combat service includes Kabul, Afghanistan, from 2003 to 2004.  His final assignment was Training and Operations Officer for the Regional Training Center, 108th Training Command, Fort Hunter Liggett, California.

Foster is an alumnus of NSU’s graduate school.  He completed the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Captain’s Career Course, and the US Army Command and General Staff College.

Lieutenant Colonel Foster hails from Jacksonville, North Carolina.  When asked to characterize his service, he replied, “I just enjoyed my job, wherever it took me… from California to Afghanistan and places in between.”

A third honoree, Staff Sergeant David Putman, U.S. Army Retired, was unable to attend the game. Putman retired from the Army after serving over 17 years as a Cavalry non-commissioned officer.  His combat service includes two one-year tours in Afghanistan.  His final assignment was serving as a Squad Leader for 2nd Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry Regiment in Afghanistan and Fort Bliss, Texas.

In addition to completing Military Occupational Specialty and Leadership Schools with the Army, he attended Louisiana State University.  Putman’s hometown is St. Louis, Missouri, and he noted that his military service highlight was the opportunity for worldwide travel.