NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University Athletics and Department of Military Science honored members of the U.S. Armed Services with Military Appreciation Day during the basketball doubleheader Feb. 3.  Select honorees were Ted Duggan, his son Ted Duggan II and Staff Sgt. Richard Spikes.

After commissioning through NSU’s ROTC Program in 1957, Ted Duggan Sr. was an Air Defense Artilleryman and achieved the rank of captain while serving at various missile sites in West Germany.  At Northwestern, he was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma and Lambda Zeta Fraternities and performed with the College Singers.  He was the Gulf States Conference High Jump Champion in 1956 and was inducted in Northwestern’s N Club later that year.

Ted Duggan II also commissioned through NSU’s ROTC program and served 15 years as an Infantryman.  He achieved the rank of major and was selected for company command four times, which is unheard of today.  In addition to numerous awards and decorations, he holds the Expert Infantryman Badge and Parachutist Badge.  At Northwestern, Duggan II was a member of the President’s Leadership Program and the Blue Key National Honor Society.  He served on the Black Knights Drill Team, was the Cadet Battalion Commander, and a Distinguished Military Graduate.  Continuing to serve, he is the Personnel Officer for the Demon Regiment, ROTC’s alumni organization.

Spikes is a Senior Recruiting and Retention non-commissioned officer for the Louisiana Army National Guard. In his 13 years of military service, he has trained as a Recruiter, Utilities Equipment Repairer, Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, and an Automated Logistics Specialist.  He has completed Master Resiliency Training and the Basic and Senior Leaders Courses.  Spikes, a native of Georgetown, has served as a youth pastor for over 10 years.  He partners with NSU’s ROTC program and is available to answer questions about serving in the Louisiana Army National Guard. His office is in the Military Science Building across from Turpin Stadium.

NSU recognized Staff Sgt. Richard Spikes during the Feb. 3 basketball game. From left are NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones, Spikes and LTC Josh Drake.

Information on NSU’s ROTC program is available at https://www.nsula.edu/rotc/.