La. Army National Guard commissions 22 new officers
By Staff Sgt. Noshoba Davis, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs
PINEVILLE, La. – Families, friends, mentors and fellow Soldiers filled the Post Theater at Louisiana National Guard Training Center Pineville to watch as 22 Officer Candidates graduated from the Louisiana National Guard Officer Candidate School as second lieutenants, Aug. 27. 
“Candidates, you have reached a significant milestone in your career,” said Col. Willus Hall, 199th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) commander. “This measurable achievement reflects enormous personal and professional development and serves as a foundation upon which you will continually grow in your service to our nation through the Louisiana National Guard.”
The Louisiana National Guard’s 199th Regiment (RTI) has managed Louisiana’s OCS program since July 1960.
During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Keith Waddell, adjutant general of the LANG, stated he was inspired by the new officers, congratulated them on their accomplishments and offered advice.
“You are an officer 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Just because you are not at drill or annual training does not mean you are not being watched, especially on social media,” said Waddell. “Character counts and matters in our organization. It always will.”
Officer candidates have the option to attend OCS as a traditional Guard Soldier, one weekend a month and two annual training sessions over an 18-month period or attend an 8-week accelerated course.
OCS consists of three phases that candidates must complete to graduate from the course. Phase I is conducted at Fort McClellan, Alabama, as a two-week annual training session. The candidates then move on to Phase II, conducted at Training Center Pineville and conducted over one training year. During weekend drill periods, candidates participate in field training exercises such as map reading, live-fire exercises and more. In Phase III, candidates return to Fort McClellan for another annual training session designed to combine all previous training and test their leadership skills in a field environment.
After their decision to commission as officers, each candidate selected a specific officer branch and were assigned to the following units: 12 lieutenants were assigned to the 139th Regional Support Group, four were assigned to the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, four were assigned to the 225th Engineer Brigade, one was assigned to 61st Troop Command and one was assigned to Joint Force Headquarters. 
This is the first graduating class that saw a female in the Louisiana Army National Guard, 2nd Lt. Jaclyn Scholvin, a native of Mandeville, Louisiana, commission with an intent to branch as an infantry officer. Scholvin said she chose infantry because she wanted the challenge and did not want to have any regrets about her career.
“I enjoyed being enlisted as an engineer, but I also realized the importance of making the transition to infantry while I’m still young,” said Scholvin. “I’m all about making it happen now…it feels right, and I feel comfortable with my decision. I have no regrets, and I’m looking forward to all that the future brings.”
Candidates were presented awards for accomplishments in physical training, leadership and academics.
Second Lt. Megan Gibbs was awarded the Adjutant General’s Award for having the highest combined score in leadership, academics and physical training. Gibbs was also awarded the Academic Board Award for the highest academic average.
“I was surprised when they called my name. I am not the youngest candidate nor the greatest at any one thing,” said Gibbs, a native of Roxbury, New Jersey. “It was such an honor. It solidified for me that there is no substitute for hard work and never giving up.”
Second Lt. Alia Johnson and 2nd Lt. Kendrick Bell were awarded the Leadership Award for having the highest score on their leadership evaluations.
The National Guard Association of Louisiana Award was awarded to 2nd Lt. Danny Hampton and 2nd Lt. Jaclyn Scholvin for having the highest physical training scores.
Second Lt. Douglas Goff was awarded the Erickson Award as the runner-up for top graduate.
As a reward for their hard work, 2nd Lt. Seigan Evans and 2nd Lt. Gregory Hall were chosen to attend Air Assault School after graduation. 
Once the Oath of Office was completed, family and friends pinned the gold second lieutenant rank insignia on the newly commissioned lieutenants’ shoulders during the ceremony.
Scholvin gave her advice to those wanting to join or become an officer.
“Trust your gut and follow your heart. You have a conscience for a reason, and you don’t think twice about something for nothing,” said Scholvin.
