Houma native earns commission in Alabama - Louisiana Guardsman graduates accelerated Office Candidate School

Photo By Sgt. Tresa L. Allemang | Louisiana Army National Guardsman Nicholas J. Archila of Houma, La., is pinned with the rank of second lieutenant by his mom, Judith K. Archila. The veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom earned his commission after completing the accelerated Officer Candidate School at Fort McClellan in Anniston, Ala., March 20.  

PINEVILLE, UNITED STATES

03.20.2009

Story by Sgt. Tresa L. Allemang 

Louisiana National Guard

PINEVILLE, La. – Louisiana Army National Guardsman Nicholas J. Archila of Houma, La., earned a commission to second lieutenant after graduating from the accelerated Officer Candidate School at Fort McClellan in Anniston, Ala., March 20.

The new lieutenant was pinned by his mom, Judith K. Archila, and girlfriend, Anne-Marie Black, as the 199th Regiment Commander, Col. Joanne F. Sheridan, stood by to assist the eager family.

"It is very exciting and rewarding to see these Soldiers travel down this new road in their career," Sheridan said as she described her experience in the course. "I will make it a point to follow their careers from here out."

The rigorous, eight-week course prepares military leaders, both physically and mentally. The graduates conducted a 10-mile foot march, troop leading procedures, a leadership reaction course, combat water survival training, and honed their skills in infantry squad tactics, operations, military intelligence, tactics, call-for-fire and communicative skills.

"Completing what is known as the most prestigious military officer academy is a huge accomplishment, and I am very proud to have been able to succeed," Archila said, describing the Alabama Military Academy. "But this is just the first step in my officer career. I plan to stay in the Guard for as long as I can."

Archila enlisted in the LANG in 2001, and deployed to Iraq in 2004, with 2nd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After returning from the year-long deployment, the staff sergeant reached the end of his service obligation and returned to the civilian world.

After discovering the 256th may soon deploy again, he enlisted back into the LANG to serve his country. For his second tour in support of the Global War on Terrorism, he decided to deploy as an officer.

The accelerated course provided the Purple Heart recipient with the ability to quickly earn his commission and return back to a unit in the brigade in time for the upcoming deployment.

Archila said it is his duty to deploy again and share his knowledge and experience with those who have not deployed.

"I believe that fighting for my country is the most rewarding thing I can do in my lifetime."

Archila graduated from Terrebonne High School and earned a bachelors degree in political science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

He is the son of Julio and Judith Archila of Houma, and in the civilian sector he is employed by Uniquip, Inc.

• Date Taken: 03.20.2009
• Date Posted: 03.25.2009 11:41
• Story ID: 31589
• Location: PINEVILLE, US