Mississippi Valley State University News December 13, 2013 Luther Johnson Commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant Every cadet is different, requiring different instructional approaches, different mentorship and different motivational techniques. After proving himself to be distinguished, approachable and a mentor to those under him, Luther Johnson Jr., was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant for the United States Army during a ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 12. A 2nd lieutenant is an entry-level officer position for the U.S. Army in charge of a platoon with 16 to 44 soldiers. "This is truly an honor," said Johnson. "It took a lot of hard work and dedication to get to this point." Johnson is a native of Greenwood, Miss. He is the son of Alice and Luther Johnson Sr. The newly commissioned officer enlisted in the United States Army as a Unit Supply Specialist (92Y) during his junior year at Humphreys County High School in Belzoni, Miss. After graduating from high school in May 2008, he was immediately shipped to Basic Combat Training at Fort Knox. In 2009, after returning from Advanced Individual Training at Fort Lee, Va., he enrolled at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) to major in social work. During his tenure at MVSU, Luther served on the Push-up, Color Guard and Ranger Challenge team and served as Company Commander in ROTC. Other affiliations include Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and the MVSU National Pan-Hellenic Council. "I was so happy to see everyone that came out to support me and my accomplishment," said Johnson. "I just want to thank everyone for their love and support." Johnson is currently awaiting his orders to report to Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC). After returning from BOLC, he plans to attend graduate school to receive his master's degree in counseling. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.