Ard completes ROTC, receives commission

James A. Ard has been commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army after completing the Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) program and graduating with a bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches.

The new officer will be branched to a specific corps in the Army to serve on active duty or in the National Guard or Reserve. The lieutenant will attend the officer basic course related to his military occupation.

The ROTC curriculum prepares students with training and experience to help them in new environments.

Ard is the son of James Ard and stepson of Susan Ard of Cleveland. His mother and stepfather, Sherrie and James Ewing, reside in Woodville. Ard is a 1998 graduate of Chester High School.