Heather Parsons, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, is the first Native American to complete the ROTC program at Montana State University.

Parsons signed up for the Montana National Guard in her sophomore year and joined ROTC a year later. Military service runs in her family.

"My grandmother convinced me that I should try out ROTC, which I did my junior year," Parsons told Montana State University News Service. "And, I don't know, but I just really liked it. So, it's not about money any more. It's about a career, a way of life."

Parsons, who is graduating this semester, will be commissioned as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army in August.

Get the Story:
Blackfeet woman emerges as ROTC Leader on campus (MSU News 4/19)