Harris Faulkner Engages ROTC Cadets at Southern University Day of Honor

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Emmy-winning journalist Harris Faulkner visited Southern University on Sunday, February 23, 2025, to engage with ROTC cadets as part of the university’s Day of Honor. Faulkner received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence and Lifetime Achievement during the event, which highlighted her connection to the military and inspired the next generation of leaders.

In a room filled with ROTC cadets and midshipmen, Faulkner emphasized the importance of recognizing service members as individuals. “Being in the media, when we talk to members of the military, we’re told we can have you for only 60 seconds,” she said. “But I think what the public misses is that they are human beings going to fight in our honor and protection. It’s important for people to know the men and women that serve, and how you guys are different.”

Cadets shared their experiences and motivations for joining the military, including family influences and the search for direction. Cadet Terrance Banks, who took part in the panel discussion, explained, “I grew up in a family that wasn’t really interested in the military…It’s really about how you can develop yourself, become a better leader, serve others, and come back to be a better family member.”

Aaliyah Ware, a midshipman from the National Guard, also spoke about her commitment: “It’s just balance and discipline. I felt like I was helping out my community during hurricane evacuations. This is what I signed up to do.”

Caleb Hayes, another midshipman in the LSU ROTC program, noted the discipline gained through military training, stating, “Yes, it’s hard, but it translates to everything you do. It helps with time management and helps you build leadership.”

Faulkner’s visit comes amidst a challenge in military recruitment. Currently, only about 23 percent of Americans ages 17 to 24 qualify for military service without waiver assistance. Faulkner discussed the critical role of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in recruitment efforts with Chancellor John K. Pierre.

“In my dad’s day, (ROTC) was how you were going to go on and have a career,” said Faulkner, referring to her late father, Lt. Col. Bobby Harris. “In meeting recruitment challenges, HBCUs still have that fabulous ROTC program.”

Faulkner highlighted the contributions of Southern University’s ROTC program, which has produced numerous distinguished military leaders since its inception in 1947. While African Americans make up a significant portion of the active-duty military, they comprise only 9 percent of commissioned officers.

On Monday, February 24, Faulkner is scheduled to broadcast her Fox News show “The Faulkner Focus” live from Southern University at 10 a.m. The show is expected to feature an interview with Governor Jeff Landry.