Veterans Day Celebration Features Inspiring Message from LTC Josh Yarbrough at LSUS

Shreveport’s Own Veterans Day Inspiration: LTC Josh Yarbrough

On a sunny Monday in Shreveport, a familiar face returned to the bustling halls of LSUS, bringing with him a powerful story of service and dedication. U.S. Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Josh Yarbrough, who has devoted nearly two decades to the reserves, took center stage at the Collaboratory, inspiring hundreds of students and community members on this Veterans Day.

A Call to Service

Yarbrough, an alumnus of LSUS, used the occasion to share not just his military experiences but to spread an essential message — a call to service that extends far beyond the military. “It’s important to remember that service comes in many forms,” he said. “Whether you’re volunteering at a local school or helping out in your community through the fire department or churches, doing your part makes a difference.”

His emphasis on community service resonated deeply, especially in today’s divided world. “Our adversaries are stoking tension within our nation, and we need to focus on healing our divides and working together,” Yarbrough urged. “Let’s concentrate on our shared values and strive to make our communities better places to live.”

A Journey from Toy Soldiers to Commanding Forces

Yarbrough’s journey into the armed forces began in a rather charming way. Growing up in Mansfield, he reminisced about playing with toy soldiers in his grandparents’ backyard. Fast forward, and he found himself commanding various engineering battalions across the globe. From Southeast Asia to parts of the Middle East, his career has seen it all – and then some!

Notably, he served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar, and Syria during his time with the U.S. Army. He managed construction operations as the commander of the 854th Engineer Battalion, supporting missions like Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve. But it’s his combat experiences, particularly during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, that are etched in his memory.

Surreal Moments in War

One vividly intense moment for him took place on July 4, 2013, during a firefight outside an Afghan village when an explosion rocked his truck. “On the eve of my birthday, I had presents from family in the truck — cheesecake, photo albums, and red and blue leis,” Yarbrough reflected. “After the attack, I stepped out to see our Afghan counterparts picking up these leis and celebrating. It was surreal as we prepared for another round of combat!”

Despite the dangers, Yarbrough shared that there were also bright moments — like sipping Italian coffee in the beautiful Afghan mountains and sleeping under clear, star-filled skies. The experiences turned him into a self-proclaimed “history nerd”, as he marveled at Roman ruins that had previously only existed in his history books.

The Growth of a Leader

Starting his journey in 2004 while balancing school and work, Yarbrough emphasized that his time in the reserves was instrumental in shaping who he is today. “My leadership and communication skills improved immensely,” he remarked. “It played a monumental role in both my career and my studies.”

A World of Experience

Fast forward to today, Yarbrough is now studying at the prestigious Army War College and has become an Army strategist. Here, he assists senior leaders in crafting speeches and policy statements, ensuring they effectively communicate with Congress and other military branches. He’s involved in war games that develop joint force strategies to secure America’s position in the world.

Confronting Global Challenges

As he concluded his talk, Yarbrough was candid about the challenges America faces today. “Countries like Russia, China, and North Korea are constantly challenging us,” he acknowledged. “Our dominance is not guaranteed anymore. We need to continually search for advantages against our rivals while ensuring American power both at home and abroad.”

And so, on this Veterans Day, Josh Yarbrough left all who attended with a heartfelt reminder: service is about making our world a better place, whether you wear a uniform or not. Embrace that call to serve — it may just change your life and your community for the better!