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Retirement Ceremony for Col. Woods (11 photos)

LANG Salutes Fleet Week (39 photos)

Guard Helps Protect Coast (20 photos)

NEW ORLEANS - The Louisiana National Guard once again participated in the annual Christmas-tree drop at the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge in eastern New Orleans, Mar 13. The LANG’s State Aviation Command from Hammond partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the city of New Orleans to air drop bundles of recycled Christmas trees in the refuge's wetlands to help fight erosion. The Guardsmen used two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to lift and place more than 100 bundles totaling approximately 5,000 trees to form barriers against rough waters. "If this program wasn’t here, people would just end up sending the trees to a landfill," said Drew Wirwa, assistant manager of Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge. “This provides a great opportunity to recycle the Christmas trees.” During the mission, Guardsmen on the ground placed straps around the cargo hook at the bottom of the aircraft. Once the helicopter reached its destination, the Black Hawk crewmember inside the aircraft released the load. Because the trees are organic, over time they will disappear leaving behind trapped silt so new plants and trees can grow, which helps restore the wetlands. “The Louisiana National Guard has been tremendous to work with,” said Wirwa. “We couldn’t do it without them.” Today’s mission marks the end of three years working on a section that has helped restore almost 40 acres of marsh land. The LANG’s State Aviation Command has assisted in this effort since it started in 1989.

239th Military Police Company returns home from Iraq (12 photos)

BATON ROUGE, La. – Approximately 70 Soldiers from the 239th Military Police Company, Louisiana National Guard, return home at the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport in Baton Rouge, La., Dec. 17, 2011. The company was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn to conduct law enforcement operations and Police Transition Training for Iraqi law enforcement officers throughout Iraq. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Master Sgt. Toby M. Valadie, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office/Released)

LANG Changes Command (15 photos)

PINEVILLE, La. –Brig. Gen. Glenn H. Curtis, assumed command as the adjutant general of the Louisiana National Guard, during what was the largest formal ceremony in the last 14 years, at Camp Beauregard in Pineville, Dec. 10, 2011. More than 3,000 Guardsmen participated in the ceremony.

La National Guard Welcomes Home the 415th (11 photos)

Family and friends of approximately 120 Soldiers from the 415th Military Intelligence Battalion wave signs and flags to greet them as they return home at the Gillis W. Long Center in Carville, La., Nov. 23, 2011. The battalion was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to conduct counterintelligence operations throughout Afghanistan.

La. Guard trains active-duty Soldiers (19 photos)

PINEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana National Guard trained active-duty Soldiers from Fort Polk, along with Guardsmen and Reservists from throughout the country during the first multi-component Warrior Leader Course at Camp Cook in Ball, La., Nov. 4-18. On Nov. 18, nearly 160 Soldiers graduated from the course, experiencing a new way of training to coincide with a military where forces are becoming more and more integrated on the battlefield.

214th EIS Welcome Home, Louisiana Air National Guard (4 photos)

Sunshine Foundation Gala (2 photos)

Lt. Col.Thomas Turner, the Louisiana National Guard’s liaison officer to the Sunshine Foundation, expresses thanks for honoring the LANG during the annual Sunshine Foundation Gala at the Louisiana Old Governor's Mansion in Baton Rouge, La., Nov. 15,2011

62nd CST Meritorious Service Medal (6 photos)

Members of 62nd Civil Support Team (WMD) receive the Meritorious Service Medal for their 100 percent rating on the Army North External Evaluation, Nov. 2, 2011, at the Gillis W. Long Center, Carville, La. This is the first time the 62nd CST has achieved a 100 percent rating and only the second time that any CST has received a perfect rating since the inception of the EXEVAL.

Retirement MG John Basilica (6 photos)

Army Maj. Gen. John P. Basilica, Jr., retires with 33 years of outstanding service to the Army and the Guard on Sept. 9, 2011, in ceremony held at Jackson Barracks.

CERFP Training (11 photos)

Gov. Bobby Jindal honors Guard’s 1022nd Engineers (4 photos)

Washington Artillery remembers their fallen (4 photos)

NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard’s 1-141st Field Artillery Battalion (Washington Artillery) paid tribute to its fallen Soldiers during a wreath-laying ceremony near the unit’s monument at Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans, Oct. 15, 2011.

La. Guard gives foreign ambassadors tour over Gulf south (3 photos)

BELLE CHASSE, La. – The Louisiana Air National Guard’s 159th Fighter Wing hosted 40 foreign ambassadors, their spouses, and State Department staff members at the Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans for a day of briefings and aerial tour of the hurricane and oil spill affected areas on an emergency response themed tour, Oct. 21.

Historic artillery unit holds annual ceremony (3 photos)

NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery Regiment held their 173rd annual Pass-In-Review ceremony on the parade field at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans, Oct. 16.

Guard’s Army band supports Veterans events around state (4 photos)

BOSSIER CITY, La. – The Louisiana National Guard’s 156th Army Band, 139th Regional Support Group, spent the weekend traveling around the state to support community Veterans Day events, Nov. 5-6.

La. Guard’s helicopters receive high-tech upgrades (3 photos)

PINEVILLE, La. –The Louisiana National Guard recently upgraded two UH-72 Lakota helicopters with the Security and Support Mission Equipment Package designed to better support law enforcement and assist during state responses.

La. National Guard top general retires, new leader appointed (7 photos)

BATON ROUGE – Today, Governor Bobby Jindal announced the retirement of Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau from the Louisiana National Guard, and the appointment of Brig. Gen. Glenn Curtis as adjutant general. Landreneau will retire as the longest, current serving adjutant general in the nation with nearly fourteen years of service as head of the LANG.

Guard’s top leader visits response unit training in CENLA (4 photos)

PINEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana National Guard’s newly-appointed adjutant general, Brig Gen. Glenn Curtis, visited the site where the newest emergency response unit has been conducting collective training on Camp Beauregard’s Wildlife Management Area in Pineville, La., during a three-day exercise, Nov. 4, 2011.

Fighting Fire with Fire Power (58 photos)

Louisiana Guardsmen fight the marsh fires in Bayou Sauvage and wild fires in Caddo Parish.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey visits Louisiana (51 photos)

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey thanks several Louisiana National Guardsmen for their outstanding hard work and dedication in supporting the state of Louisiana and its citizens during flood operations at the Bonnet Carre Spillway, May 21, 2011.

Searching For Sand Boils (10 photos)

Operation River Gaurdian Protection 5-14-11 (16 photos)

Guard helps local communites

HESCO Baskets Morgan City (7 photos)

Louisiana National Guardsmen build HESCO baskets as part of a barrier project in Morgan City to protect the community

Louisiana Guardsmen respond to call for help in St. Landry (24 photos)

Guardsmen speak to Belle Chasse seniors (2 photos)

New Orleans City Council recognizes National Gaurd (1 photos)

Destroyer unites families (3 photos)

Louisiana Guardsmen honor fallen vets (3 photos)

Louisiana Guardsmen reflect on Veterans Day (3 photos)

Louisiana Guard hosts re-dedication of Jackson Barracks (4 photos)

Fighting for air dominance (4 photos)

Retired Guardsmen preserve history, camaraderie (3 photos)

Walk for the cure (4 photos)

Jackson Barracks Family Day Part 1 (209 photos)

JB Family Day 2010 (82 photos)

Jackson Barracks Family Day Part 2 (107 photos)

Guarding the environment (3 photos)

Exceptional service (2 photos)

Achieving the Gooooal! (2 photos)

Louisiana Guard says goodbye to one of its own (4 photos)

Soldiers return to celebration and thanks (2 photos)

Guardsmen clear ground for new fairgrounds (3 photos)

Guard general speaks to Louisiana engineer organization (3 photos)

Guardsmen bike 150 miles for MS (3 photos)

Guard helps ROTC prepare for Ranger Challengenew set (3 photos)

NEW ORLEANS – Louisiana National Guardsmen from the 2225th Multi-Role Bridge Company, 205th Engineer Battalion, taught Army ROTC cadets from Tulane University how to operate Zodiac boats and work as a team in Lacombe, Oct. 2. The cadets will represent the Orleans Battalion at the Army ROTC Ranger Challenge competition at Fort Benning, Ga., Oct. 16-17. The Ranger Challenge is an opportunity for schools to compete against each other through military tasks such as a written examination testing their Army knowledge, a ten kilometer road march and other physical fitness drills and field exercises. This will be the first year that Zodiacs are included in the competition, so the 2225th was asked to help train the cadets. Normally the rafts are powered by a motor but the cadets will have to manually row as a team for the competition. “One of the most important things we wanted to help show them was how to work together,” said Staff Sgt. Darren E. Toups of the 2225th. “The process of getting the commands and working as a unit is what will help them the most.” Tulane’s team for the Ranger Challenge has 11 cadets, including two females. “I think they did really well today. This was very good for their team building skills,” said Master Sgt. Thomas Lewis Jr., senior military instructor for the Orleans Battalion. “Having freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors all on the [same] team … it’s good for them to work with each other extensively.” The Tulane Army ROTC achieved third overall scoring in the Ranger Challenge in 2009 and won first place in 2007 when the competition was held at Camp Shelby, Miss.

2-244th Change of Command (4 photos)

Louisiana Guardsmen Lt. Col. Robert Dallas Jones receives the 2nd Battalion, 244 Aviation Regiment (Airfield Operations Battalion) takes command Aug. 8, 2010.

La First Lady Hands Out School Supplies (6 photos)

Supriya Jindal, wife of Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, the adjutant general of the Louisiana National Guard, and members of the 769th Engineer Battalion help pass out school supplies to students

159th Security Forces Return Home (4 photos)

Members of the Louisiana Air National Guard's 159th Fighter Wing, Security Forces Squadron, are welcomed home by family and friends at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on August 6, 2010. In support of overseas contingency operations, approximately 40 Airmen deployed to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan as part of the total force security package assigned to the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing

204th TAOG Change of Command (3 photos)

204th TAOG holds the Change of Command in Hammond, La., on Aug. 7,2010. The federal mission of the 204th TAOG is to provide command and control, staff planning, supervision and standardization of all airfields and air traffic services within a theater area of operations.

527th Change of Command (5 photos)

527th Engineer Battalion hold a Change of Command ceremony on the parade field at Jackson Barracks, Aug. 7, 2010.

Germany AT (4 photos)

La National Guard performs at in Hohenfels, Germany

Senior Enlisted Leader Visits Guardsmen on the Ground (5 photos)

Command Chief Master Sgt. Denise Jelinski-Hall visits with soldiers of Louisiana National Guard’s

La First Lady School Supply Transport (5 photos)

Louisiana National Guardsmen Spc. Steve Hilburn and Pfc. Dustin August, 927th Sapper Company, 769th Engineer Battalion load school supplies on to Light Medium Tactical Vehicle at the Louisiana Governor's Mansion, August 2, 2010.

Father Son Bond (2 photos)

Louisiana National Guardsmen 2nd Lt. Kelly T. Hudson and son Spc. Jacob R. Hudson, both assigned to the 527th Engineer Battalion, chat at one of their worksites along the beach in Grand Isle, La., June 24, 2010

Special Olympics Louisiana Above and Beyond Award (2 photos)

Brig. Gen. Brod Veillon, assistant adjutant general for the Louisiana Air National Guard, receives the Above and Beyond award from the Special Olympics Louisiana on July 10, 2010

204th TAOG Yellow Ribbon Event (3 photos)

The Yellow Ribbon Training Event are held to honor soldiers that have returned from mobilization.

Reinforcing oil protection structures near Grand Isle and Port Fourchon (6 photos)

Soldiers of the Louisiana National Guard’s 527th Engineer Battalion, 225th Engineer Brigade are reinforcing oil protection structures along the coasts of Grand Isle and Port Fourchon, La., July 9

122nd ASOS Red Flag Alaska (3 photos)

For seven men from the Louisiana Air Guard’s 122nd Air Support Operations Squadron, 159th Fighter Wing, Red Flag Alaska was an intense exercise that tests the type of skills that keep friendly forces and civilians safe during military air and land operations

Guardsmen reinforce rock wall (13 photos)

Soldiers of the Louisiana Army National Guard's 844th Engineer Company prepare to reinforce a rock wall with a sand covered geotextile fabric on Elmers Island in Grand Isle

Louisiana Guardsmen graduate from Warrant Officer Course (4 photos)

NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana Army National Guard welcomed five new Warrant Officers during an official appointing ceremony at the United States Army Aviation Museum, in Fort Rucker, Ala., on Jun. 29. This was the largest group of candidates from Louisiana to ever graduate at one time from Fort Rucker.

Region Five Best Warrior Competition showcases top enlisted Soldiers (4 photos)

PINEVILLE, La. - Soldiers from seven states gathered at Camp Cook in Ball, La., for the Region Five Best Warrior Competition, June 22 - 25, to determine which state’s top Soldier of the Year and top Noncommissioned Officer of the Year will move on to the national Best Warrior Competition.

Louisiana Guardsmen use raft to assist workers in Grand Isle (6 photos)

NEW ORLEANS – Soldiers of the Louisiana National Guard’s 2225th Multi-Role Bridge Company, 205th Engineer Battalion, have been performing transport duties off the coast of Louisiana near Grand Isle, La., and the Grand Terre Islands to assist civilian workers with the oil clean-up effort along Louisiana’s Gulf Coast.

Louisiana National Guard reinforces Hesco barriers in Cameron Parish (3 photos)

HOLLY BEACH, La. – Despite adverse weather brought in by Hurricane Alex earlier this week, Louisiana National Guard Soldiers from the 225th Engineer Brigade continue to emplace and repair Hesco barriers along the coast in Cameron Parish, La.

Louisiana National Guard’s barriers protect coastline (4 photos)

Coastal barriers constructed by the Louisiana National Guard are providing protection not only against oil intrusion, but also against a new threat: the effects of Tropical Storm Alex.

Forward Area Refueling Point (4 photos)

1/244th Assault Helicopter Battalion, La. National Guard, refuels helicopters at the Fort Jackson, La., during the oil spill response

Chaplains and chaplains' assistants provide worship and counseling (7 photos)

Louisiana National Guard chaplains and chaplains' assistants provide worship and counseling services to civilian and military personnel regardless of religious affiliation or belief.

Myrtle Grove Sand Bag (2 photos)

Guardsmen assigned to the Louisiana National Guard's 528th Engineer Battalion of the 225th Engineer Brigade place sandbags to help reinforce parts of a levee that has eroded do the tides from the Cheniere Traverse Bayou along La. Highway 23 in Plaquemines Parish.

Cameron HESCO Baskets (21 photos)

Louisiana National Guardsmen construct a Hesco Concertainer barrier wall along portions of the Cameron Parish coastline. The Hesco wall, comprised of linked baskets filled with sand, is designed to contain encroaching oil on the beach where it can be cleaned.

Grand Isle Tiger Dam (5 photos)

Soldiers of the Louisiana National Guard's 1022nd Engineer Company, 527th Engineer Battalion, continue erecting the Tiger Dam shoreline protection on the beach of Grand Isle State Park.

Trinity Island Sling Load (4 photos)

UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters belonging to the 1/244th Assault Helicopter Battalion, State Aviation Command, Louisiana Army National Guard, in Hammond, La, sling load several thousand pound sandbags to Trinity Island to fill in a low lying area critical to oil spill mitigation efforts along Louisiana’s shoreline, May 27, 2010. Trinity Island is one of many barrier islands along the coast of Louisiana that are threatened by the oil spill.

Grand Isle Tiger Dam Night Operations (12 photos)

Soldiers with the Louisiana Army National Guard work through the night to construct a Tiger Dam interlocking water diversion system in Grand Isle, LA in support of the Deep Horizon oil spill cleanup efforts. Tiger Dam systems are interlocking rubber bladders filled with water which create a continuous barrier and are being used as a preventive measure in case oil washes onto shore.

Hesco Basket Construction (17 photos)

Soldiers of the Louisiana National Guard’s 527th and 769th Engineer Battalions put together a wall of sand-filled Hesco Concertainer units in Port Fourchon to help keep oil tainted water from reaching Bay Champagne.

Thunder Bay Land Bridge (8 photos)

Louisiana National Guard land bridge project keeps oil out of inland waters and marshlands

Oil Spill Barrier Construction (6 photos)

The Louisiana National Guard’s 1023rd Vertical Engineer Company, 528th Engineer Battalion, fold interlocking tubing for the shoreline protection system, May 18, 2010, in the southwest pass of the Mississippi River delta near Venice, La. The 1023rd is constructing a more than 7-mile long barrier to prevent any possible oil from coming in to the wetlands.

Elmers Island Breach Fill (7 photos)

GRAND ISLE, La. - Soldiers of the Louisiana National Guard’s 922nd Horizontal Engineer Company, 769th Engineer Battalion, complete a breach-filling project of the 700-foot gap at Elmer’s Island in Grand Isle, La.,, May 14

Southwest pass water diversion project (22 photos)

Soldiers of the Louisiana National Guard’s 1023rd Vertical Engineer Company, 528th Engineer Battalion, continue erecting the Tiger Dam interlocking water diversion system, May 14, 2010, at the southwest pass of the Mississippi River Delta. The dam will act as a second line of defense to the boom line, to protect the natural marshlands, should any oil make its way further inland.

Pelican Island Sandbag Drop (12 photos)

Louisiana National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters airlift large sandbags on Pelican Island, La., in order to plug a gap in support of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Agency, May 14.

Governor's Overflight St. Mary Parish (6 photos)

Louisiana National Guard's UH-60 Black Hawk provided Governor Bobby Jindal and local officials flyover support of St. Mary parish’s shoreline, Raccoon island and Whiskey island to view the oil spill and the containment operations on May 13, 2010.

Governor Visits with Troops in the field (4 photos)

Governor thanks soilders for their outstanding work during the oil spill response

UH-60 Black Hawk provided Governor Bobby Jindal and local officials flyover support (4 photos)

Louisiana National Guard's UH-60 Black Hawk provided Governor Bobby Jindal and local officials flyover support of the Chandeleur Islands to view the oil spill and the containment operations around the islands on May 7, 2010.

Port Fourchon Sand Bag Drop (9 photos)

The Louisiana National Guard’s 769th Engineer Battalion and State Aviation Command work May 10, to fill breaches with 3000 to 5000-pound sandbags in Lafourche Parish in an effort to keep oil tainted water from moving to closer to the coast of Louisiana. These Guardsmen were activated in support of operations related to the oil spill off the coast of Louisiana.

Loading Boom Materials on to Local Fishermen's Boats (8 photos)

Members of the Louisiana National Guard’s 1022nd Engineer Company, 527th Engineer Battalion, and Oil Mop, LLC., employees load oil booms onto boats at the Breton Sound Marina in Hopedale, La., May 3. The 1022nd is responding in support of operations related to the oil spill off the coast of Louisiana.

Boom Transport (4 photos)

NEW ORLEANS – Members of the Louisiana National Guard’s 1084th Transportation Company, Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, transport oil boom material to Amelia, La., to be used in operations related to the oil spill off the coast of Louisiana, May 8.

Grand Isle Night Operations (8 photos)

Heavy equipment operators from the Louisiana National Guard’s 922nd Horizontal Engineer Company, 769th Engineer Battalion, work through the night bulldozing sand to close a strait between two peninsulas near Grand Isle, La., May 9, 2010. The closure will be a secondary defense in addition to the boom line in the Gulf of Mexico to prevent any oil from reaching further inland.

2225th MRBC Bridge Construction Oil Spill Response (29 photos)

Louisiana National Guardsmen of 2225th Multi-Role Bridge Company, 205th Engineer Battalion, constructs a 300 foot temporary wharf

Louisiana Governor and Adjutant General visits Troops that are working in support of oil spill missions in St. Bernard Parish (6 photos)

Louisiana Guardsmen receive training on hazardous material (20 photos)

NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard’s 769th and 527th Engineer Battalions received a special class on hazardous materials, or HAZMAT, Sunday, May 2, at Jackson Barracks as part of their mobilization in support of operations related to the oil spill off the coast of Louisiana.

Former Louisiana Guardsman inducted into Hall of Fame (12 photos)

Louisiana National Guard hosts annual Army IG Conference (6 photos)

Louisiana honors its Veterans in Special Ceremony (19 photos)

Black Hawks drop Christmas trees into Bayou Sauvage to restore wetlands (17 photos)

Louisiana National Guard UH-60 Black Hawks of the 1st Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment drop Christmas trees into Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge to help rebuild the wetlands on Mar. 30. The Christmas trees help to rebuild the missing wetlands that have been washed away over time by breaking waves and collecting silt for new vegetation to take root.

Guardmen Swear In at Hornets Game (5 photos)

Louisiana National Guard recruits participate in a swearing in ceremony prior to New Orleans Hornets game on Mar. 12. The ceremony took place during the Hornets military appreciation night festivities in the New Orleans Arena.

Louisiana Veterans’ Honor Medal (24 photos)

Governor Bobby Jindal awards veterans with the Louisiana Veterans’ Honor Medal in Ringgold

Tiger Day 256th IBCT (35 photos)

Louisiana Guard opens new aviation center (7 photos)

NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard marked the opening of its Army Aviation Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 10, near the Northshore Regional Airport in Hammond, La.

Louisiana Vietnam Vet receives Purple Heart (4 photos)

NEW ORLEANS – President George Washington once said, "Let it be known that he who wears the military order of the Purple Heart has given of his blood in the defense of his homeland and shall forever be revered by his fellow countrymen." This was the mood in the atmosphere as the Louisiana National Guard formally presented one of its own with the Purple Heart in a special ceremony held at the 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery Regiment armory at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans, Jan 28. Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, the adjutant general for the Louisiana National Guard, pinned the prestigious medal onto retired Sgt. Clarence E. Wallace, of Chalmette, La., for injuries he sustained over 30 years ago while serving as a combat engineer in Pleiku, Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

LA National Guard 256th IBCT ESGR Boss Lift (22 photos)

Louisiana National Guardsmen of the 1-141 Field Artillery Unit, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team perform convoy security during a training exercise, at a boss lift event for the 256th IBCT at Camp Shelby, Ms., Feb. 19. The 256th is training there as part of a one-year deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Famous New Orleans bakery donates king cakes to deploying Guardsmen (23 photos)

CAMP SHELBY, Ms. - Members of the Louisiana National Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team receive kings cakes from Haydel's Bakery in New Orleans, Feb. 11. The 256th is currently training at Camp Shelby, Ms. as part of their mobilization before deploying to Iraq.

Louisiana Honor Guard commemorates the Battle of New Orleans (10 photos)

NEW ORLEANS—Louisiana Army National Guardsmen of the Honor Guard team participate in the annual Battle of New Orleans ceremony, Jan. 8. The event honors the fallen Soldiers of the Battle of New Orleans and is sponsored by the U.S. Daughters of 1812.

256th Deployment Ceremony (210 photos)

Pros vs. G.I. Joes (6 photos)

New Orleans - Louisiana National Guardsmen meet and compete with New Orleans Saints players while participating in the Pros vs. GI Joes video game competition against Louisiana troops currently serving in Iraq at the New Orleans Saints training facility.

New Orleans City Council salutes La. National Guard (3 photos)

NEW ORLEANS – Approximately 125 military personnel, representing the U.S. Armed Forces throughout the city of New Orleans, were honored by the New Orleans City Council and Mayor Ray Nagin during the city’s annual celebration of Military Appreciation Day at City Hall, Nov. 19.

La. Guardsmen return home after Iraq deployment (2 photos)

PINEVILLE, La. – After a year-long deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, approximately 120 Soldiers from the Louisiana Army National Guard’s 225th Engineer Brigade were welcomed home during a special reception at Camp Beauregard near Pineville, La., Nov. 15.

Louisiana Guard promotes its top “chief” (2 photos)

PINEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana Army National Guard promoted its top warrant officer on Saturday, Nov. 7, at a special ceremony held at the Stafford House on Camp Beauregard in Pineville, La.

La. Guardsman helps school promote reading (2 photos)

CARVILLE, La. – A member of the Louisiana Army National Guard participated in the “Real Men Read” program at East Iberville School in St. Gabriel, La., Nov. 19.

Louisiana Guard bids farewell to the “Chief” (3 photos)

PINEVILLE, La. – Members of the Louisiana National Guard bid farewell to Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jody J. Moore at an emotional ceremony on the front lawn of the Stafford House at Camp Beauregard near Pineville, La., Oct. 18.

Air Guard’s support flights join forces (3 photos)

BELLE CHASSE, La. – An official ceremony merging the Louisiana Air National Guard’s Services Flight and Mission Support Flight into the new 159th Fighter Wing Force Support Squadron was held Oct. 3.

Louisiana Air Guard participates in multi-national training in Chile (3 photos)

ANTOFAGASTA, Chile - The Louisiana Air National Guard’s 159th Fighter Wing participated in a joint flight exercise with four other countries in Chile, Oct. 21.

Louisiana Engineers close out successful tour (3 photos)

BAGHDAD– “We Build the World” is not just some catchy phrase for the 225th Engineer Brigade; it’s a way of life. Engineer troops from Louisiana spent the last ten months racking up a long list of milestones in support of the 1st Cavalry Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom, not only helping improve the lives of Iraqi people, but also building a strong and lasting partnership with Iraqi Soldiers.

Louisiana Guardsmen honored at National WW II Museum (3 photos)

NEW ORLEANS– Members of the Louisiana Air National Guard, along with WW II Veterans, were honored during the grand opening webcast of Experience the Victory at The National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Nov. 6.

Louisiana Guard assists with flood operations in Bossier Parish (4 photos)

BOSSIER CITY, La. –Louisiana National Guardsmen have been assisting with flood abatement operations since Saturday, Oct. 31, when flood waters threatened neighborhoods in Bossier City, La.

Louisiana Guardsman inducted into LSU Hall of Honor (3 photos)

BATON ROUGE, La. – Brig. Gen. Glenn Curtis, director of the joint staff for the Louisiana National Guard, was one of 11 alumni inducted into the Cadets of the Ole War Skule Hall of Honor during a ceremony on the Louisiana State University campus, Saturday, Nov. 14

La. Guard receives thanks at Sunshine Gala (2 photos)

NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard was praised during a special gala held at Louisiana’s Old Governor’s Mansion for its participation in the famous Sunshine Foundation reading program in Baton Rouge, La., Nov. 17.

Louisiana Guardsmen get surprise visit from NFL players (25 photos)

PINEVILLE, La. – Members of the Louisiana Army National Guard were greeted by four NFL players in a special visit during pre-deployment training at Camp Beauregard near Pineville, La., Oct. 23. New Orleans Saints players Mark Brunell, Jonathan Goodwin, Zachary Strief and Jonathan Stinchcomb surprised members of the LANG’s 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team when they showed up on the M-16 rifle qualification range to meet the Soldiers who will deploy in January. The players flew in Blackhawk helicopters provided by LANG’s State Aviation Command from Armstrong International Airport to a landing zone near the range where the 256th Soldiers were training.

National Guard breaks ground for new Minden training center (3 photos)

CAMP MINDEN, La. – The Louisiana Army National Guard broke ground during a special ceremony attended by Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal to mark the start of construction for the long-awaited Regional Training Institute at Camp Minden in Minden, La., Oct. 6.

Guardsman returns home to swear in sister (2 photos)

PINEVILLE, La. –On leave from a deployment in Kuwait, Louisiana Army National Guard 2nd Lt. Crystal A. Huff welcomed her sister Mindy M. Donnelly into the National Guard by administering the oath of enlistment during a swearing-in ceremony at the Military Entrance Processing Station in Shreveport, La., Sept. 30

Louisiana Youth Challenge Program receives $5,000 check (2 photos)

NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard’s Youth Challenge Program was awarded a $5,000 check donated by DynMcDermott Petroleum Operations Co., Inc., in Jackson Barracks, New Orleans, Sept. 30.

Louisiana Soldiers return from year long deployment (3 photos)

SHREVEPORT, La. – Family, friends and fellow Louisiana Guardsmen gathered to celebrate the return of Soldiers during a homecoming reception at the Shreveport Regional Airport in Shreveport, La., Sept. 26.

Army’s top engineer visits deployed Louisiana Soldiers (2 photos)

BAGHDAD –The Army’s top engineer Soldier spent time with troops from Louisiana National Guard’s 225th Engineer Brigade during an informal gathering at Camp Liberty, Iraq, Sept. 22

Louisiana Desert Storm vets return to battlefield (3 photos)

BAGHDAD – “Based on the first deployment we had, life is great,” reflected Sgt. Maj. James Reppond, of Monroe, La., while huddled with four other Desert Storm veterans from the Louisiana National Guard’s 225th Engineer Brigade on Sept. 18.

Louisiana Guard communications unit gets new leader (3 photos)

CARVILLE, La. – The Louisiana Army National Guard’s 139th Expeditionary Signal Company welcomed a new commander at a change-of-command ceremony held at the Gillis W. Long Center in Carville, La., Sept. 13.

Louisiana engineers train federal police (2 photos)

BAGHDAD â âI consider training with you very important,â exclaimed one of the top commanders of the Iraqi Federal Police, Sept. 8, as he described how much his officers have benefited after receiving route clearance classes from Louisiana National Guard Soldiers.

Guard Soldiers promoted, receive awards (3 photos)

RESERVE, La. â Soldiers of the Louisiana Army National Guardâs 1084th Transportation Company in Reserve, La., were promoted by the 165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion during September drill.

Protect what matters – family (3 photos)

CARVILLE, La. – The Louisiana National Guard 241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment hosted a child safety seat inspection for families at Gillis W. Long Center in Carville, La., during National Seat Check on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Zachary High honors Guardsmen at first home football game (4 photos)

CARVILLE, La. – More than 100 Louisiana National Guardsmen took to the field for the first Zachary High School home football game on Friday night during a special celebration honoring local first responders on the eighth anniversary of 9/11.

Louisiana Army National Guard welcomes 25 new officers (4 photos)

PINEVILLE, La. - The Louisiana Army National Guard commissioned 25 new officers from Officer Candidate School Classes 49 and 50A in a graduation ceremony at Tioga High School in Pineville, La., Aug. 29.

Louisiana National Guard Counter Drug Task Force continues to prevail (2 photos)

LAFAYETTE, La. – After 20 years of success, the Louisiana National Guard Counter Drug Task Force continues to serve as a positive reinforcement for drug demand reduction coalitions as noted at an annual Counter Drug Conference held at the Hilton Lafayette Hotel, July 30.

Guard aviation welcomes new, upgraded addition to its fleet (5 photos)

HAMMOND, La. – The Louisiana Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 244th Assault Helicopter Battalion from Hammond, La., received its first UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter from an aviation initiative to upgrade the National Guard’s aging UH60A fleet that will boost its effectiveness during deployments and hurricane emergency operations.

Returning Troops learn to control the cruise (4 photos)

NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard has implemented another way to assist its Soldiers returning to civilian life after serving overseas in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The LANG began providing these Troops with a course in motor vehicle safety that will be a part of the mandatory Yellow Ribbon training that Guardsmen are required to receive after being deployed.

Louisiana Soldiers receive surprise black and gold visit (5 photos)

METAIRIE, La. –The Louisiana Army National Guard’s 2225th Multi-Role Bridge Company, 205th Engineer Battalion sported huge smiles as they received one of the biggest surprises of the year, a chance to meet New Orleans’ own Saints NFL football team during a practice session at their training facility in Metairie, La., Aug 6.

Critical access road now open (3 photos)

BAGHDAD – With support provided by the Louisiana Army National Guard’s 225th Engineer Brigade from Pineville, La., Maya Road, the major access road just outside the Victory Base Complex in Baghdad opened to traffic, Aug 1.

La. Guardsmen graduate New Orleans Police Academy (13 photos)

NEW ORLEANS – Eighteen Louisiana National Guard Soldiers and Airmen who served on the LANG’s Joint Task Force Gator, along with a separate recruit class of 36, graduated from the New Orleans Police Academy at Tulane University McAlister Auditorium on Friday, May 15.

Louisiana Soldiers entertain Iraqi youth (3 photos)

BAGHDAD-Louisiana National Guardsmen and Iraqi youth demonstrated and traded yo-yo tricks in Baghdad, June 6.

Cavalry squadron conducts pre-mobilization training (5 photos)

MONROE, La. – Louisiana Army National Guardsmen with the 2nd Battalion, 108th Cavalry Squadron, headquartered in Shreveport, La., dealt with the sweltering June heat to complete valuable military exercises during their annual two-week training at Camp Minden in Minden, La.

Opelousas native promoted to major by National Guard (3 photos)

PINEVILLE, La. – Louisiana Army National Guardsman Patrick D. Jenkins of Opelousas, La., was promoted to the rank of major during a recent pinning ceremony by the 527th Engineer Battalion in Pineville, La.

Louisiana National Guard quenches thirst in Mooringsport (3 photos)

MOORINGSPORT, La. – With one water plant down and the other not operating at full capacity, the small town of Mooringsport, La., needed assistance, and the Louisiana Army National Guard stepped up to help.

Guardsmen assist with local food bank effort (3 photos)

PINEVILLE, La. – More than 50 Louisiana National Guardsmen from the 2228th Military Police Company and 773rd Military Police Battalion at Camp Beauregard in Pineville, La., provided their services to the Food Bank of Central Louisiana in Alexandria, La., this month.

Louisiana National Guardsmen receive awards from Lafayette council (3 photos)

LAFAYETTE, La. – Two members of the Louisiana National Guard were presented with the Distinguished Citizen Award by Lafayette city officials at a city council meeting at the Consolidated Government Building in Lafayette, La., June 23.

Louisiana National Guard forms everlasting bond with Native Tribe (8 photos)

NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard participated in a dedication ceremony last week held by the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma at Fort Pike in eastern New Orleans, in remembrance of the tribal members brought there in the 1800s.

Reconstruction of National Guard landmark brings hope, life to devastated area (6 photos)

NEW ORLEANS – A massive reconstruction of the historic Louisiana National Guard headquarters in New Orleans is underway and inching closer to its projected completion date of Spring 2010. Jackson Barracks, built in the mid-1830’s, was heavily damaged with flood waters after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area three years ago.

Louisiana National Guard holds first joint Yellow Ribbon event (8 photos)

NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard held its first post-deployment training for both Army and Air Guardsmen and their families at the Marriott Hotel in New Orleans, 15-17 May.

Historic artillery unit holds 170th annual Troop review (30 photos)

METAIRIE, La. – The 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery Regiment, also known as the Washington Artillery, held its 170th Pass-In-Review at Lafreniere Park in Metairie, La., Oct. 18.

Louisiana Guardsmen return home after Africa deployment (6 photos)

HAMMOND, La. – After a six-month deployment in support of operations for the U.S. Africa Command, Soldiers from the Louisiana Army National Guard’s 204th Theater Airfield Operations Group returned home to reunite with loved ones at the Hammond Army Aviation Support Facility, in Hammond, La., May 7.

Families bid farewell to Louisiana Guardsmen (4 photos)

HAMMOND, La. – Soldiers of the Louisiana National Guard’s 204th Theater Airfield Operations Group gathered at the Hammond Army Aviation Facility to bid farewell to family and friends during a deployment ceremony near the Northshore Regional Airport in Hammond, La., June 5.

Louisiana Guardsmen deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (6 photos)

MINDEN, La. – Soldiers of the Louisiana National Guard’s 1083rd Transportation Company, 165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion said farewell to family and friends at a deployment ceremony held at the Minden Civic Center on Tuesday, May 27.

Soldier uses civilian skills to enhance Guard's task force (2 photos)

NEW ORLEANS – After the devastating effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Louisiana State Police detective and Louisiana Army National Guardsman 1st Sgt. Todd M. Marchand volunteered his skills and services to aid the battered city of New Orleans.

Hurricane Katrina (60 photos)

NEW ORLEANS – Louisiana National Guardsmen made their presence known around south Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina ripped through the New Orleans area forcing thousands to leave their homes.

Military Family Day (9 photos)

Color Guard Soldiers from the Louisiana National Guard join family members and Louisiana Senators in honoring military fallen heroes. The Louisiana Senate established June 2, 2009, as the first Military Family Day.

School supplies make unique journey to Iraq (3 photos)

School children made up of seventh and eleventh graders in the small town of New Roads, La., aren’t old enough to join the military, but they still make a difference half a world away in Iraq.

Louisiana National Guard unveils new multi-million dollar facility (3 photos)

The Louisiana National Guard hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new multi-million dollar Unit Training Equipment Site (UTES), at Camp Villere in Slidell, La., April 8.

Louisiana Guardsmen return home after Iraq deployment (5 photos)

After a year-long deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Soldiers from the Louisiana Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment returned home to reunite with loved-ones at Louisiana Aircraft, LLC near the Baton Rouge Airport.

St. Francisville resident promoted to rank of colonel (2 photos)

Louisiana Army National Guardsman Lee W. Hopkins of St. Francisville, La., was promoted to the rank of colonel at the Stafford House on Camp Beauregard in Pineville, La., April 14.

Louisiana Guardsmen ‘ruck up’ in local 10k road race (2 photos)

Louisiana National Guardsmen added Army flavor to the 31st annual Crescent City Classic by packing their rucksacks and lugging them through the streets of New Orleans, April 11.

Louisiana National Guard tests disaster readiness (24 photos)

Louisiana National Guard tests disaster readiness Training exercises conducted in New Orleans, throughout state NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard, in coordination with local, state and federal emergency management agencies, teamed up to test it’s disaster response capabilities at training exercises around the state, with major operations at the Lakefront Airport in New Orleans and in Hackberry, La., April 4.

Guard holds annual tournament on the Red River (2 photos)

PINEVILLE, La. – The Sergeant Major Association held it’s 4th annual bass tournament at Red River’s Colfax boat launch Friday, March 21, to raise funds to honor Louisiana’s best command sergeant major, first sergeant, noncommissioned officer, Soldier of the year and other top Soldiers at a banquet next month.

Louisiana National Guard becomes highlight of Irish parade (5 photos)

NEW ORLEANS – Local members of the Louisiana Army National Guard participated in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in New Orleans, March 17.

Guardsmen’s assessment stabilizes Iraqi oil refinery defenses (3 photos)

BAGHDAD – Louisiana Army National Guardsmen with the 225th Engineer Brigade in Pineville, La., and the force protection section of the 1st Cavalry Division have started security assessments to strengthen defenses for one of Iraq’s largest oil refineries.

Guardsmen strengthen Iraqi defenses (4 photos)

BAGHDAD – Louisiana National Guard’s 225th Engineer Brigade, headquartered in Pineville, La., is currently working to improve bases in Iraq, while on a 365-day deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

National Guard rewards local JROTC cadets with fun, relaxation (4 photos)

HARVEY, La. – Local Louisiana National Guardsmen treated students of the West Jefferson High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program to a day of fun and relaxation during their annual Military Day picnic in Harvey, La

Louisiana, Iraqi Soldiers continue celebration of culture (4 photos)

BAGHDAD – Soldiers of the 225th Engineer Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Multi-National Division—Baghdad, didn’t get enough of Mardi Gras on the actual holiday—so they celebrated two weeks later with their Iraqi army engineer partners in Baghdad

Louisiana Guard instructors train Army’s backbone (5 photos)

BALL, La. – “Train to lead” is the motto used to motivate new and future noncommissioned officers during a 15-day training that teaches the ins and outs of becoming leaders in the U.S. Army.

F-15 static display moved to Camp Beauregard (3 photos)

The Louisiana Army National Guard, Air National Guard and Mississippi Army National Guard joined forces to complete a sling-load mission that involved a CH-47 Chinook helicopter towing a 20, 000-pound F-15 static display from England Air Park to Camp Beauregard

2228th Military Police Company welcomed home from Iraq (4 photos)

Local Guardsmen return from year-long deployment 2228th Military Police Company welcomed home from Iraq

La. Guardsmen return from Afghanistan (3 photos)

After a year-long deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Soldiers of the Louisiana Army National Guard returned home to reunite with loved-ones in Baton Rouge