PINEVILLE, La. (KALB) – On the morning of August 18, there was a change in leadership at the Louisiana National Guard Training Center Pineville. The 199th Regiment is now led by Col. Kevin W. James, a native of Vernon Parish.
During the change of command, the outgoing Colonel Willus B. Hall handed over his command to the new Colonel James. This marks the completion of a circle for the Alexandrian native.
“It was very special to serve in this capacity because I’m not just from this area,” said Col. Hall. “I was commissioned as an officer through this program in 1995.”
“Having the opportunity to come back and take leadership of the organization I was called to lead has been an incredibly rewarding and gratifying experience,” said Col. Hall.
The 199th Regiment serves the Louisiana National Guard as the primary annual pre-mobilization training platform.
Col. Hall took command in 2021. He said one of his greatest accomplishments as commander was reducing vacancies in company ranks.
“Initially, there were 112 vacancies at the corporate level, and now there are much fewer,” said Col. Hall. “It increases readiness throughout the organization because you have key leaders in the position who need to be effective. If those key leaders are missing, readiness is not optimal.”
Col. James said he is ready to continue what Col. Hall started.
“We are training leaders and our focus will be on training future lieutenants for the Louisiana Army National Guard,” said Col. James. “We want to train future noncommissioned officers for the active Army and Reserve in every state where the United States has a National Guard presence.”
Col. Hall said he looks forward to his next assignment as the new Chief of the Joint Staff of the Louisiana National Guard.
Click here to report a typo. Please include the title of the article in your email.
All rights reserved.
