On the evening of Sept. 15 a special ceremony was held to swear in seven of the Louisiana State Guard’s newest members.
Those taking the oath of service included:
Charles Curry
Cassidy Martin
Matthew Harrel
Dawson Lundy
John Hurt
Josh Coyler Jr.
Jonathan Paul
They will serve in a reserve capacity to support the Louisiana National Guard in the event of emergencies within the state. As members of the State Guard, they will undergo quarterly training at Camp Beauregard, where instruction will cover a wide range of skills including firearms, emergency management, vehicle operations and other specialized fields. Their commitment ensures that Louisiana has a stronger network of trained individuals ready to assist in times of crisis, strengthening the safety and resilience of communities.
During the ceremony, 2nd Lt. Seth Bordelon addressed the audience, explaining that the Louisiana State Guard is under the command of Gov. Jeff Landry and functions as a strategic reserve for the Louisiana National Guard. This division of the State Guard is intended to support central Louisiana and operates within the state’s emergency management framework, particularly in cooperation with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP).
Lt. Bordelon further clarified that when the National Guard is deployed elsewhere, the State Guard is prepared to respond within Louisiana during natural disasters or other emergencies. Working alongside state and local agencies, the Guard stands ready to reduce the burden on first responders. Unlike the National Guard, the Louisiana State Guard is a state-based force and does not deploy outside Louisiana. Its mission is dedicated solely to serving Louisiana and its residents.
This new unit is centrally positioned within the state and can deploy quickly to north or south Louisiana, making it a valuable asset in times of need. The seven men were sworn in together before distinguished guests, family members and friends, marking the beginning of their service to Louisiana.
