139th Regional Support Group welcomes new leader

By Spc. Tarell J. Bilbo, 241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard’s 139th Regional Support Group welcomed Lt. Col. Cindy H. Haygood as their new commander during an official change of command ceremony on the parade field at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans, Dec. 1.

Haygood, a native of Leesville, La., assumed command from the outgoing commander, Col. Damian K. Waddell, who served as commander of the 139th since Jan. 2010.

“I would like to wish Lt. Col. Haygood all the best in her command at the 139th,” said Waddell, a native of Lake Charles, La. “She is one of the premier leaders in the LANG.”

Haygood joined the National Guard in 1988 and recently served as the commander of the 769th Engineer Battalion.

In ceremonial fashion, Maj. Gen. Glenn H. Curtis, adjutant general of the LANG, received the organizational colors from the outgoing commander and passed them to the incoming commander, signifying the transfer of leadership over the unit.

“Cindy, I know you’ll do a great job at the 139th as a commander,” said Curtis. “I look forward to your continued success here.”

As Haygood took to the podium to deliver her remarks, she thanked Maj. Gen. Curtis for his confidence in her abilities as a leader.

“I am both humbled and excited for this opportunity,” said Haygood. “I know that the great Soldiers of the 139th will be a successful and forward leaning organization.”

Officially recognized as a major command in 2005, the 139th is a multi-functional organization consisting of transportation, maintenance, communications, medical, military band, military police and military intelligence units.

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