By Sgt. 1st Class Scott D. Longstreet, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office
NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard’s 139th Regional Support Group held an official change of command ceremony at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans on Sept. 14, 2025. During the ceremony, Col. Richard T. Douget, incoming commander, assumed command from Col. Bobby J. Lee Jr., outgoing commander. At the same ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan D. Chapman, the incoming senior enlisted leader of the 139th RSG, assumed responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. Donald G. Lavalais, the outgoing senior enlisted leader of the 139th RSG.
Maj. Gen. Thomas C. Friloux, the adjutant general of Louisiana, presided over the ceremony. “Col. Lee, congratulations to you and your family on a great command,” said Friloux. “You deployed multiple units in your command to Kuwait, Cuba and Poland to further national initiatives in protecting our homeland. Additionally, you led the DRU through multiple state emergency response efforts, including two winter storms, Hurricane Ida, Task Force COVID and other missions. I am honored to have you as my chief of the joint staff.”
“Col. Douget, welcome to command,” Friloux continued. “You have had a little practice serving as the rear detachment commander during the HHC’s deployment. I know you will continue the great effort and build upon that going forward. A lot will be asked of you and your family, and I have no doubt you will deliver.”
Friloux concluded his remarks by thanking Lavalais for his leadership and mentorship during his time as the senior enlisted leader for the 139th RSG and welcomed Chapman as the new senior enlisted leader.
Lee gave his remarks and thanked Friloux for the opportunity to serve as the 139th RSG commander.
“This ceremony is not about the incoming commander or the outgoing commander,” Lee said. “It’s about the continuity of leadership, the strength of the Louisiana National Guard. Sir, thank you for giving me the opportunity to lead the 139th and to deploy as the commander. I am proud of what we have accomplished in my time as commander and grateful for the people who helped make these accomplishments happen.”
Lee concluded his remarks by thanking his family, Lavalais and welcoming the new command team.
Douget also gave his remarks on becoming the new commander of the 139th RSG.
“Maj. Gen. Friloux, thank you for your trust and confidence in me and for the privilege of commanding one of the most MOS-diverse DRUs in the Army,” said Douget. “I understand your vision and will do everything in my power to carry out mission success.”
Douget concluded his remarks by thanking his family, Lee and Soldiers of the 139th RSG.
During the ceremony, Friloux awarded Lee the Legion of Merit and Lavalais the Meritorious Service Medal.
The ceremony concluded with the retiring of the colors and the singing of the Army song.
Officially recognized as a major command in 2005, the 139th RSG is a multi-functional organization consisting of transportation, maintenance, communications, medical, military band, military police and military intelligence units. Since 9/11, the unit has completed two overseas deployments.
