La. Guard’s 199th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) welcomes new leadership
By Sgt. Danny Hough, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office
PINEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana National Guard’s 199th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) officially welcomed its new command team, Col. Kevin James and Command Sgt. Maj. Somkid Kimball, during an official change of command and responsibility ceremony at the Dabadie Center, Louisiana National Guard Training Center Pineville, August 18.
The incoming regiment commander of the 199th, Col. Kevin James, a native of Anacoco, Louisiana, was commissioned into the Regular Army in 1998 and joined the Louisiana Army National Guard in 2004. Over his career, James has served in several key assignments including company commander, battalion commander, brigade executive officer, LANG J2: Director of Intelligence and most recently served as the LANG J7: Director of Plans.
“Maj. Gen. Friloux, thank you for the opportunity to command and for entrusting me with the development and training of our future leaders. I don’t take this responsibility lightly,” said James, addressing Maj. Gen. Thomas C. Friloux, the adjutant general of Louisiana, during his remarks. “I am honored to command the 199th Regiment and lead this outstanding team of professional Soldiers. For the Regiment to continue its long tradition of excellence, we must be a team of supporting teams, built around disciplined, confident, and competent professionals who train hard to published standards, espouse the Army values, and thoughtfully balance mission and family.”
The incoming senior enlisted advisor of the 199th, Command Sgt. Maj. Somkid Kimball, a native of New Llano, Louisiana, enlisted in the Louisiana Army National Guard in November 1988. Kimball’s roles have included serving as the command sergeant major of the 2-156th Infantry Battalion, 3-156th Infantry Battalion and the 769th Brigade Engineer Battalion.
In a time-honored tradition known as the passing of the organizational colors, Col. Willus Hall, the outgoing commander of the 199th, received the colors from Command Sgt. Maj. Demetria Faircloth, the outgoing senior enlisted advisor, and then passed them to Friloux, symbolizing Hall’s relinquishment of command. Friloux then passed the colors to James, marking the beginning of his command. Finally, James passed the colors to complete the symbolic exchange.
“I know you’re just the person; you’ve had a lot of leadership positions that have prepared you for this point,” said Friloux, addressing the newly appointed commander. “You’ve shown and displayed that every day. Same with you, Command Sgt. Maj. Kimball; you’ve done an excellent job leading our Soldiers,” continued Friloux.
In recognition of their service to the 199th and the Louisiana National Guard, Hall was presented with the Legion of Merit award, and Faircloth received the Louisiana Cross of Merit medal.
The ceremony concluded with Faircloth relinquishing responsibility of the regimental colors to Kimball, symbolizing his new role as the senior enlisted advisor of the 199th.
The 199th began as the Louisiana Military Academy in 1960 and was redesignated the 199th Regiment (RTI) in 1997. The unit’s training history started with the formalization and implementation of the Officer Candidate School program in July 1960. In July 1976, the unit established the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy. Over the years, the 199th Regiment has evolved to support the needs of the Army and the Louisiana Army National Guard. The Regiment now trains Regular Army, Reserve, and National Guard Soldiers in various courses under its two battalions.