Guard’s 61st Troop Command welcomes new leader

By Spc. Tarell J. Bilbo, 241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

NEW ORLEANS – Family, friends and fellow Guardsmen gathered as the Louisiana Army National Guard’s 61st Troop Command changed leadership in an official ceremony at the Gillis W. Long Center in Carville, La., Aug. 4.

Lt. Col. Johnathon W. Ballard Sr., of Geismar, La., assumed command from Col. Rodney B. Painting, an Amite native, who has served as the commander since February 2011.

“I’m deeply honored and extremely fortunate to have been selected to command this outstanding organization,” said Ballard. “I truly believe that within its ranks are the finest Soldiers and Airmen the Louisiana National Guard has to offer.”

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.

“I want to thank everybody in the room,” said Painting. “I was blessed to come here and serve as this DRU’s [Direct Reporting Unit] commander.”

“[Ballard] has continuously grown throughout his career,” said Curtis. “Today he receives the opportunity to command this unit based on his past performance of success.”

Headquartered in Carville, the 61st TC consists of a headquarters element and a Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction). The unit uniquely consists of approximately 50 Soldiers and Airmen with an important role in homeland security for the state, conducting operations for numerous events to include Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras, major sporting events and emergency response missions.

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