By Sgt. 1st Class Scott D. Longstreet, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office
PINEVILLE – The Louisiana National Guard’s 18th Recruiting and Retention Battalion held an official change of command ceremony at the Dabadie Gym Complex on Camp Beauregard in Pineville, La., on July 17, 2025. During the ceremony, Col. Joseph M. Barnett, incoming commander, assumed command from Col. Marc. E. Prymek, outgoing commander. Additionally, Command Sgt. Maj. Donald G. Lavalais assumed the role of senior enlisted leader of the RRC from Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick L. Sandel, Jr.
Presiding over the ceremony was Brig. Gen. John Plunkett, special assistant to the adjutant general of Louisiana. He passed the unit colors to the incoming commander during the ceremony.
“On behalf of our adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, I want to say it is an absolute honor to be here today as we honor the extraordinary leadership of two fine officers as well as the Soldiers and families that form the backbone of our Recruiting and Retention Command,” said Plunkett. “Over the past four years, the RRC has thrived under the remarkable leadership of Col. Prymek. His impact is undeniable, and his vision, accountability and relentless follow-through are second to none. He led the way through uncertainty and ever-changing demographics. Congratulations Col. Prymek on an exceptional command. And thank you for accepting this challenge, Col. Barnett. Your leadership will be instrumental in continuing the momentum this unit has built.”
Plunkett continued by thanking Command Sgt. Maj. Sandel for his great leadership as the senior enlisted leader and welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Lavalais as the new enlisted leader.
Col. Prymek gave his remarks and thanked the adjutant general for a job well done.
“I want to talk about some of this battalion’s accomplishments,” Prymek said. “We have had the nation’s top production recruiter for the last four years. For the first time ever, this battalion has exceeded 100 enlistments per month for 12 consecutive months, and for the first eight months of this fiscal year, we have averaged 112 enlistments per month. I appreciate the opportunity for entrusting me and CSM Sandel to lead the most professional group of Soldiers that I have ever worked with in my career.”
He concluded by thanking his family and welcoming the new command team to the battalion.
The outgoing commander’s comments were followed by the incoming commander’s remarks.
“I want to first thank Maj. Gen. Friloux for entrusting me with another command,” said Barnett. “Col. Prymek, thank you for preparing me with a very good right seat left seat hand off. It was an exceptional transition. Thank you, as well, to Command Sgt. Maj. Sandel for your guidance and hard work in setting up Command Sgt. Maj. Lavalais and the command team for success.”
He thanked the Soldiers in the Recruiting and Retention Command as he concluded his speech.
During the ceremony, the outgoing commander received the Legion of Merit medal, and the outgoing senior enlisted leader received the Meritorious Service Medal.
The 18th Recruiting and Retention Battalion is a unit within the Louisiana National Guard, responsible for recruiting and retaining personnel for both the Army and Air National Guard components. They conduct various recruiting operations, manage applicant processing and implement programs to support Soldiers and Airmen. The 18th RRB also hosts national-level events like the Director’s Strength Maintenance Awards Conference.
