New Orleans resident takes command of local Guard unit

Photo By Sgt. Tresa L. Allemang | Louisiana Army National Guard Col. Douglas J. Mouton accepts the 139th Regional Support Group's colors from Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau during a change of command ceremony at Esler Field, in Pineville, La., Jan. 10. Mouton, of New Orleans, assumed command from Col. Jacques D. Thibodeaux of Raceland, La., who commanded the unit for two years.  

UNITED STATES

01.10.2009

Story by Sgt. Tresa L. Allemang 

Louisiana National Guard

By Sgt. Tresa Allemang
199th Brigade Support Battalion Unit Public Affairs Representative

PINEVILLE, La. – Louisiana Army National Guard Col. Douglas J. Mouton assumed command of the 139th Regional Support Group, headquartered at Camp Beauregard in Pineville, La., from Col. Jacques D. Thibodeaux during a ceremony at Esler Field in Pineville, La., Jan. 10.

LANG adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, the state's Senior Enlisted advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Caillier, family, friends and members of the 139th gathered in the air field's hanger to take part in the ceremony.

"It was the strong character embodied by Col. Jacques Thibodeaux that earned him the privilege of command, and it is that same character shown by Col. Douglas Mouton by which I confidently grant his assumption of command today," Landreneau said.

A combat veteran, Mouton has served in the LANG for 25 years. He deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1990 and Operation Enduring Freedom in 2003. He also led repair and reconstruction efforts for more than $700 million in damaged facilities in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

"Col. Mouton's experience is vast and his knowledge will give him the tools necessary to do an outstanding job as a commander," Landreneau stated.

Thibodeaux has commanded the 139th since 2007. Under his command, the unit has mobilized a battalion headquarters, two military police companies, a military intelligence team and has realigned subordinate units to better provide support to the LANG and citizens of Louisiana in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"Throughout his career, Col. Thibodeaux has held many positions of responsibility and has always brought to those positions dedication, enthusiasm, commitment and integrity," Landreneau said. "The accomplishments during his command are noteworthy and outstanding."

Thibodeaux said that when he assumed command of the 139th "Wranglers" two years ago, he provided some instructions: "Put your cowboy hats on and buckle your saddles down, we're gonna ride, Wranglers, we're gonna ride," he said. "Well, it's been one heck of a ride that can only be summed up with one word ... thanks."

Mouton thanked Landreneau for the opportunity to lead and made pledges to his new unit. "I pledge my hard work and dedication, like always, but this time I have a caveat. I've never been a band member, military policeman, logistician, smart guy in military intelligence or signal guy...," he said describing the battalions now under his command, "...so you'll have to teach me."

"I endeavor to listen more than I talk. I will need to understand what I need to do to support you, so put me to work," Mouton continued.

The 139th was officially recognized as a major command on Oct. 18, 2005, with a mission to provide command and control of subordinate units, structure for non-major combat operations, and to assist units in meeting training, readiness and deployment requirements.

Mouton and his wife, the former Tracie Lea Ploger, have two sons: Noah, 11, and Jacob, 9. The family currently resides in New Orleans. A registered architect, Mouton is a member of the American Institute of Architecture and the National Council of Architectural Registration Board. Currently he is employed as a Principal with Jacobs Engineering.

Thibodeaux and his wife, the former Greta Gayral, have two children: Sarah, 9, and Matthew, 16, and reside in Raceland, La. He is currently working full-time with LANG as the chief information officer at Camp Beauregard in Pineville, La.

"It is said that good commanders look out and look after their troops, and good troops look out and look after their commanders," Landreneau said. "I know the Soldiers of the 139th will do this for their new commander."

• Date Taken: 01.10.2009
• Date Posted: 01.14.2009 18:16
• Story ID: 28848
• Location: US