Photo By Sgt. Michael Owens | Maj. Cindy H. Haygood speaks to the audience after assuming command of the Louisiana Army National Guard's 769th Engineer Battalion at a change of command ceremony in Baton Rouge, La., Nov. 2. Haygood assumed command from Lt. Col. Damian K. Waddell who had served as battalion's commander since 2003. see less
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By Sgt. Michael L. Owens
241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
BATON ROUGE, La. – Maj. Cindy H. Haygood assumed command of the Louisiana Army National Guard's 769th Engineer Battalion at a change of command ceremony held at the unit armory in Baton Rouge, La., Nov. 2.
The Leesville native was presented with the unit colors during the ceremony by Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, Louisiana National Guard Adjutant General, signifying her assumption of command.
"She [Haygood] was chosen because of her experience and great leadership," said Landreneau as he addressed the audience. "She has shown great leadership as the executive officer for the past five years and we are very fortunate to have her as a member of this organization."
Landreneau also praised outgoing commander Lt. Col. Damian K. Waddell, a native of New Roads, La.
"You led this unit during its deployment to Iraq and the job that you did was nothing less than superb. You have been a valuable asset to the Louisiana National Guard and I want to thank you for serving with great distinction and honor."
"I never envisioned becoming the commander of the unit that I joined back in 1988," explained Haygood.
"Heck, I only enlisted to receive money for college," she jokingly told the crowd. Haygood also committed to continuing the great success that was achieved during Waddell's tenure.
Waddell thanked Landreneau for the opportunity to serve as the 769th's leader.
"I really appreciated this honor and it was the highlight of my whole military career," he said. Waddell will be taking over as the executive officer for the 225th Engineer Brigade rear detachment.
"The thing that I will miss the most is visiting the units and getting to know the Soldiers," said Waddell. "You have made this journey great for me and I am very proud of the job you have done."
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