Gov. John Bel Edwards announced the retirement of Maj. Gen. Glenn H. Curtis, who has served as the adjutant general for the Louisiana National Guard since 2011.
“General Curtis has served our country and our state with honor for many years, and on behalf of the people of Louisiana, I want to thank him for his strong, steady leadership,” Edwards said. “Personally, I want to thank him for his support during my first term as governor, especially as we battled historic flooding. His leadership and the hard work of our National Guard saved lives and property and we owe him a debt of gratitude. He also played a key leadership role in the creation of the Cybersecurity Commission, greatly improving Louisiana’s preparedness for these kinds of issues.”
Curtis said, “Thank you governor for reappointing me four years ago and allowing me to continue to serve this great state and this great nation.”
Edwards has promoted Brig. Gen. Keith Waddell from assistant adjutant general to adjutant general. The promotion is effective Jan. 10, 2020. A formal change of command ceremony will be held early next year.
Waddell said, “Gov. Edwards, thank you for the opportunity to serve. I’m honored and humbled to lead one of the premier military organizations in the world. Thank you Gen. Curtis, thank you for your leadership, mentorship and friendship for nearly 25 years.”
Curtis said, “I’ve known Kieth Waddell since he was a young captain. He’s either worked directly for me or been one step removed from me ever since then. He is a steadfast leader who makes great decisions, has great vision, and will take this organization to new heights of readiness and preparedness for the two reasons we exist. One, for the war fight, and two, to respond for our citizens here in our state and our homeland when the worst day comes.”
Waddell previously served as the assistant adjutant general for the Louisiana National Guard, which is responsible for assisting in the deployment and coordination of programs, policies, and plans for the Louisiana Army and Air National Guard.
Waddell graduated from Louisiana State University in 1990 and received a bachelor of science in physical education and minor in general science. He received his commission from Louisiana State University in 1990 as a distinguished military graduate. He received his master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College in 2012, and he is working on his masters of science in homeland security from Northwestern State University.
In addition to extensive military training and experience, Waddell is a certified teacher and assistant principal at Westlake High School. He lives in Lake Charles with his wife Lisa and their three children.
Edwards said, “I am confident that our National Guard is in good hands and I look forward to years of continued partnership with Brigadier General Waddell. While I pray for good fortune and calm times for our state, I am confident that should we face adversity, our Louisiana National Guard will always stand strong and ready to assist the people of Louisiana.”
A formal change of command ceremony will be held early next year.