Leadership changes for Louisiana National Guard

Maj. Gen. Bennett Landreneau, the head of the Louisiana National Guard who led responses to hurricanes, floods and a litany of other state disasters, is retiring after more than 40 years in the military. Landreneau, who served nearly 14 years of his career as adjutant general, stood with Gov. Bobby Jindal today to announce his retirement. He is being replaced by Brig. Gen. Glenn Curtis, who has worked as the chief adviser and top assistant to Landreneau. The switch takes effect immediately, with notice to be sent to the Pentagon, informing U.S. defense officials of the change. Landreneau, 64, was first appointed adjutant general by then-Gov. Mike Foster in 1997 and was kept on the job by former Gov. Kathleen Blanco, as well as by Jindal when he took office in 2008. He was the longest current serving adjutant general in the United States. Landreneau had been with the National Guard since enlisting as a private in 1969. The adjutant general is responsible for the 11,500 members of the Louisiana Army and the Air National Guard. Curtis, 49, enlisted in the Louisiana National Guard in 1982. An official transfer of command ceremony will be scheduled at a later date at Camp Beauregard. Curtis’ candidacy will be submitted for state Senate confirmation in the 2012 legislative session. Landreneau plans to retire to his central Louisiana farm.