Lt. Col. Joseph Barnett assumed command of the 61st Troop Command, Louisiana Army National Guard (LAARNG), from Col. Katrina Lloyd during an official ceremony held at Camp Beauregard in Pineville Sunday. “ From 2010 until now, he (Barnett) has been in some very challenging positions,” said Maj. Gen. Keith Waddell, adjutant general of the LANG. “After some of the worst hurricanes that we’ve had in the history of Louisiana — Laura and Ida specifically — Joe and his entire team at the 165th Combat Sustainment and Support Group had our regional support area running more efficiently than I’ve ever seen.” Barnett commissioned through Northwestern State University’s (NSU) Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and began his service as an active-duty second lieutenant in 1997. He joined the LAARNG in 2006, and has commanded the LANG’s historic 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery Regiment and 165th Combat Sustainment Support Group. He holds a bachelor’s degree in general studies from NSU and a master’s degree in management from Webster University.
