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PINEVILLE, La. - The Louisiana National Guard’s Officer Candidate School at the 199th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) commissioned 16 new officers at the Camp Beauregard post theater in Pineville on Aug. 13.

“Congratulations, I am very proud of each and every one of you, and I know I speak on behalf of our entire organization and everyone in the audience today when I say that we are proud of you,” said Maj. Gen. Keith Waddell, adjutant general of the LANG. “I know you have a bright future ahead of you, and I look forward to seeing the impact you will have on this organization for many years to come.”

OCS is an Army school geared to training soldiers to become officers. It is a rigorous course that prepares officer candidates to lead soldiers.

“It is a life-changing program as far as your military career goes; it’s probably one of the toughest ways to commission,” said Lt. Col. Brent Lewis, the 199th Battalion commander. “The course prepares you to be a platoon leader and helps build upon your strengths and weaknesses.”

Belize Defence Force soldiers stand under a helicopter display at Camp Beauregard, Pineville,... — Belize Defence Force soldiers stand under a helicopter display at Camp Beauregard, Pineville, Louisiana. The five women completed the Officer Candidate School under the Louisiana National Guard’s 199th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) in August 2022.(Louisiana National Guard)

In addition to the 16 OCS graduates, five female soldiers from the Belize Defence Force also completed the course. Since 2007, 24 BDF soldiers have completed military professional development courses under the 199th Regiment (RTI). The LANG and BDF are partners through the State Partnership Program, a National Guard Bureau-administered program that conducts military-to-military engagements in support of defense security goals that also leverages whole-of-society relationships.

Loved ones pinned the new officers’ ranks on their shoulders during the ceremony.

Louisiana Army National Guard Officer Candidate Qun-Nita Wells’ family pins her new second... — Louisiana Army National Guard Officer Candidate Qun-Nita Wells’ family pins her new second lieutenant ranks on her shoulders at an Officer Candidate School graduation ceremony at Camp Beauregard in Pineville, Louisiana, Aug. 13, 2022.(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Madalyn McQuillan)

“The most rewarding part of OCS has been pinning on my second lieutenant,” said 2nd Lt. Mitchell Maston. “Watching how proud my family is of me today was really rewarding.”

Officer candidates who distinguished themselves were presented awards for accomplishments in physical training, leadership and academics.

The National Guard Association of Louisiana Award was presented to 2nd Lt. Andy Gonzalez for having the highest physical training score based on the army physical fitness test during the OCS program.

The Academic Award was presented to 2nd Lt. Abigail Margovio for having the highest academic average as determined by their examination scores.

The Leadership award was awarded to 2nd Lt. Qun-Nita Wells for having the highest leadership evaluation. Wells also received the Adjutant General’s Award for having the highest combined score in leadership, academics and physical training as well as the Army Commendation Medal for exemplary performance while attending OCS.

The Erickson Award, a National Guard Bureau award, was presented to 2nd Lt. Kyle Avance for excelling in leadership, academics and physical training. Avance was also awarded an army achievement medal for excellent performance while attending school.