The Louisiana State Guard (State Defense Force – LASG) continues to demonstrate its commitment to community engagement, teamwork, and professional excellence through active participation in local charitable events. On Friday, March 28, members of the 4th Area Command answered a challenge from Kandice Miller, Human Resource Analyst at Camp Minden, by taking part in the Camp Minden Charitable Campaign Pistol Match. This annual competition supports the Louisiana State Combined Charitable Campaign (LA SCCC), which raises funds for numerous organizations across the state. When Brigadier General Benton passed along the call to action, nearly 30 Guard members from northern Louisiana stepped up—volunteering their time and covering their entry fees to support a cause that Camp Minden has championed for years.
The match itself proved both rigorous and rewarding. Participants competed across multiple divisions, and the 4th Area Command distinguished itself by bringing home six awards at the end of the day. Those honored included:
- MSG Chris Letendre
• 1st Place, Iron Sights Men’s Division
• 1st Place, Novice Division - 1SG Mike Gilliam
• 2nd Place, Pro Optic Division
• 2nd Place, Expert Division - SSG Troy Skeesick
• 3rd Place, Pro Optic Division
• 3rd Place, Expert Division
These accomplishments not only reflect individual marksmanship but also highlight the esprit de corps within Area 4. “Proud wife moment: Chris, along with five other Area 4 members, competed against 25–30 other shooters in the State Combined Charitable Campaign Camp Minden Training Site 2025 Pistol Competition and won 1st Place,” shared one spouse. “Two other State Guardsmen placed second and third. It was a great day for the Louisiana State Guard—and for the charities supported by the Louisiana Military Department.”
This competition isn’t a one-off; the Louisiana State Guard, along with many other State Defense Forces such as the Texas State Guard, New York Guard, etc. is regularly invited to the National Guard’s statewide marksmanship matches, fostering inter-branch cooperation and camaraderie. In 2025, the Georgia State Defense Force marked a historic milestone by being invited to the prestigious Best Warrior Competition—a rigorous, multi-day event that pushes participants to their limits in both physical and mental challenges. Such invitations underscore not only the Louisiana State Guard’s competitive spirit but also the growing recognition of State Defense Forces as vital partners with The National Guard in both training excellence and community outreach.
On Friday, March 28th, members of the 4th Area Command, Louisiana State Guard, came together to support the Louisiana State Combined Charitable Campaign (LA SCCC) by participating in the Camp Minden Charitable Campaign Pistol Match. The LA SCCC supports numerous charities across Louisiana, and Camp Minden has proudly supported their efforts for years.
Approximately 30 individuals from across northern Louisiana participated in this friendly competition. Special thanks to Kandice Miller, Human Resource Analyst at Camp Minden, who issued the challenge to the Louisiana State Guard. BG Benton passed on the call to action, and our 4th Area Command members stepped up, volunteering their time and paying their entry fees.
Their efforts paid off—literally—by taking home SIX awards at the end of the day!
Congratulations to:
MSG Chris Letendre
1st Place Iron Sights Men’s Division
1st Place Novice Division1SG Mike Gilliam
2nd Place Pro Optic Division
2nd Place Expert DivisionSSG Troy Skeesick
3rd Place Pro Optic Division
3rd Place Expert Division
Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this great cause. The Louisiana State Guard continues to exemplify leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to the community and its mission.
If you would like to learn more about how you can join the Louisiana State Guard and give back to your community, please send us a message or visit https://geauxguard.la.gov/state-guard/
Proud wife moment. Chris along with 5 other Area 4 Louisiana State Guard members competed against 25-30 other people in the State Combined Charitable Campaign Camp Minden Training Site 2025 Pistol Competition today and won 1st Place! Two other state guardsmen came in 2nd and 3rd. Great day for @Louisiana State Guard and the charities that the Louisiana Military Department support.
Source: Louisiana State Guard
