Keith Waddell

Major General Keith Waddell was appointed the 50th Adjutant General of the Louisiana National Guard by Governor John Bel Edwards on 10 January 2020. He was responsible for providing the State of Louisiana and the United States of America with a ready force of more than 11,500 Citizen Soldiers and Airmen, trained and equipped to respond to any contingency, natural or manmade.  Additionally, MG Waddell directed the Louisiana Military Department and oversaw the development, coordination, and execution of all policies, plans, and programs for the Louisiana National Guard in concert with the Governor and State Legislature.  He successfully completed his assignment as Adjutant General on 8 January 2024.

MG 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 Army commission from Louisiana State University in 1990 as a distinguished military graduate. MG Waddell has a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College and a Master’s of Science in Homeland Security from Northwestern State University.  He also completed his certification in Educational Leadership from McNeese State University.

MG Waddell has served at all levels of command through the Brigade level, held primary staff positions at the Battalion, Group, and State levels. He mobilized and served as an Engineer Battalion Commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Multinational Division-Baghdad.  MG Waddell has attended numerous military schools throughout his career including the Joint Task Force Commander’s Course, Dual Status Commander’s Course, the U.S. Army War College, J3/JDOMS Operations Course, Leadership in Homeland Security at the Harvard-Kennedy School of Government, the National Strategic Management Course at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, the Executive Leader’s Program at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, Airborne, and the Northern Warfare Orientation Course. His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Louisiana Legion of Merit, Louisiana War Cross, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and numerous other federal and state awards.  He is a recipient of the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award, the Louisiana National Guard Outstanding Company Commander of the Year, the Brigadier General Edmund J. Giering Outstanding Company Commander in the Engineer Regiment, the Bronze de Fleury Medal, and Order of St. Maurice (Legionnaire).  MG Waddell retired in April 2024 with 33 plus years of military service.

MG Waddell is a certified teacher and administrator in Louisiana. Other notable achievements include being named Louisiana High School Coach of the Year in Baseball and Basketball. He was also named District Coach of the Year multiple times in a variety of sports throughout his 18-year coaching career.

MG Waddell resides in Lake Charles, Louisiana and is married to the former Lisa Doga. He is the father of three children: Kimber, Michael (Lindsey), and Kenny (Jada) and has four grandchildren: Braden, Karsyn, Logan, and Norah.