The Department of the Southeast (DOTS), composed of members from Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Oklahoma, strengthened team building and concluded a successful winter meeting in Baton Rouge, La. from January 24-25.
The event was hosted by Col. Clay and Montez Legrande and the South Louisiana Chapter. Twelve chapter leaders, eight spouses and three new members attended. The group enjoyed southern hospitality at a reception at Clay’s home Friday evening, culminating with the showing of WWII-era rifles and a lively historical discussion.
LSU’s ROTC building hosted Saturday’s conference. A full day’s agenda included discussion of ROA national level current events and legislative issues by ROA National President Lt. Col. Layne Wroblewski, review of DOTS’ governing documents by Cmdr. Ed Isom and Wroblewski, a Department National Council update by Col. Shirley Martin and service and chapter briefings by other members.
Lively discussions occurred about converting space-orientated Air National Guard forces into Space Forces (with no Reserve units), restructuring USAF wings to align with HQ’s A-Staff concept, and ideas and feedback how to engage with Generation Y and Z drilling reservists. Some members participated through a Zoom conference call. The next meeting will be July 26, 2025.
After the business meeting, the entire group visited the Louisiana State University Rural Life Museum in Baton Rouge for a superbly given guided tour and lecture on 19th century history in rural Louisiana using historic structures of enslaved persons as the basis. It was very enlightening. The weekend culminated with a scrumptious Cajun dinner at a well-known local restaurant.