The Louisiana National Guard Retention Ribbon honors Louisiana National Guard members who demonstrate outstanding accomplishments in retention efforts, personnel management, or other human resources issues. It may also be awarded to individuals who provide noteworthy contributions to the Family Assistance or Employer Support Programs.
The Louisiana National Guard is composed of the Louisiana Army National Guard and the Louisiana Air National Guard; it is estimated to have 11,500 members. The Army component, headquartered in New Orleans, traces its roots back to militia activity in the 1770s. The Air component is also based in New Orleans and consists of the 159th Fighter Wing, nicknamed the “Bayou Militia,” as well as several support units.
The ribbon features a broad red central section flanked on either side by a thin band of white, dark blue, and white, as well as a thick dark blue stripe on each edge.