A Visit to Camp Beauregard, Louisiana

One of our Auxiliary Members recently visited Camp Beauregard located just outside Pineville, Louisiana. Camp Beauregard is one of the oldest training camps still in existence. Founded in 1917, Camp Beauregard's history actually dates back as far as 1852. The Veterans Hospital located at Camp Beauregard is one of the most historic landmarks in the State of Louisiana.

Troops began training at Camp Beauregard in preparation for WWI and the training continues to this day. It is the first stop for many in the Louisiana National Guard. Its units are responsible for emergency response to natural disasters as well as state and federal emergencies. Camp Beauregard is the home of the 225th Engineering Brigade which is a combat heavy engineer brigade of the Louisiana Army National Guard. (You will notice in the photos below many pieces of equipment on display are well-armored construction equipment.) Camp Beauregard is also home to Louisiana's first National Guard Youth Challenge Program which began in 1993.

If you have the opportunity to visit Camp Beauregard it's well worth the trip. There is a museum on site but it is closed on Mondays so make sure you plan accordingly.