Names in the News: People Shaping the Future of Lake Area Business – American Press

LSP welcomes new soldiers

BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana State Police announced the graduation of its 104th cadet class, consisting of 55 cadets who have completed their path to becoming Louisiana State Police.

The 55 cadets from across the state began their 24-week training at the Louisiana State Police Training Academy on April 21. During this period, they received comprehensive instruction in areas such as accident investigation, emergency vehicle operations, impaired driving detection, fair and impartial policing, legal updates, advanced firearms training, leadership skills and a rigorous physical fitness regimen.

Now fully graduated, the new troopers will be deployed throughout the state where they will participate in a 10- to 14-week field training program under the direction of a veteran Louisiana State Trooper.

Keevin Cope, John Hayes, Timothy Robinson and Junior Valcourt are assigned to Detachment D in Lake Charles.

The Sowela Faculty is recognized

Two staff members and two faculty members at Sowela Technical Community College were honored for their service and dedication at the Louisiana Technical Community College System’s annual conference earlier this month in New Orleans.

This year’s four Sowela honorees include Director of Student Services Megan Lewiswelding instructor Melvin Caesardistinguished retiree and retired process technology instructor Doug VanDyke and Industrial Technology School Support Coordinator Patty Duhon.

Awarded “Outstanding Professional Staff Member,” Lewis ensures that students receive the guidance and resources they need to succeed. Her previous role as scholarship coordinator highlighted her collaborative skills, which she continues to use in her current position, fostering a supportive environment for both students and staff.

With nine years of service, Caesar was named Sowela’s “Outstanding Faculty Member” for his dedication as a welding instructor. Not only does he teach the Core Plus curriculum, but he also fills four slots. Known for his teamwork and willingness to help colleagues, Caesar is a trusted figure at Sowela.

The Distinguished Retiree Award was presented to VanDyke, a former process technology instructor who left a lasting legacy at Sowela during his seven years at the college. His approachable nature and collaborative spirit earned him the respect and admiration of students and staff. VanDyke’s innovative way of thinking introduced new trends and technologies that improved operations, and his ability to foster teamwork ensured positive results.

Named “Outstanding Support Staff,” Duhon, with 14 years of service, has been an exemplary coordinator for the School of Industrial Technology, consistently providing exceptional assistance to students, staff and faculty. Known for her reliability and mentoring skills, Duhon’s proactive approach ensures efficiency and care in her daily tasks.

DeRidder High graduate retires

Colonel Christopher D. Carrollgraduate of DeRidder High School, was honored Sept. 27 at a US Air Force retirement ceremony at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.

Carroll, a former basketball star at DeRidder who graduated in 1996, continued his college education initially through the Army ROTC program at LSU and after a successful year of competition was offered and accepted a three-year scholarship from the Air Force ROTC program. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Air Force ROTC program at LSU on May 18, 2000, and by April 1, 2021, he had advanced through the ranks, rising to the rank of colonel.

During his service, he deployed to Iraq and Pakistan for Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He commands the 325th Control Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida and the 72nd Control Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma.

Carroll also served as Deputy Director, Budget Investment Programs and Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Budget at the Pentagon.

In his last position before retirement, Carroll served as director of budget programs for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller at the Pentagon. He led the financial management team in the Department of the Air Force’s engine room, which was responsible for the DAF’s budget for future years.

Carroll is the son of proud parents Bruce and Josephine Carroll.

Peshoff joins JD Bank

JENNINGS — JD Bank is pleased to announce that Daniel Peshoff Jr joined the JD Bank team as a branch manager at the Carlyss location at 4507 La. 27 S. Peshoff has seven years of professional banking experience in the Sulfur and Carlyss area.

As Branch Manager, he will oversee the day-to-day operations of the branch and serve as a lender to the Southwest Louisiana community.

Peshoff comes to JD Bank from First Horizon, where he served as dual banking center manager. A resident of Sulphur, Peshoff is a member of the West Calcasieu Chamber of Commerce, the Sulfur Rotary Club and is a 2023 graduate of Leadership Southwest.

Hunter was appointed to the state commission

Lake Charles Major Nick Hunter has been selected by the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources to serve on the newly created Offshore Wind Energy Advisory Committee.

The committee, working with the Center for Planning Excellence, will develop an Offshore Wind Energy Roadmap for Louisiana—which will serve as a guide for harnessing the state’s offshore wind potential by capitalizing on emerging opportunities for quality jobs places and new economic investments.

Over the next two years, the committee will serve as the governing body responsible for ensuring the development and implementation of the Offshore Wind Energy Roadmap.