EXPERT ON:
◉ Team Building & Collaboration
◉ Overcoming Adversity
◉ Leadership Development
◉ Inspirational Life Story
◉ Faith in Action
EXPERIENCE:
◉ Decorated Military Leader & Veteran Speaker – Bronze Star recipient with 28 years of service, inspiring audiences through leadership, service, and resilience.
◉ Author & Leadership Advocate – International award-winning author of Loving 42, sharing powerful lessons on faith, family, and perseverance.
◉ Community Leader & Public Service Strategist – Brings deep expertise in leadership, public service, and organizational excellence from military and civic roles.
Our speaker for the occasion is Lieutenant Colonel Retired Jamar L. Gailes. Jamar is a native of Alexandria, La., where he graduated from Peabody Magnet High School, Alexandria, La. and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and English from Grambling State University, Grambling, La. and an MBA with an emphasis in Public Administration from North Central State University, Prescott, Arizona and a Certificate in Negotiations from the Harvard Law School Program of Negotiation in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Our speaker is a twenty-eight (28) year, three (3) tour decorated Bronze Star recipient veteran of the Department of Defense by way of the US Army and Louisiana National Guard to include: Operation Desert Storm (1990-1991), Operation Enduring Freedom (2004-2005) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2010-2011) where he was the Chief of Assistance and Investigations for all United States Forces – Iraq, Inspector General’s Office comprising over 90,000 service members, civilian contractors and local nationals. He has held several successful commands and staff positions at all levels and on March 1, 2011 was recommended by the Adjutant General, and confirmed by the Department of Defense and the United States Senate to serve as the State Inspector General, Louisiana National Guard, overseeing and enforcing standards and policy direction in accordance with Department of Defense, State and Federal laws for the 11,000 strong member organization.
In September of 2025, our speaker released his long-anticipated Memoir, Loving 42: A Mother’s Prayer, A Son’s Journey, A Father’s Strength which chronicles the true real-life story of how fate meets faith head on at the intersection of life and death without warning or prepared and rehearsed guidance. In January, our speaker was notified that he became an International Award-Winning Author in the Inspirational Category for the month of December and is being considered for Book of the Year.
Our Speaker is very active in the community and is affiliated with several economic development commissions, non-profits, civic and social organizations where he has chaired most.
LTC Gailes was married to late Jennifer Annette Gailes and is the father of two sons Malcom Jamar, Abram Jamar, and one daughter, Kyndall Jamari.