Damian K. Waddell was born on February 10, 1967, in New Roads, Louisiana. He studied kinesiology at Louisiana State University and strategic studies at the United States Army College. In 1990, he received an ROTC commission as a 2nd Lt. In 1998, as a Lt. Col., he transferred from the Army to the Louisiana National Guard and commanded Company B, 1088th Engineers, in New Roads, Louisiana. His military schooling included the United States Army Command College and Harvard University homeland security studies. His selected U.S. decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Parachutist Badge. On January 20, 2023, he was appointed Adjutant General of the Louisiana National Guard, and on February 23, 2023, he was promoted to Major General.