News

 Shreveport-Bossier has been named a 2026 Great American Defense Community, one of just three nationwide, honoring our region's enduring support of Barksdale AFB. 

Shreveport-Bossier has been named a 2026 Great American Defense Community by the Association of Defense Communities (ADC) — one of only three communities in the nation to receive this prestigious designation this year. The announcement was made at the Defense Communities National Summit in Washington, D.C., where Jacksonville, Florida, and Greater Augusta, Georgia, were also honored.

For Northwest Louisiana, this recognition is more than an award. It's an affirmation of nearly a century of partnership between our region and Barksdale Air Force Base — and a reflection of the people, organizations, and everyday neighbors who continue to show up for the military families who call this place home.

🎥 Watch the announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHRONYLT5lk

A Partnership Built Over Generations

"This recognition reflects the strength of our partnership with the Shreveport-Bossier community," said Col. Chris, 2nd Bomb Wing commander. "Having grown up here, I've seen firsthand the pride this community takes in supporting its Airmen within a complex global security environment. That unmatched support by our intentional and informed partners creates an outsized impact on the lives of our families while we execute the mission without fail."

The Great American Defense Community designation honors communities that demonstrate exceptional support for service members, veterans, and military families through military-community partnerships, quality-of-life initiatives, and long-term investment in installation support.

What Sets Shreveport-Bossier Apart

Our region's commitment shows up in tangible ways that directly impact military families:

• Faster career mobility for military spouses. Louisiana has joined nine interstate licensing compacts, allowing spouses in healthcare, counseling, and emergency services to transfer their credentials quickly — many within 30 days.
• The THRIVE Guide, a centralized, military spouse–developed platform connecting families to childcare, education, healthcare, and employment resources.
• Community-based transition programs that pair service members with employers, educational opportunities, and local resources as they navigate life after service.
• Healthcare continuity partnerships ensuring active-duty families and retirees receive seamless care.
• Workforce and business initiatives expanding employment opportunities for military spouses and veterans.

A Regional Effort

"We are extremely honored to have Barksdale Air Force Base in our community and appreciate the outstanding relationship we share," said Eric Barkley, president of Barksdale Forward. "It's a tribute to so many in our region who are unified in their extraordinary, longstanding and continued commitment to the men and women who serve Barksdale and their families."

The recognition reflects the collective work of Barksdale Forward, the Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council, the 8th Air Force Consultation Committee, the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, and countless civic leaders and volunteers across Northwest Louisiana.

About Barksdale Air Force Base

Barksdale serves as the home of Air Force Global Strike Command, 8th Air Force, the Joint Global Strike Operations Center, the 2nd Bomb Wing, the 307th Bomb Wing, and many other tenant units — together delivering strategic deterrence and global strike capabilities in support of national defense.

This designation belongs to all of us. To every business that hires a military spouse, every neighbor who welcomes a new Airman to the block, every volunteer and civic leader who shows up year after year — thank you. Shreveport-Bossier is a Great American Defense Community because you make it one.