Big News: Bossier Parish is a 2026 Great American Defense Community!

Big News: Bossier Parish is a 2026 Great American Defense Community!

Shreveport-Bossier was just named a 2026 Great American Defense Community. We’re one of only three places in the entire country to get this award this year. For the Bossier Parish Police Jury and all of us living here, this is a huge deal. It shows just how much we value having Barksdale Air Force Base right here in our backyard.

"Many of the Airmen stationed at Barksdale live in my district," said Police Jury President Tom Salzer. "The folks aren't just military personnel; they're my neighbors, my friends, and a huge part of Bossier Parish. And this award shows the whole country how much we care about them and their families."

Why did we get it? We didn't get this award just for saying we support the military—we got it because we actually put in the work to help military families.

Here is what we’ve been doing:

• Jobs for Spouses: We’ve made it a lot easier for military spouses (like nurses and counselors) to transfer their work licenses so they can get jobs right away when they move here.
• Helping Families Settle In: We back programs like the THRIVE Guide, which helps new military families quickly figure out childcare, schools, and doctors.
• Life After the Military: We have local programs set up to help veterans find good jobs and go to school once they finish their service.

It was a team effort.

This award belongs to the whole community. The Police Jury worked right alongside groups like Barksdale Forward, the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, the Military Affairs Council, and plenty of local volunteers to make sure Barksdale gets the support it needs.

Col. Chris Cain, the commander of the 2nd Bomb Wing, said that the way our community steps up makes a massive difference for military families while they do the hard work of keeping our country safe.

Barksdale has been a part of Bossier Parish for nearly 100 years. We’re incredibly proud to be their home, and the Police Jury will continue to do everything we can to ensure our military families always feel welcome and supported here.