Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
Business and civic leaders gathered at Margaritaville Resort-Casino for the 2026 Military Leadership Luncheon, celebrating the Shreveport-Bossier region’s designation as a 2026 Great American Defense Community.
The luncheon was held in the Paradise Theater and hosted by the Bossier Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, Barksdale Forward and the Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council on Thursday September 17, 2026.
Shreveport-Bossier was one of only three communities nationwide selected for the 2026 Great American Defense Community designation. The recognition highlights communities that demonstrate strong support for their military installations, service members, military families and veterans.
The luncheon brought together business, civic and military leaders to discuss the continued partnership between the community and Barksdale Air Force Base.
Louisiana Secretary of Veterans Affairs Charlton J. Meginley, Col. (Ret.), USAF, was the featured speaker. Meginley discussed his work supporting veterans and military families across Louisiana and shared ways businesses and communities can strengthen their partnerships with the military community.
The program also included perspectives from the installation and community levels.
Barksdale leadership discussed family readiness and quality-of-life priorities for Airmen and their families, while local leaders highlighted the partnerships that continue to connect the military installation with the surrounding community.
Bossier City and the surrounding region have a long-standing connection with Barksdale Air Force Base and the men and women who serve there. Military families, Airmen and veterans are an important part of the local community.
For business leaders attending the luncheon, the program also provided an opportunity to learn how they can better serve military families and veterans and develop stronger partnerships with the military.
The Great American Defense Community designation was highlighted throughout the event as a reflection of the partnerships between the military installation and the communities of Shreveport and Bossier City.
The luncheon was presented by the Louisiana Association for the Blind and supported by Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana and the Cyber Innovation Center. Platinum sponsors included Barksdale Federal Credit Union, Brentwood Hospital and Willis Knighton Health.
The gathering also emphasized that supporting a military community extends beyond the installation itself and includes businesses, civic organizations and residents working together to support those who serve and their families.
For Shreveport-Bossier, the 2026 designation provided another opportunity to recognize the role the community plays in supporting Barksdale Air Force Base and the military families who call the region home.