Margaritaville General Manager/Senior Vice President and Bossier Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Chair Barry Regula is the first ever inductee into the 307th Bomb Wing’s new Honorary Commander Program at Barksdale Air Force Base.
Regular said it is an honor, but that it was not about him, it’s about the men and woman of the 93rd bomb squadron.
“I am here to be your advocate, in ensuring our elected officials keep Barksdale first and foremost in their legislative priorities,” Regula said during the ceremony. “I am here to be your evangelist in the community to communicate how fortunate we are to have the men and women of the Air Force stationed here, and all the benefits the base provides the community.”
During his two-year tenure, Regula, will get to see Airmen running operations, including meeting aircrew heading to the cockpit of a B-52 Stratofortress as they prepare to fly a mission. He will also have the opportunity to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the 93 BS, planned for next October.
“I am thrilled to receive this incredible honor from the 307th Bomb Wing and Barksdale Air Force Base,” Regula stated. “Our partnership with the 307th and their commanders will have an important impact on this area, from bringing awareness to the goals of the unit to increasing the manpower available for our charitable endeavors. I’m looking forward to working closely with them and am proud to be the first Honorary Commander.”
According to Col. Bruce Cox, 307 Bomb Wing commander, The Honorary Commanders Program partners the commanders of the wing with some of the areas most distinguished and influential community leaders. The program encourages an exchange of ideas, experiences, and friendships between key leaders of the surrounding communities and Barksdale Air Force Base.
“Regula is the perfect fit to be an honorary commander,” said Lt. Col. Brent Weisner, 93 BS commander. “Having Barry will make our squadron’s community involvement even stronger.”
