Police Jury officials say national gathering created opportunities to strengthen relationships supporting Barksdale Air Force Base
BENTON, La. — Bossier Parish leaders say their participation in a national military-community forum provided opportunities to strengthen relationships with defense officials and advance regional efforts supporting Barksdale Air Force Base.
During the Bossier Parish Police Jury’s Nov. 4 meeting, Parish Administrator Dr. Ken Ward and Police Jury President Tom Salzer discussed their recent participation in the Association of Defense Communities’ Installation Innovation Forum in Tampa, Florida.
The gathering brought together military leaders, government officials, defense advocates and community representatives to discuss partnerships between military installations and surrounding communities.
Shreveport-Bossier was recognized during the forum as a 2026 Great American Defense Community, a national designation originally announced earlier this year.
The recognition highlights communities that demonstrate sustained support for military personnel, veterans and their families through partnerships, workforce initiatives, educational opportunities and quality-of-life improvements.
Ward told jurors that he and Salzer attended the forum alongside regional partners, including the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, Barksdale Forward, the Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council and the City of Bossier City.
Ward also participated in discussions highlighting cooperation between Bossier Parish and Barksdale Air Force Base and the role those relationships play in supporting the military mission.
“This forum gave us a great opportunity to connect with federal and local military partners, share our story, and learn from communities across the nation,” Salzer said in an October 30 parish statement.
“Those relationships are important as we continue working together to support Barksdale Air Force Base, our military families, and the long-term success of Bossier Parish.”
At Wednesday’s Police Jury meeting, Salzer emphasized the value of attending a national event where military officials and community representatives were accessible in one location.
He explained that coordinating meetings with military officials can sometimes be difficult because of scheduling demands, but the forum provided opportunities for direct discussions with numerous participants.
Salzer said the experience reinforced the importance of maintaining a presence at future defense-community gatherings.
The discussions come as Barksdale continues its role as a major national defense installation and a significant contributor to the Northwest Louisiana economy.
The base is home to Air Force Global Strike Command, Eighth Air Force, the 2nd Bomb Wing and the Air Force Reserve’s 307th Bomb Wing, among other military organizations.
Regional organizations have worked to strengthen Barksdale’s long-term position through advocacy, military-family support, workforce initiatives and efforts to encourage continued investment in the installation.
The Great American Defense Community designation reflects that broader cooperation.
Organizations involved in the regional recognition include Barksdale Forward, the Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council, the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, the Cyber Innovation Center and other civic and military-support organizations.
During Wednesday’s meeting, parish leaders indicated they intend to build on the contacts and information gathered at the forum as they continue working with regional partners on military-related priorities.
The Police Jury discussion did not identify any new defense contract, federal funding award or installation expansion resulting from the forum.