SHREVEPORT, La. — Shreveport-Bossier has been named a 2026 Great American Defense Community, one of three U.S. communities selected this year for the national designation recognizing support for military service members, veterans and their families.
The recognition was announced by the Association of Defense Communities during the Defense Communities National Summit in Washington, D.C. The program, launched in 2016, honors communities demonstrating strong collaboration with military installations and commitment to improving quality of life for military personnel.
Shreveport-Bossier was recognized alongside Jacksonville, Florida, and Greater Augusta, Georgia. The northwest Louisiana region has long been tied to Barksdale Air Force Base, which has operated in the area for nearly 100 years and serves as headquarters for Air Force Global Strike Command and the 8th Air Force.
Eric Barkley, president of Barksdale Forward, said the designation reflects coordinated support from civic leaders, business organizations and military advocacy groups throughout the region.
“We are extremely honored to have Barksdale Air Force Base in our community and appreciate the outstanding relationship we share,” Barkley said in a statement. “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.”
According to the Association of Defense Communities, communities are selected through a competitive nomination process evaluating factors including educational opportunities, employment support and partnerships with nearby military installations.
Organizations supporting the regional nomination included Barksdale Forward, the Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council, the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce and local government leaders.
The Association of Defense Communities said Shreveport-Bossier and the other award recipients will be featured later this year in a national video series highlighting military-community partnerships.