July 31, 2008

Airmen catch volunteer spirit, team with Special Olympics

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — More than 75 members from Barksdale Air Force Base spent their Saturday morning helping make a difference in someone else's life. On July 26 the Airmen volunteered to help athletes compete at the Special Olympics Louisiana state unified bowling competition and state swim competition. "Volunteering gives you a true sense of accomplishment," said

July 25, 2008

Honoring the Airmen of Raider 21

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — The Barksdale community joined family and friends Friday to honor the Airmen of Raider 21, a B-52 that crashed off the coast of Guam leaving no survivors. Attendees packed the Hoban Hall memorial service to pay tribute to the lives of Maj. Christopher Cooper, Maj. Brent Williams, Capt. Michael Dodson, 1st Lt. Robert Gerren and 1st Lt. Joshua

July 25, 2008

Candlelight vigil held for crew of Raider 21

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — More than 40 people turned out at dusk Thursday, July 25th, for a candlelight vigil held in honor of the six Airmen of Raider 21. The enlisted spouses group, headed by Kim Shomo and Rachel Penwell organized the event at the North Gate in front of a collection of flowers, ribbons and cards placed there by the public. Chaplain (Col.) David Reeson

July 23, 2008

Col. George T. Martin

Airmen of Raider 21 — 36th Medical Group, Andersen AFB, Guam

July 23, 2008

1st Lt. Robert D. Gerren

Airmen of Raider 21 — Lieutenant Gerren graduated Summa Cum Laude from Saginaw Valley State University with a 4.0 grade point average. He entered active duty service on May 20, 2004 upon graduation from officer training school. Whilst at OTS he earned a small arms marksmanship ribbon. Lieutenant Gerren attended joint undergraduate navigator training at Pensacola,

July 23, 2008

1st Lt. Joshua D. Shepherd

Airmen of Raider 21 — Lieutenant Shepherd spent his childhood in Pennsylvania. He attended Penn State University earning a Bachelor Degree in journalism with a minor in history and military studies while enrolled in the Reserve Officer Training Corps. He graduated and earned his Air Force commission in 2005. Once on active duty, Lieutenant Shepherd completed Combat

July 23, 2008

Capt. Michael K. Dodson

Airmen of Raider 21 — Captain Dodson was a native of San Antonio, Texas. He attended Embry Riddle Aviation University where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Aviation Science while enrolled in the Reserve Officer Training Program. In 1999 he graduated from ERAU and earned his commission as an Air Force Officer. Captain Dodson was recently working on his Master's in

July 23, 2008

Maj. Christopher M. Cooper

Airmen of Raider 21 — Major Cooper was born in Massena, New York. He attended the University of Texas where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1997. He entered the Air Force in 1997 and was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps. Major Cooper completed Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma in 1998. After

July 23, 2008

Maj. Brent D. Williams

Airmen of Raider 21 — Major Williams spent his childhood in Oklahoma. He attended the University of Oklahoma earning a Bachelor Degree in Information System Management while enrolled in the ROTC program. He graduated and earned his Air Force commission in 1994. Major Williams also held a Master of Science in Military Operations from American Military University and a

July 17, 2008

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force visits Barksdale Airmen

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — Barksdale Airmen were given several opportunities to meet and interact with the Air Force's top enlisted leader during the 15th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force's first visit here Monday and Tuesday. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley's time at the base included a stop at the Red River Dining Facility where, on day one, he