Military Affairs Council honors Barksdale Airmen, families

  • Published
  • By Maja Z. Stevanovich
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The 15th annual Celebrate Barksdale picnic will take place Oct. 14 in the large field behind Chapel 1 here.

Sponsored by the area Military Affairs Council, Team Barksdale will have the opportunity to participate in an afternoon of free food and activities for the whole family.

"We understand the tremendous sacrifices our military members make to protect our country," said Gary Hubbard, MAC Celebrate Barksdale vice president. "Hopefully the Celebrate Barksdale picnic not only provides our Airmen with a meal and an afternoon break, but also convinces them that this community appreciates what they do."

The day will kick off with a five kilometer run at the base fitness center followed by the Celebrate Barksdale picnic near Chapel 1, where Airmen and their families will have a chance to meet Shreveport-Bossier City community members and enjoy the activities. The family-friendly atmosphere will have a DJ, a variety of foods, and inflatable toys and games for children.

"Many hours of preparation are involved in coordinating the equipment, food and entertainment for this event," said Hubbard. "The MAC has six committees that are involved in various aspects of the event such as logistics, food preparation and drink service, just to name a few."

Additionally, the 2nd Mission Support Group will supervise the overall planning and provide support in areas such as security, preparation of the site, provision of utilities, marketing, medical support, and contingency planning, Hubbard added.

The Celebrate Barksdale picnic is the first of two events the MAC is putting together in appreciation of Team Barksdale. The second is a golf tournament to be held Oct. 31.

"The MAC sponsored Celebrate Barksdale events are significant because they are opportunities to enhance relations between the Shreveport-Bossier City community and Team Barksdale," said Chief Master Sgt. Patrick McMahon, 2 MSG Superintendent. "This represents a sustained effort by the MAC to provide year-round support to the men and women of Barksdale."

Celebrate Barksdale was started in 1996 by Hoyt Bain, MAC Mission Committee Chair, in an effort to bridge together the Shreveport-Bossier City communities with Barksdale. In addition to Celebrate Barksdale, MAC supports the men and women of Barksdale throughout the year with events such as the Defenders of Liberty Air Show and Open House, and a fundraising auction at the 8th Air Force Museum. The MAC Board of Directors is comprised of civilians, including retired military members.