Luncheon honors “Greatest Generation”

Staff Sgt. April Breithaupt, 2nd Aerospace Medical Squadron, medical admission technician, hands out gift bags to World War II veterans during the WWII luncheon on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Feb. 27, 2015. The gifts included a specially designed shirt, hat and coin to show appreciation to the veterans. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Jannelle Dickey)

Luncheon honors “Greatest Generation”

Col. Leland Bohannon, 2nd Bomb Wing vice commander, greets World War II veterans during the WWII luncheon on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Feb. 27, 2015. The annual luncheon was held to honor those who served in the armed forces during the war. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Jannelle Dickey)

Luncheon honors “Greatest Generation”

Col. Leland Bohannon, 2nd Bomb Wing vice commander, greets a World War II veteran during the WWII luncheon on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Feb. 27, 2015. Local veterans from all services were invited to this annual event and were honored for their contributions during the war. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Jannelle Dickey)

Luncheon honors “Greatest Generation”

Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, presents the Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal to a World War II veteran during the WWII luncheon on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Feb. 27, 2015. The medal is given to recognize all members who have served during the war. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Jannelle Dickey)

Luncheon honors “Greatest Generation”

Published March 3, 2015
By Senior Airman Jannelle Dickey
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

Barksdale Air Force Base, La. - -- The annual World War II luncheon honored veterans at Hoban Hall here, Feb. 27.

The luncheon was hosted by the 2nd Bomb Wing and the Retiree Activities Office to pay respect to veterans of World War II. Around 500 veterans, family members and guests attended the annual event, where more than 140 veterans were honored.

"We recognize and honor our veterans annually because each year it may be the last time," said retired Col. Steve dePyssler, Retiree Activities Office director. "This could possibly be the last event as the average age of the WWII veterans present this year was 90 years old."

The lunch featured interesting stories from veterans who paved the way for service members today.

"It was a privilege to be around all the veterans who have set a good example for the current members in the Air Force," said Senior Airman Bailey Whitener, 2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron customer support. "I've heard a lot of great stories. You can see they are very prideful in their military heritage and there is so much family support."

Veterans, from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas and Lousiana, paraded through a saber cordon formed by volunteers from Team Barksdale. The Shreveport Metropolitan Concert Band played Service Parade of Colors and a presentation on WWII review was shown.

"We need to celebrate every year they are here to remind them we are thankful for the great things they did," said Whitener. "It's important we don't forget about our heroes because they have set the foundation for us."

Additionally, Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, presented 29 attendees with the Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal.

"The luncheon was wonderful," said Robert Hunter, who retired from the Army Air Corps. "We owe a lot to Colonel dePyssler and his office for what they have done for the veterans here locally."

Whether this is the last honorary event at Barksdale or the series continues; today's generation should not forget the Greatest Generation's remarkable contribution to American history.