KARL
R H Construction, Co., Inc. OSENBLAT
318-207-1762 • 794 Brook Hollow Dr, Shreveport, LA 71105
Pete John
Tara John
Chrissy Wise Cousins
Publisher
Editor
Writer
Pete John has been a proud promoter of positivity in Shreveport and is a co-founder of the local lifestyle brand, SHREVEPORTANT. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Chamber of Commerce and is VP of the Downtown Shreveport Unlimited. He’s a true family man, has a heart of gold, and possesses a “make it happen” attitude and grit!
Tara John has a lot of interests. After teaching local kids to read, write, and do arithmetic, she became the proud mama of Vera & Nora who bring her endless joy. While focused on rearing her girls with hubby Pete, she wished for a way to instill the “upbeat, feel good, happy” in her littles. Shreveportant & Shreveport Magazine are making these dreams a reality showcasing local stories that warm the heart, encourage activism, and, inspire constructive conversation.
Chrissy Cousins is a mother to three, wife to one, ice cream mogul, future real estate agent, founder of Shreveport women’s collective Omen Art, one third of all-mom country band Braxton Hicks, Highland transplant living that Shreve Island life. Follow her on Instagram @nakedchrissy for out-of-focus pictures of dinner and too many baby videos.
Dr. Catherine Paine Foret
Britney Winn Lee
Elizabeth Beard Deal
Writer
Writer
Writer
Dr. Catherine Foret has a passion for people and pets! She is a total boy mom of two fellas, married to a vet, loves the outdoors, eats fried chicken once a week, likes to paint and garden, and can sometimes be seen as the St. Joseph Catholic School falcon during pep rallies. Dr. Cat, a Shreveport native, is a veterinarian and owner of University Veterinary Hospital and in additional to general medicine, practices advanced oral surgery and dentistry.
Britney Winn Lee is a Community Arts Director at Noel United Methodist Church in Shreveport where she lives with her husband and son. Britney has written for multiple online publications including Sojourners and Red Letter Christians; and she recently finished writing her first book with Wipf and Stock Publishers. You can follow her work at britneywinnlee.com or on Instagram/ Twitter @britneywlee.
Elizabeth Beard Deal is a freelance writer, marketing communications specialist and former small business owner. She holds an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis and a BA from Texas A&M University. After spending many years in Washington DC and St. Louis, Missouri, she recently returned to Shreveport with her husband and two sons.
6 SUMMER 2018
Jeremy Hernandez
Shannon Palmer
Everl Adair
Photographer
Photographer
Writer
Jeremy Hernandez lives in Shreveport, loves urban photography, and arriving by bicycle. A native of Baton Rouge, but has worked and lived around the southeast.
Shannon Palmer is a Shreveport photographer with over 20 years experience who specializes in editorial and portrait work. You’ll often find her exploring the nooks and crannies of Shreveport’s downtown—shooting medium format film on her old Rolleicord to develop at home in the darkroom. When she’s not shooting photos, she’s in her printmaking studio working on woodcuts, engravings, and copper etchings to exhibit locally and sell on her Etsy store or website, www.shannonpalmerart.com.
Born in Cotton Valley, Louisiana, Everl Adair has also lived in Teas, Tennessee, Virgina, and California, and a brief sojourn in Italy, before returning to her hometown to settle down. Her day job is as Director of Research and Rare Collections at the R.W. Norton Art Gallery. She’s wanted to be a writer since she was five years old and is delighted to be contributing to “Shreveport Magazine” among others.
Jessica Elston
Mandie Ebarb
Chris Brown
Writer
Writer
Archivist
Jessica Elstonis a proud graduate of C.E. Byrd High School and an English teacher for ACT Up Test Prep at Booker T Washington High School. She likes all things Shreveport history, but what she loves best is seeing citizens come together to make the city a better place. She is a mom, a baker, a wife, and a lover of all plants. Oh, and she also avidly enjoys music or story time at the Broadmoor Library.”
Mandie Ebarb is a ceramic artist, teacher, and curator of both art and words. Born and raised in Shreveport, Ebarb enjoys writing about the local people, places, and things that make Shreveport a better place to live. When she’s not covered in clay you can usually find her promoting local artists at the Agora Borealis or picnicking somewhere along Clyde Fant Parkway.
Chris Brown is the archivist at Centenary College of Louisiana. His hobbies include researching, collecting, and sharing Shreveport’s music history. He hosts the “Romp and Stomp” radio show (Tuesdays, 5-6 PM on Centenary’s radio station, KSCL 91.3 FM) and the Shreveport Songs blog (shreveportsongs.blogspot.com).
SHREVEPORTMAGAZINE.COM 7
Remember the Heroes
In This Issue
Shreveport Magazine dedicates our Summer 2018 Issue to shining a bright light on the men & women of Barksdale. We want to recognize Barksdale Air Force Base with its rich history, unique architecture, progressive programs, and long-term economic impact, as well as all the brave airmen who serve to protect our great nation. And to the families of our fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms, you and your loved ones are remembered and will remain in our hearts.
10
Louisiana Downs: On The Fast Fact Track
16
Space Makers: Shreveport Millennials Who Are Giving Us Hope
24
The Delivery Economy
32
Barksdale AFB & Shreveport-Bossier: 85 Years Of Successful Partnership
52
School’s Out, Now What?: Engaging, Educational Summertime Ideas for the Win!
58
A Shreveportrait: Chimp Haven: & Their Compassionate Human Heroes
Here’s a toast to the host, Of those who love the vastness of the sky. To a friend we send a message of his brother men who fly. We drink to those who gave their all of old, Then down we roar to score the rainbow’s pot of gold. A toast to the host of men we boast, the U.S. Air Force!
64
Remembering The Bossier Strip
70
Gratitude: Personal Stories of Support Through Hardships
(NOTE: A shortened version of original composition.)
72
Summer Events
74
I Seriously Want This Dog
And for all of you who enjoy a little history and a proud song to carry you along– In 1937, General Henry H. Arnold persuaded Major General Oscar Westover to propose a song competition reflecting the Air Corps unique identity. With over 700 entries, a committee of volunteer Air Corps wives selected Robert MacArthur Crawford’s composition, “Army Air Corps,” which was officially introduced to America at the Cleveland Air Races in 1939. In 1947, when the Air Force became a separate service, the song was renamed, “Wild Blue Yonder.” WILD BLUE YONDER (AIR FORCE SONG) Off we go into the wild blue yonder, Climbing high into the sun; Here they come zooming to meet our thunder, At’em boys, Give’er the gun! Down we dive, spouting our flame from under, Off with one hulluva roar! We live in fame or go down in flame; Shout, “Nothing’ll stop the U.S. Air Force!” (This verse commemorates those fallen Air Force service members and our great country.)
In addition to our cover story, Shreveport Magazine is honored to spotlight many other amazing people, places, things, and events happening all around our great community. We take utmost pride in walking you down memory lane, introducing you to young progressives who are putting in real sweat equity for the greater good, highlighting local programs/camps/activities that build a stronger family dynamic, raising questions through well-researched content that encourage construction conversation, as well as offering you, our greatest asset, genuine accounts of heart-filled stories as a way to fuel your motivation to continue your own good works or ignite your desire to get more involved. We, at Shreveport Magazine, want you to know that we see what you do and genuinely hope to offer you the chance to tell your story. Please reach out to us at editor@shreveportmagazine.com to share your ideas. We are listening! May God Bless You & Yours as we soon celebrate Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, & our Nation’s Independence! Your friend & neighbor, Tara John & Shreveport Magazine Team
Summer 2018
Team Editor: Tara John Publisher: Pete John Designed By: Crawford Design Group Cover By: Shannon Palmer
Advertising: Martin Black martinb@shreveportmagazine.com Advertising: Lisa Stutson Skains lisas@shreveportmagazine.com Subscribe for free at: shreveportmagazine.com Editorial: editor@shreveportmagazine.com
8 SUMMER 2018
BY ELIZABETH BEARD DEAL PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LOU HODGES PHOTOGRAPHY/HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS; JAMIE SISSON
Louisiana Downs On The Fast Fact Track
HISTORY •
Thoroughbred racing, the “sport of kings,” dates back to 1665 in the United States.
•
Louisiana Downs opened in 1974, the same year as the 100th running of the Kentucky Derby.
•
Shopping mall mogul Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. built the track and, shortly after, purchased the San Francisco 49ers for his son, Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr., in 1977. The track set national records for handle (total amount bet on a race, program, meeting, or year) and attendance during the 1970’s and 80’s.
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•
•
The track was bought by Caesars Entertainment in 2002 and the property is now known officially as Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. The casino adjacent to the track is slots-only, with no tables. Some of the slot revenue contributes to the prize money (purse) to jockeys and owners. An interesting insider’s view of the track’s rocky start and first few years is told in several chapters of Not At Any Price: Integrity in Professional Sports, the 2010 book by Vincent Bartimo and Rosalind Muller. They were president and publicity director, respectively, during several early years and were behind the vision and creation of the
track’s Super Derby, hoping to attract the best three-year-old Thoroughbreds in the country. •
Louisiana Downs, along with area farms, equestrian centers, training facilities, feed stores, tack stores, and many other suppliers are part of the diverse horse industry which impacts the economy in northwest Louisiana.
THE SUPER DERBY •
The winner of the first Super Derby in 1980 was Temperance Hill, the same horse that won the Belmont Stakes that year. The Super Derby has attracted: • 4 Kentucky Derby winners • 4 Preakness Stakes winners • 5 Belmont Stakes winners • 7 Travers Stakes winners
•
The Super Derby remains the biggest race day at Louisiana Downs & is currently undergoing a transformation. In 2017, the race was held on turf, instead of dirt, for the first time, allowing for a wider field of horses to participate. The race was 11/16 miles, and the purse was $200,000. More exciting changes for the Super Derby are expected to be announced this year.
according to the track website
INTERESTING PEOPLE
Early morning warm-ups for horse and handler
•
Today’s voice of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, Travis Stone, began his race-calling career at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs in 2006 and stayed until 2013. He recalls “tremendous pressure to nail that race call” at the Super Derby—the key race that everybody watched—helping establish his career.
•
The track’s director of advertising and promotions in its first year was Larry King, before he became the nationally known award-winning talk show host.
•
Mickey Mantle was known to frequent Louisiana Downs following his retirement from baseball. He is quoted in Bartimo’s book as saying privately: “I miss the crowds, the fans, the excitement. I know I drink too much but it helps me get through the day. I love being here. Every time a horse crosses the finish line they cheer like I just hit a homerun at Yankee Stadium.”
•
Back in 1974, exercise rider Jamie Sisson was the first one to lay hoof prints on the track at Louisiana Downs. Today, he and wife Laura own a supply tack shop and split their time between Louisiana Downs and the track in New Orleans.
Winner Mr. Misunderstood turns for home in the 2017 Super Derby
SHREVEPORTMAGAZINE.COM 11
LOUISIANA DOWNS
THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE •
•
•
THOROUGHBRED RACING SEASON
Thoroughbred race horses will face retirement and require more medical treatments as they age. Some owners will sell the horse for a small fee or even give the horse away to a trusted facility to prevent the horse from being sold to buyers who inhumanely transport them for slaughter across the U.S. borders.
May through September • • • • •
Some farms will rehome and retrain Thoroughbreds for a second career to ensure their safety. “They are athletes and they want to be active. There’s a good chance they will be competitive in whatever they are retrained to do,” says Sig North, an owner of Double Rainbow Equestrian Center in Haughton. Retrained off the track Thoroughbreds (OTTB) compete in hunting, jumping, eventing, or teach riding lessons.
Free admission Free parking & valet All ages welcome Must be 18 to wager on race Must be 21 to enter casino
Watch Live Racing at Harrah’s Club
3rd Floor Table Seating/Reserved Box Seats & Southern Fare Buffet Saturdays only - Reservations required $30/minimum per person
Super Derby
September 2, 2018
FREE* Family Fun Days
Thoroughbred race horse names are claimed, approved and registered with The Jockey Club. As show horses, they are given new names. Retired winning stakes horse Ed’s Pet became Hearts & Diamonds, named by the children at North’s barn who saw shapes in his markings. North’s brother Frank once rode him to a first-place victory in a baton relay at the Special Olympics!
Live racing, food trucks, inflatables & special events
Memorial Day
May 28, 2018
Pig Races & Petting Zoo 11:00am Apron Opens 3:15pm 1st Race Post
4th of July
July 4, 2018
Exotic Animal Races 11:00am Apron Opens 3:15pm 1st Race Post
Labor Day
September 3, 2018
Weiner Dog Races Details to be announced *does not include food, drinks, face painting or wagering
Weiner dogs are off to the races
@HarrahsLADowns
LouisianaDowns
@harrahsladowns
harrahslouisianadowns.com
OFF TO THE RACES For more information on local horseback riding for therapy/hobby/sport, contact:
•
•
• The Arc of Caddo-Bossier www.thearccaddobossier.org/our-services/great
“There’s a thrill of anticipation and excitement” in racing”, says Shelli Briery Murphy, Advertising and Public Relations Manager at Louisiana Downs. The hot-blooded Thoroughbred is the fastest horse on the planet. A tremendous athlete, the beautiful and graceful Thoroughbred is known as swift, strong, smart, sleek and spirited. Louisiana Downs is open to all ages and welcomes the most novice horseracing aficionados with an eight-foot tall wall mural, “Horse Racing 101,” complete with instructions for reading the racing program and pari-mutuel wagering (betting on a horse). Going to the races is an inexpensive outing with free admission and parking. Those 18 and up can place a wager for as low as $2.00. There’s both indoor grandstand and outdoor bleacher seating.
•
For a VIP experience, guests can spend a Saturday at Harrah’s Club on the 3rd floor with table seating, a southern fare buffet, and spectacular views of the track and property.
•
It’s easy to get up close and personal with the horses at Louisiana Downs. Spectators can study the horses in the paddock being walked and saddled before heading to the
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• Hidden Acres Equestrian Center www.hiddenacresequestriancenter.com • Double Rainbow Farm www.doublerainbowfarm.org • Holy Hill Farm Equestrian Center www.hollyhillfarm.net
track to warm-up. Those leaning on the white wooden fence can almost touch the horses as they thunder past the finish line. Onlookers can watch the triumphant horse and jockey be photographed in the Winner’s Circle. •
A fan favorite cocktail is mixed by “Ms. Pam” at the Paddock Bar: the Michelado is a tall and tasty Bloody Mary made with a customer’s choice of beer.
•
Thoroughbred racing is a great rainy-day activity. There’s indoor seating and it’s quite a sight to see the mud as it flies, coats and covers the horses and jockeys.
•
Louisiana Downs hosts three “family fun days” during the racing season, with food trucks, inflatables, kids activities and water slides. Depending on the date, pigs, wiener dogs, ostriches or camels race for entertainment.
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2018 Schedule of Events Sunday, Sund yy,, July 8, 2018 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Shreveport-Bossier hopes you will come back July 13th-14th for our U.S. Hot Air Balloon Championships and the Red River
Thursday, July 12, 2018 6:30 am 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Shreveport-Bossier Glow Greenwood at Boothill Speedway
Friday, July 13, 2018
Friday and Saturday night! But the main event is the amazing sight of 30+ hot air
On Saturday and Sunday mornings don’t miss target on the campus of LSUS without ever touching community from July 9th-15th. And if you just can’t get enough of those balloons, don’t miss “Balloons and “Glow Greenwood” on Thursday, July 12th at Boothill Speedway.
5:00 pm 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm 5:00 pm - 7:15 pm 7:15 pm - 8:30 pm 8:30 pm - 9:15 pm 9:30 pm - 9:40 pm 9:40 pm - 10:45 pm 11:00 pm
Gates Open for RRBR at LSUS site Kidz Fun Zone Entertainment Alive by Sunrise Red River Rally Balloon Glow Fireworks Show presented by Pyromania Fireworks Crowder (Headliner) Gates Close for the Day
Saturday, July 14, 2018 6:30 am 7:00 am 5:00 pm 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm 5:00 pm - 6:45 pm 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm 8:30 pm - 9:15 pm 9:30 pm - 9:40 pm 9:40 pm - 11:00 pm 11:00 pm
5K Red River Balloon Rally Run at LSUS Gates Open for RRBR at LSUS site Kidz Fun Zone Robert Mizzell and Southern Roots Odyssey Road - Journey Tribute Band Red River Rally Balloon Glow Fireworks Show presented by Pyromania Fireworks Molly Ringwalds Gates Close for the Day
Sunday, July 15 , 2018 6:30 am (No Admission Fee)
For a complete schedule of events visit redriverballonrally.com.
www.facebook.com/SBSCommission/
REGISTRATION OPEN!!!
Written by Britney Winn-Lee
|
Photography by Jeremy Hernandez
Space Makers Shreveport Millennials Who Are Giving Us Hope
It takes little effort these days to find editorials written to address concerns about the millennial generation. These pieces often focus on how 22-37-year-olds are having children later, or not buying houses, or being lackadaisical when it comes to taking initiative as productive members of society. These articles, however, are often baffling to me: a fellow-millennial who has, for most of my life, been surrounded by passionate, competent, change-oriented peers committed to the betterment of our city. Here are three who are giving me hope right now by making more space for more people to connect and grow:
16 SUMMER 2018
Deidra Lewis-Robertson Operation H.O.P.E
As you drive south on Gilbert where the new bike lanes are being utilized more and more with the reemergence of Spring temperatures, you’ll notice a mural (designed by Highland neighbor Danielle Miller and painted by the students of the Highland Youth Club) in the alley between Dalzell and Prospect. “We Love Highland,” it reads on the fence above a conglomeration of diversely colored houses. Directly behind that morale-building mural sits Community Renewal International’s Highland Youth Friendship House, home of Operation H.O.P.E. Director Deidra Lewis-Robertson and her family. This is one of five locations (for teenagers to gather in the afternoons) where Deidra works to help youth establish their paths post-high-school. “My job is bigger than helping teens find a career. It is helping them to overcome generationally low expectations and hopelessness,” Robertson says of her work. Operation H.O.P.E. (which stands for Helping Our Pupils Excel) was a program created by CRI in 1997 to serve underresourced youth throughout Shreveport and Bossier City. Even though the vision first launched when Deidra (now 36) was in high school, she feels as if the position was created with her in mind. Each week, Deidra
travels between Allendale, Barksdale-Annex, Cedar Grove, Highland and Queensburough meeting with students and working with them to develop environments of love and trust, establish career paths, and overcome obstacles that may be keeping their expectations of their futures low and limited. Robertson, who grew up in the MLK neighborhood, feels uniquely equipped to speak with understanding and empathy to
her younger, fellow Shreveportians about the inner-city settings in which they live. She believes that, “As we continue to work consistently with these students, we are confident that we are empowering leaders of tomorrow that will become engaged civically and realize their potential to effect change. I would like to see students take an interest in their community and be educated to return back home and invest in our city.”
SHREVEPORTMAGAZINE.COM 17
Jordan Ring MLK Health Center & Pharmacy
Just a few blocks west, on Olive Street, is the MLK Health Center and Pharmacy with its welcoming garden gate that leads to an array of green plants suggesting that someone in the neighborhood cares. It is clear that many do, and one of them is Jordan Ring. Another Shreveport native, Jordan (27) serves as the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Partnership for the oldest free clinic and pharmacy in Northwest Louisiana. With a passion for people and her city, Ring says that she believes “we are called to bear one another’s struggles.” She has found a home at MLK which, as evidenced by their work, seems to share in her sentiments. MLK Health Center and Pharmacy, founded in 1986 by Dr. Robert Jackson and the late Sister Margaret McCaffrey, was created as a response to the fact that there was a population in Shreveport who struggled with chronic conditions without a healthcare safety net. Since its opening, MLK has expanded its efforts to incorporate prevention strategies (such as health screenings) and community-building approaches
18 SUMMER 2018
(by way of grouping patients into scheduled visits based on shared conditions). “MLK is privately funded, and all of our services are provided at no cost to our patients,” Ring shared. “We are a one-stop shop. Our goal is to close the gaps in healthcare. Our patients (uninsured and underinsured) see their doctor, get a nutrition counseling session, get all lab work done, and leave with all their prescriptions in one appointment.” Jordan—whose dad broke his neck when she was a child and who experienced firsthand the suffering that a family can endure when someone with a chronic condition lacks proper healthcare—says that she witnesses much of her personal story in the stories of those patients whom she interviews on a daily basis. “I do this work because I understand that sometimes doing your best and trying your hardest isn’t enough to make ends meet. I do this work because I believe that Shreveport has the potential to be a city where people want to stay or come back to. But to continue becoming that city, we have to have healthy families.”
Bryce Williams Common Ground Community
“As a place of unconditional acceptance, we value and honor diversity, knowing that embracing those unlike ourselves unifies the body by debunking the perceived need for separation. There is a deep human longing to be fully known and fully loved,” Bryce Williams (25 year-old Youth Program Assistant Director) says of Common Ground Community which has been serving the neighborhood of Cedar Grove for almost twenty years. “We help with basic necessities such as food and clothing, and look for opportunities to support, educate and empower. We focus much of our time on the children as we believe we have the best chance to break the
cycle of poverty with them,” he continued. Common Ground (which incorporated in 2004) began as an outreach program of Grace United Methodist Church in 1995 under the leadership of Brian Hunter and others. Overtime, the Common Ground property that expanded across all four corners of the intersection of 68th and Southern grew to include a weekly community meal, after-school program, food pantry, clothing closet, community garden, chapel services, food market, and youth programs. Williams, who is deeply devoted to equality of all kinds in our city, has found a place to plug in his energy through working with the Common Ground Youth Program which he says offers him the chance to provide “educational, emotional, and recreational opportunities to people whom those resources are not readily available.” The Youth Program (started by Matt and Vicki Whitehead) began five years ago and currently picks up teen boys from their schools and provides them with a snack, homework help, reading comprehension and math skills development, counseling, hours of basketball, and a warm meal at the end of the day. “I believe we are all more than the worst thing we have ever done,” Bryce ended our conversation by saying, “Through learning about others’ experiences, our world widens
and softens as we learn to empathize and care for another. Faces and names add value to stereotypes and stigmas, and I consider honest dialogue the key to ending division and allowing unity to flourish. I envision a world where all people exist in harmony, and I believe the work I do helps to remind just a handful of youth of their inherent worth.” One might gain great hope for our city while reading stories about these individuals who are dedicating their gifts and hours to drawing a wider circle and inviting more people into it. They—like so many young adults similar to them—are serving our community by infusing encouragement and opportunity into the lives, systems, and neighborhoods around them. A common thread running through the stories of each millennial interviewed was that they do the work that they do because they’re inspired by their faith to love people and to believe that a better Shreveport is possible for us all. They’re getting to see it take shape and they’re working passionately to ensure that it continues to. For more information about these three organizations, readers can visit: www.communityrenewal.us www.mlkhealth.org www.commongroundshreveport.com.
SHREVEPORTMAGAZINE.COM 19
Mary Boogaerts, L.E.
318-294-8477
Certified Kosmea Representative
Facial Treatments & Body Waxing
W
ith the Shreveport launch of Shipt, the delivery app making it possible for you to spend even more of your paycheck at Target than you thought probable, March 13th, a new era of Shreveport delivery began. That’s right, you can have a case of diapers, a micro SD card, a 3 pack of Penn tennis balls, and a baguette delivered to your door in as little as two hours. It seems all the big brands are testing the waters of grocery delivery. Wal-Mart registered a new trademark (WAM!) for their grocery delivery this year, (no really it’s called WAM!) and is already operating in six markets, including Dallas. Surely Wal-Mart will wake us up before it go goes into the Shreveport market? A widely anticipated delivery option has resulted from the Whole Foods/Amazon merger. Amazon Fresh and Amazon Prime Now delivery are testing in Dallas now, as well. However, it looks like delivery app Instacart may be the first to deliver Shreveport’s citizens’ groceries from Whole Foods. Mum’s the Word from Instacart’s spokespeople, but a quick zip code search on the Instacart site shows it may be coming soon to over half of Shreveport. Kroger also has added a delivery option to their Clicklist service with possible future delivery through Shipt or Instacart. Albertsons offers grocery delivery from many of their big city stores for large orders, but not yet in Shreveport. Local Brookshire’s and Drug Emporium/Vitamins Plus can’t comment on the inner workings of their corporate offices, but “no comment”s are better than “no”s. Even better than a new job coming to town is a home-grown one. Do any of our local grocery stores offer delivery? I decided to call 19 of them from West to East, North to South Shreveport, and ask! Maxwell’s Market on Line Ave., Cush’s Grocery and Market on Ellerbe, and Fair-
24 SUMMER 2018
“
That’s right, you can have a case of diapers, a micro SD card, a 3 pack of Penn tennis balls, and a baguette delivered to your door in as little as two hours.
field Market off Fern Loop, all deliver grocery items to customers either themselves or for an extra fee through delivery service “ASAP Delivery”. Bao Bao Asian Market on Shreve-Barksdale Hwy says it is “on the agenda” (yes please!) and is interested in using an app service for their delivery. The issue with grocery pick-up and delivery services reported again and again is: who is picking out my produce and why are they giving me such green bananas? How can I trust my shopper to pick the best cut of meat for my family without also spending $16 on it? Shipt assured that “shoppers have access to training assets and in-person coordination meetings before they begin shopping for Shipt.” Cotten’s Grocery on Lakeshore doubts they’ll try delivery. They’re known for their butcher counter, and prefer customers pick out their choice cuts in person. I think we can all agree that Moms are the ultimate experts in Grocery Shopping. Now that it’s an actual career field, will we see
“
I think we can all agree that moms are the ultimate experts in grocery shopping.
mothers filling the ranks of companies like Shipt as independent contractors? Doubtful. Shipt shoppers, for example, are not allowed to have anyone else accompany their shopping trips for customers. Stay-at-home Moms of toddlers looking for extra cash - sorry boutcha! What about an app like Tinder for grocery delivery? I’m looking to swipe right on a mother of five who makes a mean roast pork shoulder to do my shopping. If successful in the national brand stores like Target in Shreveport,
apps like Shipt and Instacart are sure to add more store delivery options as time passes. Let’s hold out hope that our local grocery managers work with these delivery shoppers to offer their best products for their customers - it is in their best interest to do so, after all. On top of membership fees ranging from $49-100 per year, plus delivery fees, apps like Shipt do not use the grocery store’s prices or coupons, instead setting their own prices and holding sales in-app. (So the apps are basically a Sam’s Club membership but with delivery? Sign me up?) I often base my family’s weekly menus off of whatever meat is on special the day I shop, and though the prices are often a dollar higher in-app compared to in-store, I could still shop that way. Delivery is nothing new to Shreveport. We’ve had all-time champs like Johnny’s Pizza and China Dragon, local meal planning services like Healthy Chef and Savoie’s Body Fuel, stalwarts of surprise: Sweet Tooth Delivery, and the Schwan’s man! We’ve got food delivery services like On the Go Delivery, WAITR, and iHeartDeliveries bringing almost any restaurant in town’s fare to your home. Even my very own business (prepare for shameless plug), Highland Cream, started delivering pints of homemade ice cream to homes in 2012! What IS new to Shreveport? The Gig Economy. “The Gig Economy” is a blanket term describing a labor market of short term contracts, freelance work, or gigs, as opposed to permanent jobs. Wired magazine published a great piece this February, “What is the gig economy and why is it so controversial?”, describing the potential pitfalls of a national economy based on freelance work. The Taylor Review published July 2017 called for a new category of worker to ensure decent wages and benefits for gig workers. Let’s weigh the pros and cons of the delivery “Gig Economy” in Shreveport. Are there any cons? Well, there’s the Great Con that is the lagging Shreveport economy. According to DATAUSA, Shreveport’s median income is $38,583 per year, which is less than the U.S.’s median annual income, with a slight decline in population and increase in unemployment. Shreveport’s poverty rate is 23.6%, which is much higher than the national average of 14.7%. The majority of Shreveporters living below the poverty line are
SHREVEPORTMAGAZINE.COM 25
“
Restaurateurs and grocers… could benefit from increased order frequency from people who want to support local business but have so many toddlers they can’t easily eat or shop in public anymore.
Black, are women aged 18-34, and boys under 5. As in, Young Women and Moms of Color. However, the majority of college students in Shreveport are also Black women. So when a new market of possibility comes to Shreveport, we should ask: is this going to help our most vulnerable? Is this going to hurt them? Or is it just going to exclude them completely? It’s no breaking news story (thanks to Heliopolis, you’re doing great, sweetie) that Shreveport’s economy has shifted from a manufacturing base to a service based one. But who is Shreveport’s economy really servicing? Food & Serving is the 4th most common profession in Shreveport, behind Management, Sales, and Administrative professions. It seems the “Gig Economy”’s food delivery sector should be an easy fit for Shreveport’s existing labor force, but is it really a great one? Food & Serving is not only one of the most common, but also holds the
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title as the lowest paid profession in Shreveport. The thing to remember is: apps like Shipt, Lyft, Uber… they aren’t jobs. They are gigs. Extra income. They don’t provide health insurance, retirement savings, opportunities for promotion, holiday or sick pay, maternity leave - they don’t even withhold your taxes. You are an independent contractor and you will file a 1099. These gigs are marketed to people who already have enough income to provide for themselves a car built in the last 10 years, a bank account with direct deposit capability, who are probably already devoted consumers of products like Target’s. Instacart (are you coming here or what?) does offer a part-time shopper option for those without cars to do the in-store shopping part of home delivery only, so you could, in theory, ride the bus or your bike to your Gig. This is a side hustle for those who feel there ARE enough hours in the day to do it all (or they’re just suffering from wage stagnation and inflated retail prices, but, hey that’s another article). Shreveport needs jobs. But do we accept any old job that rears its head because we’re that desperate for love.. I mean, work? The Shreveport economy is like an emotionally abusive lover. You know, the guy who makes you all these beautiful promises in the beginning only to ignore your texts and dump a downgraded city bond rating in your lap. We’re so used to being let down that any new attention is exciting (dog park anyone?), even if it isn’t exactly what we need right now. Who benefits from more delivery options in Shreveport? Other than the “busy Mom” or “single dad” archetypes, there are Shreveporters for whom home delivery could actually improve quality of life. The differently-abled and the elderly could possibly save money by using a “shopper” instead of paying their sitter or home health professional extra to run errands. Those without access to a car, or who aren’t allowed to drive one, wouldn’t have to fill the trunk of a taxi with
groceries or lug bags from bus stop to bus stop. Local restaurants and grocers themselves could benefit from increased order frequency from people, like me, who want to support local business but have so many toddlers they can’t easily eat or shop in public anymore. Grant Nuckolls, proprietor of restaurant Twisted Root’s Shreveport and Bossier City locations, claims the influx of delivery services in town have increased his To-Go order sales from 6% to about 16% since 2016. “Twisted Root may be too far from their home, or we don’t have the convenience of a drive-thru… now that we are on an app, it expands my restaurant’s reach into basically a brand new customer base.” Once again, we have a bittersweet progression for our fair city. Yay, we have the same technology and service options as L.A. or NYC! But do we have the infrastructure or the expendable income to support it? One delivery service app, WAITR, has already lost a couple restaurant heavy-hitters due to driver shortages resulting in longer wait times for customers. Out of town companies are taking a chance on Shreveport - will we take a chance on them? (cue ABBA’s “Take a Chance on Me”) Delivery is a beautiful thing, if you can afford it. If you are crazy busy, if you forgot
something on your list yesterday, if you are differently-abled and getting out is a chore, if you are too exhausted, if you know exactly what you need and don’t need to browse - delivery is for you. If stores were able to accept WIC and SNAP benefits for delivery orders, it would be for all of us. But for some of us, sometimes, grocery shopping is plain cathartic. On a wild Thursday night, (when Kroger on Youree happens to always be fully stocked with cases of Kroger brand unflavored, caffeine-free seltzer water) I like to leave the kids at home with their dad and grocery shop all alone. I get to walk down every aisle, browse the new ice cream flavors, make my own trail mix in the bulk goods section, get the gulf shrimp this time because it’s finally on sale… now that bliss cannot be bought - even on an app from the comfort of my favorite, fuzzy orange recliner. Can you have a good experience buying your groceries on an app? Sure. Can you make connections with people from your neighborhood if your food is delivered to your door? Maybe. Will gig economy jobs improve people’s lives? Possibly. Will my grocery shopping experience leave such an impression on me that I’ll have an exchange like this with my future daughter-in-law 50 years from now? Hopefully. “Hey Eve, did you ever get grocery delivery as a kid?” “In Minden, my mother did - from Wise’s grocery - when I wasn’t there to drive her. She couldn’t drive… Widows on fixed incomes were not inclined to be big tippers so I imagine costs were hidden in the charges. I know my mother loved the Wises and patronized them whether she had transportation or not. Mr. Wise was deaf and Mrs. Wise was hoarse from talking loud. They had an old cat that got the leavings from the butcher block. They were good people. And best meat in town.”
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A PORTION OF EVERY SALE GOES TO THE LOCAL CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK.
9242 ELLERBE RD. STE. 100
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SHREVEPORT, LA 71106
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O:318-862-3560
EACH OFFICE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED
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C:318-218-1388
2578 Airline Dr. Bossier City
8690 Line Ave. Shreveport
BY EVERL ADAIR PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNON PALMER PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE
Barksdale AFB & Shreveport-Bossier 85 Years of Successful Partnership
F
or anyone who lives in the Shreveport-Bossier area, there are constant reminders of Barksdale’s presence. Whether you’re driving through the busy commercial center at the foot of the Shreveport-Barksdale Bridge and pass the busy Shreveport Gate (still to many of us old hands, the West Gate—the Gates were re-named in 2006) or driving to the more suburban and somewhat bucolic Bossier Gate (or North Gate), Barksdale is always reassuringly there. Over the past near-century, it’s formed a deep and abiding partnership with the Shreveport-Bossier area. After all, there are over 15,000 people who go to work at Barksdale every day, making it the largest employer in the Ark-La-Tex. A key defense center for strategic nuclear deterrence and global strikes, Barksdale is home to the 2nd Bomb Wing, the Air Force Global Strike Command, the “Mighty 8th” Air Force, and the Air Force Reserve’s 307th Bomb Wing. The contribution of the base to the local community in terms of economic impact amounted to approximately $822 million in 2017. You cannot live in the area and not be affected by the base, whether it’s watching the B-52s majestically glide overhead, driving alongside military transport vehicles on I-20, or encountering bright and polite young men and women in uniform at local stores and movie theaters. Of course, some of us may be more attached than others. When I recently attended Barksdale’s
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Media Day, I found myself approaching the base with an odd sense of unease, anticipation, and nostalgia. As one of my fellow visitors noted, there’s something about entering a secure facility that has the odd effect of making one feel like one of the “usual suspects”. For example, I had carefully removed the Swiss Army knife I typically carry in my purse before I left the house that morning. Like many residents of this area, I’ve felt a special relationship with the base all my life—and I have good reasons. One of them came to mind quickly on our bus tour when Captain Caulk pointed to a building and told us it was the General Daughtery Conference Center, but used to be the base hospital. Once upon a time, as all good stories should begin, there was a young airman from Cotton Valley, Louisiana who found himself in the base infirmary as young men sometimes will. In the bed next to his in the ward was another young airman, this one from Point Marion, Pennsylvania. One day, the first airman’s pretty sister came to visit. When she left, the second young airman announced, “That’s the girl I’m going to marry.” He did and in due time, I made my appearance, the product of citizens of two small towns a thousand miles apart who had magically managed to meet. So undoubtedly, part of my fondness for Barksdale is simply that if it weren’t there, I wouldn’t be here. -Author’s personal reflections
AN ENDURING ALLIANCE The courtship and marriage of young couples is probably not what the men who worked so hard to get the air field to Shreveport had in mind, but it’s certainly been a notable by-product. As far back as World War I, leading citizens of Shreveport had hoped to establish a military air field in the area, but it wasn’t until 1927 that a firm plan began to emerge. In that year, learning of the U.S. Army’s search for a permanent location for the expansion of the Third Attack Group, Conway Allen, a member of the local Air Service Reserve, began to search
The wing commander’s B-52, the workhorse and warhorse of the U.S. Air Force, rests inside a hangar.
for an appropriate Shreveport location. According to a contemporary article in The Shreveport Times, it took two years to get the sponsorship of the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce and he “spent several thousand dollars of his own money and countless time in interesting visiting airmen in Shreveport.” Eventually, an area beside Cross Lake was decided upon as a site and Allen and civic leader D.W. Spurlock went to Washington, D.C. to propose Shreveport for the new air field. To their dismay, they learned that Shreveport was one of 80 cities in the
running. Ultimately, when some important visitors, F. Trubee Davison, Assistant Secretary of War for Aviation, Major General James Fechet, chief of the Army Air Corps, and Brigadier General Frank Lahm, assessed the proposed location, they found it unsuitable. Springing to action, the committee hired another Air Service Reserve pilot who worked as a crop duster to make an aerial inspection of the area and recommend an appropriate location. The choice fell to an old cotton plantation just across the river in Bossier Parish. With this information in hand, the second
delegation to Washington scored a victory and faced the next challenge: persuading the Louisiana legislature to pass a bill allowing city-owned land to be donated to the federal government for military purposes. The law was quickly passed and signed by new governor Huey P. Long. Now they faced the second challenge—finding the money for the property and convincing the approximately 800 owners to sell. Local voters approved a $1.5 million bond issue for the project and the mass of owners were finally convinced to bow to the greater good. On December 4, 1930, Captain George E. Lamb,
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constructing quartermaster, and Thomas E. Leahy, supervising engineer arrived to supervise construction. In those days of grass landing fields, contracts were made with local companies to grade, plow, and harrow the area, then plant it with Bermuda grass. By spring of 1931, 1,500 acres had been smoothed and seeded, a task involving 159 drivers with 350 mules. Throughout that year, 900 to 1,100 local men were employed in the construction of hangars, administration, buildings, shops, etc. In late 1932, the new landing field got its first real work-out when the 20th Pursuit Group from Mather Field, California arrived at its new home. On February 2, 1933, a crowd estimated at fifty to sixty thousand gathered for the dedication of Barksdale Field, heralded “as a gift from the City of Shreveport to the United States government”. It was then the largest air base in the world. A half-holiday had been declared throughout the city and a special issue of The Shreveport Times celebrated the opening. An editorial announced that “Today’s formal dedication of Barksdale Field enrolls Shreveport on the roster of our country’s major centers of defense… Establishment of this new home of the Third Attack Wing… wipes out the last vestige of isolation. From this date on, Shreveport stands firmly implanted in the field of international action.” The author wasn’t wrong.
Test pilot Lieutenant Eugene Hoy Barksdale, after whom the base was named. A hero of World War I, and early champion of air warfare, Barksdale died tragically in a 1926 plane crash.
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In 1933, the dedication of Barksdale Field was a huge event with an estimated crowd of 50-60 thousand people.
In the looming world war ahead, Barksdale would train not only American airmen, but also those of the Free French and the Nationalist Chinese. The editorial ended on an important note that is still reflected today: “Certainly it is not strange that Shreveport considers it a privilege to have the residents of Barksdale Field as neighbors… the beginnings
indeed fortunate in securing a home in your delightful and hospitable city. And in turn, Shreveport will receive many decided advantages in having Barksdale Field so close at hand, and with the continued excellent co-operation that has been shown by all concerned, both places will receive mutual benefit and pleasure by their social and business contacts.” The feeling was echoed
“Barksdale Field has given Shreveport an asset of inestimable monetary value for all time to come…” of the friendship which gain first formal recognition today should and will grow into an enduring alliance, united by the lofty purpose of the corps and the loyal patriotism of civilians.” Civic leaders echoed the sentiment, with D.W. Spurlock declaring, “Barksdale Field has given Shreveport an asset of inestimable monetary value for all time to come; it has given Shreveport a place of outstanding distinction and publicity in the United States…” The new military residents reiterated the positives of the new relationship. Brigadier-General Henry C. Pratt wrote, “I feel that the army is
by the numerous ads throughout the paper paid for by various businesses who sought to welcome the men of Barksdale to the area. Southern Cities Distributing Company bragged that “this is a natural gas city” and therefore “A smokeless sky—clean and clear—is yours to enjoy at Barksdale Field.” Other businesses offering their greetings including Spartan Refining Company, M. Levy Co, Baird Co., Interstate Electric Co., Piggly Wiggly, Ideal Laundry and Dry Cleaning, Selber Bros., and the First National Bank. Even the Sheriff of Bossier Parish, Louis H. Padgett, took out a
personal ad saying “Greetings and Best Wishes, Barksdale.” Honored guests abounded at the celebration, with a place of pride devoted to Mrs. Kate W. Barksdale, the mother of the heroic test pilot for which the field was named. The dedication program for the day outlines an ambitious program culminating in an “Aerial Demonstration” by airman from fields across the country including the Third Attack Group from Fort Crockett, the Twentieth Pursuit Group of Barksdale, detachments of cadets in both pursuit and attack from Kelly Field, the 12th Observation Group from Brooks Field, 20 planes from Randolph Field, and a detachment of bombers from Kelly Field. Those festivities were followed by a post-dedication celebration at the Washington-Youree Hotel, a private fest at Brookwood, the mansion of oil man James E. Smitherman, and a military ball at the Shreveport Country Club. OUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET But of all the coverage by the Times, perhaps the most important was the attention it paid to the men who had come to Barksdale but never sat on a dais. When I was a child, my uncle, Master Sergeant Vernon Cox, often brought young Airmen who didn’t have families nearby to spend weekends and holidays with us, welcomed by my grandmother, fondly called Mama Doc by them all. With eight biological children of her own, she was always ready for more. I adored those guys. They played football with us kids, helped my uncles put a roof on and electricity and plumbing in the new family lake house on Bistineau, and enlivened the family dining table with their tall tales. For the rest of her life, Mama Doc spent two hours of every morning writing to her “boys”, stationed all over the world. One of my favorite pastimes was to be allowed to look through the glass-front bookshelves in the front room that held the little treasures sent to her from around the globe. -Author’s personal reflections
As Colonel Ty Neuman, Commander of the 2nd Bomb Wing and installation commander for all of Barksdale, pointed out in his speech on Media Day, airmen are both the heart and the backbone of the Air Force, or as he put it, “our most valuable asset”. Even in 1933, the Times
A CHIVALROUS KNIGHT OF THE AIR That’s the term the Honorable Patrick J. Hurley, then Secretary of War, used to describe Lieutenant Eugene Hoy
Germans think he was dead. Fortunately, he was rescued by Allied forces later that day.
Barksdale at the dedication of Barksdale Field on February 2, 1933. As Hurley went on to state, “[Barksdale’s] record of achievement in the service of his country still arouses the admiration and respect of all patriotic Americans.” It’s a future that would have been totally unexpected when Barksdale was born on a Mississippi farm near Goshen Springs, Mississippi on November 5, 1897. Orville and Wilbur Wright had yet to make their fateful flight at Kitty Hawk and the expectation was that the diligent Hoy, as his family called him, would be a gentleman farmer as well. Though he performed well at Mississippi State College, once war was declared in 1917, he was determined to “do his bit” and, with his father’s written permission, left in his junior year in order to enlist. While training and soon to be commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant, he learned about the nascent air corps and instead volunteered for aviation as a first class private. Tall and slender, Barksdale was christened “High Pockets” by his flying buddies. He proved to be a daring pilot on the front lines, wounded during both the Somme and Cambrai offensives, but always returning to the air. Late in the war, he was shot down in German territory. He fired his plane, and then hid, letting the
In February of 1919, Barksdale returned from Europe and was posted to Mitchel Field, Long Island to serve in the 1st Aero Squadron. Soon after, he met Lura Lee Dunn whose name he painted on the side of his DeHavilland DH-4B, signaling his intentions. They were married December 15, 1921. Earlier that year, Barksdale had taken part in the bombing trials of General Billy Mitchell, along with fellow pilot Lieutenant Jimmy Doolittle, later famous for the raid on Tokyo in World War II. In November of 1923, Barksdale was assigned as a test pilot in the Flight Test Section, Engineering Division at McCook Field near Dayton, Ohio. He was fulfilling those duties when he was killed August 11, 1926 in the crash of a Douglas D-2 observation plane. Five days later, he was buried at Arlington with full military honors, and seven years later his name was given to a new air field. His mother, Mrs. E.S. Barksdale, wrote to The Shreveport Times, “That the largest flying field in the world has been named in honor of my beloved son, Eugene Hoy Barksdale, gives me great pleasure. I wish to express the deep appreciation of my family for the signal honor paid his memory… Although his life was a short one, we are glad it was a full life and worthwhile one.”
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reported on how quickly they made themselves a boon to the area. On January 20th of that year, workers at the Barksdale Field hospital learned that a 22-year-old Henderson, Texas woman badly needed a blood transfusion if she were to survive. Despite their heavy schedule as the base prepared to open, fifteen of the Airmen volunteered to donate the necessary blood. Private Charles Nay was found to have the suitable blood type and Mrs. Alton Billingsley went on to regain her health. As Col. Neuman reported, today’s airmen are also “innovators and heroes”. Take, for instance, Senior Airman Bradley Matheny from the Second Operational Support Squadron. Last year, Airman Matheney took his personal leave time and went to the Texas coast that was being slammed by Hurricane Harvey. A rescue swimmer, he personally saved 117 flood victims and then led a group command which performed 500 more rescues, in the end saving more than 1,000 people. Another example is Airman Max Lehmnn from the Second Contracting Squadron. While training in technical school he saw a problem and decided to fix it rather than leaving it to others. In his spare time, he developed a computer program that better tracks Airman accountability and can be used across multiple units, saving time and money. These men were neither asked nor required to step up; they just considered it the proper thing to do. Heroes or not, young men and women, like those who taught me how to throw a tight spiral, are benefited by finding a home away from home. While the base offers an array of comforts (more about that later), there’s something about a family home that can’t be duplicated elsewhere. The informal service my grandmother and uncle provided is one recognized and encouraged today through a program known as Roots for Boots. Through this program, community members have the opportunity to provide young Airmen, both men and women, with a home-awayfrom-home as they take on their first military assignment. Strengthening ties to the community, the program provides a method of alleviating the stress some of these young people can feel, including loneliness and homesickness. Approximately two-thirds of the Airmen are 25 or younger and, for many of them, this is their first extended time away from home. Civilians who take on this responsibility serve as the Airman’s mentor, friend,
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Journalists observe the bay area of a B-52 with its cruise missiles loaded for launch.
Col. Ty Neuman, commander of the 2nd Bomb Wing and installation commander for Barksdale Air Force Base
and advisor, as well as providing a place for relaxation outside of the pressure of work and deployment. The program is run by the Military Affairs Council (MAC) of Shreveport-Bossier and attempts to match host families with Airmen who share interests and characteristics, but Airmen can also request a host family by name. These young people need good mental health to do their very important jobs—the care and maintenance of the principal object of an Air Force—airplanes. My father, who flew frequently with the aircraft he serviced, was an avid amateur
Sergeant Ferrigno runs through some exercises with Jason- a military working dog
photographer. On the walls of my childhood bedroom were several studies he had made of aircraft in flight. Stunning blackand-white images, they began my lifelong fascination with flight. I loved looking at the planes at rest along the flight line, but thrilled to the sight of them taking off or landing. And my special favorite was always, and remains, the B-52. -Author’s personal reflections
WE HANG THE BANG The B-52 is both the workhorse and the warhorse of the U.S. Air Force, and Barksdale is key to maintaining the fleet
of these giants. There are 48 B-52s at Barksdale and most of them have been flying for the 40 years that the B-52 Stratofortress, to give it its proper name, has been the backbone of the U.S. bomber force. As Colonel Neuman mentioned to us on Media Day, the base has “maintenance Airmen fixing jets three times their age”. But as the young men who provided us with a personal tour of the bomber explained, the B-52 is an exceptionally well-constructed aircraft that is periodically updated. And it actually flies far fewer hours than civilian aircraft, so stays healthier. There have also been newer models along the way: the B-52A first flew in 1954, but all of today’s planes are the B-52H, introduced in 1961. They are part of the 2nd Bomb Wing which falls under the Air Force Global Strike Command. Essentially, the B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. It flies at high subsonic speeds at altitudes up to 50,000 feet and can carry either precision guided conventional ordnance or nuclear weapons. It is
actually capable of dropping or launching the widest array of weapons in the U.S. inventory. On a single fueling, it can fly 8,800 miles, and with aerial refueling, its range is virtually infinite. On August 1, 1994, two 2nd Bomb Wing B-52Hs flew the first around-the-world bombing mission, taking 47.2 hours to complete their circumnavigation of the globe, the longest ever jet flight. And, as I can testify, in very tight quarters. The airmen who showed us around the B-52 allowed us to stick our heads up inside the personnel area to see just how tight that space was. But that wasn’t all we learned about the B-52. These huge planes have incredible technical capacities, indicative of, as one proud sergeant put it, “IT on steroids”. The gentlemen we spoke with included those responsible for arming the aircraft with the 20 cruise missiles it can carry. “We hang the bang” boasts the banner on the wall of their hangar. It’s a careful and cautious process, hanging the six missiles per wing along with the eight in the bomb bay. To join one of these crews takes an extra month of
specialist training and nerves of steel. A single scratch means the (very expensive) missile has to be replaced. These four-man crews actually compete in an annual Global Strike Challenge (using concrete duplicates rather than real bombs) to test proficiency in this extremely dangerous task. So important is their teamwork that they are deployed as a team, not as individuals. That’s not strictly a hypothetical. These planes fly a variety of missions, including strategic attack, close-air support, air interdiction, offensive counter-air, and maritime operations. B-52s have performed in every single geographic command in the world over the last two years. They have flown 774 combat sorties against ISIS alone. You can see the justifiable pride in these young airmen’s eyes. WOMEN JOIN THE FORCE While those young airmen reminded me of the polite yet confident young men who used to visit our family farm, they also reminded me that in my earliest years, I also visited young men on the base. Not long after I was (Continued on page 41)
DO NOT PET. So say the collars around the necks of the military working dogs that patrol Barksdale AFB. It was hard to resist my natural instincts to croon “puuupppy” and extend my hand to Jason, the fiveyear-old Dutch Shepherd we met at a demonstration, but another look in his steely eyes convinced me to keep my paws to myself. MWDs (military working dogs) like Jason are typically raised and trained at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, which is also where their handlers go to train. Certain breeds are favored, including German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Dutch Shepherds. After the initial adoption, the dogs live with foster families until the training program begins when they’re 18-24 months old. The training program itself will take another 120 days. During that time, they learn all the basic
commands—down, sit, stay —memorizing both hand and speech commands. Once these are mastered they are taught more advanced techniques like patrol work, detection, and more. Then they are paired with a handler and the work of bonding begins until the two work as a well-oiled team. The one complaint our handler offered was that, while army handlers are transferred along with their dogs, in the Air Force when the handler is transferred, his original partner stays behind and he is assigned a new dog at the new base. Nonetheless, it’s obvious there’s a tight bond between Jason and his new partner, though they’ve only been together a month at this point. Our two human guides, Jason’s trainer and handler, give us a very graphic demonstration of Jason’s skills at taking down and holding any would-be intruders
onto the base. As Sergeant Ferrigno, the trainer, explains, the dogs are in many ways a more effective deterrent than guns. You might be willing to face a bullet, taking your chances on the aim of the shooter, but there’s no doubt that one of these dogs could chow down on your tender parts. Certain dogs are also trained to sniff out explosives and drugs. The first were deployed to search the vehicles transporting President George W. Bush when he landed at Barksdale on 9/11. Dogs serve for varying lengths of time, but eventually, like the Airmen they work with, they retire, frequently adopted by one of their former handlers. They certainly earn their right for a rest and a chance to receive a scratch behind the ears from all and sundry. At long last, perhaps it will be all right for the humans they encounter to give them a pet.
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BARKSDALE PERSONNEL HIGHLIGHT
T
he Air Force consists of thousands of ambitious young men and women who viewed it as a promising road to their future. Some joined for educational possibilities, for the chance of travel, for an opportunity to excel in the technological advances constantly sough by the military. Others joined to escape a life that offered much less promise, more obstacles, that denied them a positive role in deciding their own future. Here, in their own words, are the stories of five of these young Airmen and just why they joined the U.S. Air Force.
Senior Airman Jennifer Raad 2nd Force Support Squadron
M
y name is SrA Jennifer Raad and I am from the 2 nd Force Support Squadron. I am the Wing Formal Training Manager and I handle all TDYs, re-trainings, and Enlisted Military Professional Education (EMPE) for all military members on the base. I was born and raised in Brooklyn NY. I am the oldest of 5 children and, being the oldest, my mother relied on me for a lot. You can imagine the amount of stress I had to deal with as a young child. It was during that time that I discovered my passion for basketball and hoped to one day play for the WNBA. Unfortunately, a few things derailed me from that dream. My constant injuries and personal problems at home were a major factor. Also, my mother struggled financially so tuition wasn’t an option. It was then I decided to join the Air Force reserve so I could continue my education. During my time in the reserves, I worked alongside Active Duty members and became so passionate about the Air Force that I wanted to do it full-time. I applied for the Prior Service program in 2015 but unfortunately was denied. I refused to let another one of my dreams slip away so I applied for the program again, finally got accepted, and now I’m working full time in the world’s greatest Air Force.
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Airman 1st Class Nicholas B. Jordan 2nd Bomb Wing Command Post
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y name is Airman First Class Nicholas Jordan. I was born in Illinois, but raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Joining the Air Force was a spur of the moment decision. After high school, my life had abruptly hit a brick wall. I tried working in a factory, but the long hours, poor working conditions, and task repetitiveness made the job a nightmare. I left factory life and enrolled in college. In college, I struggled to find my way as well. After switching majors three times and getting in debt, I dropped out. Then one day I found myself in a recruiter’s office. I enlisted that day and haven’t looked back since. I never committed to anything in my life, but I’m happy to have committed to this.
Senior Airman Jamal T. Walker 2nd Communications Squadron
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y name is SrA Jamal Walker. I am from the 2nd Communication Squadron, Knowledge Management section where we deal with SharePoint, Privacy Act, Freedom of Information Act, publications and records. Originally, I am from Chicago, Illinois. I enlisted in the United States Air Force to remove myself from the violent environment of my city. I saw what my friends were turning to, and turning into, and I decided I wanted more for myself. Although I wanted a different environment, northern Louisiana is not quite what I had in mind! However, my commander encouraged me to bloom where I was planted. Two years removed from technical training and I have grown to love this big base and small city. If given a choice, I wouldn’t change a thing. When I am not managing records, I’m making them. I rap, DJ, and host shows in the local community as well. But I am not the only one who has blossomed here, team Barksdale as a whole truly has bloomed where it has been planted!
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Airman 1st Class Caprishia T. Woods 2nd Munitions Squadron
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y name is Caprishia Woods and I work in the Commander’s Support Staff for the 2nd Munitions Squadron. Basically they build bombs and I handle the paperwork for it. Originally, I am from Jackson Tennessee. Early life for me consisted of me growing up on a farm. To help you understand how it was, I even had a pet pig who lived in the house with me. I am the oldest girl of five siblings. My mother developed a drug addiction when I was six years old, which is what drove me to eventually join the Air Force. I wanted to be a positive example for my siblings to look up to. Currently I am working on my associates degree and I also plan to enroll in the NECP program later in my career.
Airman 1st Class Ashteen L. Macabeo 2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron
I
am A1C Ashteen Layla Macabeo. I am a vehicle operator in the 2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron. I transport everything, from people to cargo, swiftly with maximum efficiency while upholding the integrity of precision and excellence to accomplish the mission of the 2 Bomb Wing. I am originally from the Philippines. At the age of nine, my family moved to North Western China, by the border with Russia, and at 15 we moved to the states. I joined the Air Force for multiple reasons, however one of the biggest was because of an experience I had when I was living in China. At 14 years old, the people in my town stood in the town square to protest for their rights and their freedom. However, with the nature of communism where freedom of speech, religion, or assembly did not (and still do not) exist, a civil unrest and riot broke out in my city. The Chinese army and others came in to put a stop to it. That day, I watched as the people in my town were killed and beaten. I watched my neighbors fight for their lives and I had to comfort my friends whose parents were taken away from them. After that, I was bent on wanting to fight back, but was unable because I was a child, a female, and a foreigner in their land. This caused me to grow up with the desire to become someone who would stand up for those who cannot stand for themselves and be a voice for those who do not have the freedom of speech. This is my story, and part of what has brought me into the Air Force and to Barksdale Air Force Base.
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Women making history at 179th Airlift Wing. Photo by TSgt Joseph Harwood
born, my two military uncles took me to the base to introduce me to many of their and my father’s friends. They often joked with me later that I was the only female to have been in the men’s barracks. It was strictly a “boy’s club” in those days. -Author’s personal reflections
My, how things have changed. Women are a regular presence in the Air Force now and the young Airman who checked me in at the North Gate was a woman. That is not to say that women haven’t been serving in the Air Force for a while, as they were there even before it became the Air Force. It was in February of 1943 that the first class of Army Nurse Corps flight nurses, “Winged Angels” graduated and went on to serve in combat, performing their duties aboard aircraft used for the evacuation of the wounded. Of the 500 who served in World War II, seventeen were killed in combat. Meanwhile, stateside, women were serving as Women’s Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs. They flew U.S. Army Air Corps aircraft on non-combat missions. Another women’s aviator unit, the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron, or WAFS, also transported planes overseas. These two groups were merged into a single WASP program in August of 1943. Of the 25,000 women who applied for pilot training in the program, 1,830 were accepted and 1,074 graduated. However, the program was disbanded in December 1944.
The Prettiest in the String of Army Posts from Alaska to Maine That’s the way The Shreveport Times described Captain Norfleet C. Bone’s plan for Barksdale Field. Captain Bone was the landscape architect responsible for the design of the architecture and greenery of the original 36 acres that made up the living areas. He had a definite style in mind, commenting, “Barksdale Field… with its substantial buildings of the French provincial type so appropriately chosen for their community with its historical and geographical setting will, when completed, resemble a little French village.” While many of his design choices affected the housing and administration buildings, Bone was equally precise about choosing the right plants, specifying that the materials used for “Barksdale beautification” should consist of broadleaf and coniferous evergreen plants like holly, jasmine, abelia, pyracanthas, junipers, and cedars, as well as deciduous shrubs and trees including redbuds, dogwood, buddleia, crepe myrtle and others that thrive in this climate and locale. The trees that lined the streets were to be native varieties like oak, elm, and sweet gum, while the park areas would include regularly planted annuals for color.
A French provincial-style buildings on the new air corps base (circa 1933). Architect Captain Bone chose a style he felt appropriate given Louisiana’s French-influenced history.
The beauty of the base was also enhanced by the fact that there are no telephone poles or electrical wires visible to impede the view of architecture and greenery. Instead, all utilities at the post are buried underground, though more for reasons of security than aesthetics. The one break with Captain Bone’s theme was the yellow-and-black checkerboard pattern painted onto the hangar roofs to make them more visible from the air at a time when air flight was still fairly primitive and pilots could easily get lost. However, when World War II came along, that visibility was seen as a liability and the roofs were painted over and have remained so since. By the 1980s, as changes began to bring more modern (and often quite stark) buildings to the base, a movement began to restore the original landscaping and 1930s lay-out. In April of 1992, 250 original building at Barksdale were placed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Today, any new construction must be of complementary architectural design criteria to be in or near the historic district. Barksdale remains, as Captain Bone hoped, “the prettiest in the string of [Air Force] posts from Alaska to Maine.”
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In 1948, when the Army Air Corps became the U.S. Air Force, the Women’s Air Force (WAFs) was established. Originally, it was limited to 4,000 enlisted women and 300 officers who performed purely ground duty rules, mostly clerical and medical, but were not allowed to train as pilots. Fortunately, in 1976 when women were accepted into the USAF on an equal basis with men, the WAF program was ended and women were allowed to train in all areas. That same year, the Air Force selected the first woman reservist for the undergraduate pilot training program, and the Air Force Strategic Air Command (SAC), then based at Barksdale, selected the first woman aviator for Test Pilot School. In 1986, for the first time in history, the Air Force Academy’s top graduate was a woman. Despite some people’s continuing reservations about women serving in combat, at the end of the War in the Persian Gulf (1990-91) in which 40,000 American military women had been deployed, Congress repealed the laws banning women from flying in combat. In March of 1992, a group of plane and personnel from Barksdale flew to Dyagilevo Air Base near Ryazan, Russia, the first time American bombers had landed in Russia since World War II. One of the pilots for this mission was Captain Diane M. Byrne. In 1995, 2nd Lieutenant Kelly J. Flynn became the first woman B-52 pilot in Air Force history. She trained at Barksdale, but was later assigned to Minot AFB in North Dakota. On December 18, 1998, 1st Lieutenant Cheryl A. Lamoureux, a 20th Bomb Squadron electronic warfare officer, became the first woman flier in Air Force history to fly a combat mission. And in 1993, Sheila E. Widnall became the 18th Secretary of the Air Force, the first woman to take the oath of office as the secretary of any of the armed forces. The current secretary is Heather Wilson and other notable female leaders are General Janet C. Wolfenbarger, the Air Force’s first female four-star general, and Major Nicole Malachowski who, in 2006, became the first woman pilot on the precision flying team, the Air Force Thunderbirds. Today, women make up 19% of all USAF military personnel and 30.5 percent of all civilian personnel. Of the 328,423 active duty personnel, 62,316 are women, with 712 female pilots, 259 navigators, and 183 air battle managers. These strides forward have not been
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without their problems, and law suits and scandals have too often paved the way for changes in the status quo. Barksdale, like other Air Force establishments, is determined to provide an efficient and fair working environment for all who work on the base. One of the means for doing this is the Military Equal Opportunity (MEO) program which works to eliminate unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment against military members, family members, and retirees. As media accounts of sexual harassment in the armed forces proliferated, special steps were created to deal with the issue at Barksdale and other bases. The hope is always to be able to resolve the problem at the lowest level, so victims have the option of informal or formal complaints. An informal complaint is handled by the individual directly confronting the offender, requesting the intervention of a coworker, or using the chain of command to resolve the problem. If that does not redress the issue, then the complainant may move on to a formal complaint with the MEO. A staff member will assess the allegation and forward it to the legal office for review, where a lawyer will be assigned to the victim, and to the offender’s commander for actions deemed appropriate. But the strongest message the Air Force has chosen to send is designed, not so much to correct these problems, as to prevent them. The MEO provides a directive that a professional atmosphere does not allow for discriminatory behaviors that
Travis AFB C-17 Globemaster III Women’s Heritage Flight, by Heide Couch
could degrade the mission and states, “It must be everyone’s policy, not because the Air Force requires it, but because everyone believes in the principles of the Air Force equal opportunity policy.” And one of the best things about the Air Force is the opportunity it provides for so many young people. EDUCATING FOR THE FUTURE I’m treated to another “blast from the past” when Captain Caulk points out the Airmen Leadership School where young Airmen prepare to become non-commissioned officers (NCOs). On the wall of my office is a plaque shaped like a book which bears the inscription, “Leadership School, Barksdale AFB – Honor Graduate Award, A-1, William H. Butterworth”. My father. He had hoped the Air Force would eventually finance his education to become a lawyer. But when he, then a 23-year-old tech sergeant, died in a car crash before he had the chance to avail himself of the Air Force’s educational opportunities, I inherited that chance. In my senior year of high school, I found myself on the base in the office of a counselor who was responsible for deciding whether I was college material. After I took a battery of achievement and aptitude tests, we discussed my future. My counselor tried to convince me to train toward a career in art since my aptitude was especially high in that area. My father had been a gifted amateur artist, but while I may have inherited his interest, I have none of his talent. After I literally drew my counselor a picture, he
allowed that I should major in English since my achievement test led in that area. I wish he could know that I ended up working as a writer in an art museum. -Author’s personal reflections
Though many forget or are unaware of this aspect of service in the Air Force, it has provided the opportunity for many men and women who would otherwise not have been able to attain higher education. Part of the rationale for my father’s enlistment is that he hoped to become a lawyer. His own father was a coal miner with eight children, so college was something he would have to find a way to pay for on his own. The military offered a way to finance his future. The G.I. Bill which was enacted after World War II allowed many servicemen to obtain a college degree. However, in recent years, federal budget cuts have had a deleterious effect on the program and for a time Tuition Assistance for continuing education was discontinued. While some of this program was recently reinstated by Congress, this is another area in which MAC has sought to assist the young men and women of Barksdale and recently made a pledge of $100,000 to support a multi-year MAC scholarship program on base. This is used to support a five-year program providing $1,000 scholarships to 20 deserving Airmen each year. Education has always been important on the base, not only for the service members, but also for their families. Approximately 800 families live on the base with 2,200 children of school age. The command at Barksdale and Bossier Superintendent of Schools Scott Smith have worked together to develop the best opportunities for these children. A recent Department of Justice consent decree makes it possible for the families on-base to choose the school within the district that they feel best meets their educational needs. In December, that included the re-zoning of Barksdale east side housing to include Haughton schools beginning in the summer of 2018. Bossier Parish also provides a full-time Military Student Coordinator to work with military families within the parish, both on and off base. Another exciting step forward is the possibility of establishing a Charter School on base. April of 2018 was designated the Month
WEATHER OR NOT The Barksdale Bubble & Other Mysteries General Paul T. Cullen
I’m clearly not the only person who’s noticed that odd phenomena wherein, while it’s raining to the north, south, east, and west of us, the skies overhead remain remarkably dry. For some folks, this is the result of a top-secret project known colloquially as “the Barksdale Bubble”. For believers, the Air Force has developed a marvelous tool of technology that allows the Bubble to shield the area around Barksdale from any serious precipitation while the surrounding areas drown under a deluge. Obviously, there are times when this program goes on the blink and we are subjected to rain or snowfall, but the technical whizzes at Barksdale soon get it online again. For those interested in less, well, science-fiction-y theories, there are other mysteries in Barksdale’s history with more ominous overtones. For instance, back in March of 1951 in the midst of the Korean War, a C-124 Globemaster with Brigadier General Paul T. Cullen, commander of the 7th Air Group, and his staff aboard (along with other passengers) took off from Barksdale en route to Mildenhall RAFB in the U.K. It never got there. Accounts of the flight that disappeared included the information that it had sent out a Mayday call giving its location at approximately 800 miles southwest of Ireland. A B-29 sent to search for the plane reported seeing signal flares that led to survivors on a raft. However, the B-29 was not carrying any rescue equipment that could be dropped and was soon running low on gas. When the search resumed two days later, all that was found were some charred crates, a battered attaché case,
and a partially deflated life raft. Nothing conclusive was ever learned about what happened. Some speculate that the Soviet submarines and surface vessels known to be active in the area had picked up the survivors, delighted to get their hands on General Cullen, listed in accounts at the time as the deputy commander of the Second Air Force and “the world’s leading expert of the science of strategic reconnaissance”. The London Daily Express expressed its opinion that the plane was sabotaged. While theories still abound, it’s unlikely the truth will ever be known. Then there’s that secret that was, as with so many, ill-kept, though accurate— Bossier Base. As John Prime wrote in 2015, the existence of the base, which had been kept so hidden that even to mention it was to risk federal investigation, was revealed in 1957 when an Army General instrumental in its construction was grilled by the House Armed Services Committee. They demanded to know why more than $1 million was needed for “snack bars, off-duty lounging and recreation facilities.” He admitted to the establishment of six secret facilities, one of them Bossier Base. Completed in November of 1951, its 544 acres were an “A-bomb stockpile site” during a period when schoolchildren were routinely being taught how to “duck and cover”. Bossier Base officially closed on February 1, 1970. Its existence was largely forgotten until 2015 when an historical sign was erected at its former site. So at least one of Barksdale’s mysteries has received an appropriate denouement.
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of the Military Child by Bossier City to recognize the contribution that these children make to the nation, serving in their own way as significantly as their parents. Military children face issues that others are spared, including parent deployment, sometimes for long periods of time, struggling to reclaim a new normal after such deployments, and frequent moves with the resulting losses and reintegration as well. In support of the program, Bossier schoolchildren participate in Purple Up Day in the hope of raising awareness of and increasing support for our children and military families. OPERATION HERO One of those “military memories” of my childhood was a special telephone call to England. My uncle had been deployed to a base there and was gone for three years. This was before the Internet or Skype, and so we saved up for that very long-distance call that would allow us to hear my uncle’s tinny voice from far-away for a few moments. I was reminded of that years later when, at a school where I was teaching, we saluted our military families with students posing with their fathers and mothers who had recently returned from Afghanistan and would be soon re-deployed. there. Their faces held that mix of pride and apprehension that I will always associate with military children. -Author’s personal reflections
Deployment is especially hard on children, particularly the younger ones who may have difficulty understanding why Mom and/or Dad disappear for months or even years on end. To help, Barksdale frequently has activities like Operation Hero” organized by the Airman &
Homecoming: Barksdale Airmen return from Qatar, fight against ISIS Photo by Senor Airman Curtis Beach
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Mock deployment for ‘mil kids’ during Operation Hero (Photo by by Ilka Cole)
Family Readiness Center on September 23, 2017. Children underwent a mock deployment so they understood what their parents went through on a real-world deployment. On that day, they received a telephone “recall” ordering them to report to “Camp Kudos” at the Senior Airman Bryan R. Bell Fitness Center. Once there, they were issued identification cards, dog tags, t-shirts, and their very own mobility folder. Then they received a 2nd Bomb Wing Mission Briefing, were processed through a deployment line, and even took a mock physical. Some units, including those from Security Forces, the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, and the Fire Department, provided demonstrations. In a fun and interactive learning environment, children had some of the stress and anxiety typically associated with deployment alleviated through a better understanding of the process. There are plans underway now for “Operation Hero 2018”. As a small child, I often accompanied my uncle on trips to the base when he needed to go to the Commissary or run other errands. I have to admit I was a bit envious of the many activities and spaces I saw on base for them. I was particularly enthralled by what the knowledgeable John Prime informed me are “Bermuda Bunkers”. These grass hillocks are actually underground weapons storage facilities designed to be invisible from the air. To me, they just looked like great fun for running up and
rolling down. -Author’s personal reflections
Needless to say, that area is not a playground and no kids go there. But there are plenty of other playgrounds for them to visit, as well as picnic areas and camping grounds. The base consists of more than 22,000 acres, 20,000 of which are devoted to a game preserve as well as opportunities for recreation. Military families can go horseback riding or play a variety of sports on fields designed for that purpose. There are five lakes on base for water sports, including fishing and boating. For “older kids” there are opportunities for both duck and deer hunting, and the base is one of the few places where it’s legal to hunt hawks (“bird strikes” are a constant danger for any sort of flight). If your pleasures are a bit more urban, the base also includes all the amenities of a small city: there’s a swimming pool, a gym and fitness center, a chapel, a library, a veterinary office, and a Youth Center, just to name a few. None of which, of course, makes up for a missing parent. THE PRESIDENT IS LANDING AT BARKSDALE! The occasion of the school activity saluting Air Force personnel deployed to Afghanistan was the result of what we know refer to simply as “9/11”. I remember a fellow teacher coming to my classroom door and quietly informing me of the attack on the World Trade Center that morning. Later, we were all called to an assembly to inform everyone of the attack and to give anxious parents a chance to pick up
their children if they wished. Just as the headmaster was starting to speak, a boy came running in and announced, “Hey, the president is landing at Barksdale!” -Author’s personal reflections
At about the same time, President George W. Bush was stepping out of the hatch in the belly of Air Force One. It was a moment of high tension. In one of those coincidences that seem more typical of fiction than reality, Barksdale had already been in a practice THREATCON Delta, the highest threat condition. That morning, when first informed of the attack on the World Trade Center by an Airman, Lieutenant General Thomas Keck at first assumed it must be part of the exercise. Quickly apprised of the
THE MIGHTY DEUCE The 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB
The 2nd Bomb Wing is the heart and soul of Barksdale Air Force Base and, some could argue, of the Air Force itself. For it was there at the very beginning. Most people still failed to grasp the future of air power when a few brave souls began to add aviation to the tools of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. When organized on September 10, 1918, the unit that would eventually make Barksdale its home was called the 1st Day Bombardment Group and was based at Amanty Airdome, France. Their mission was to fly the French-built Berguet 14 and the DeHavilland DH-4 aircraft in a bombing mission during the St. Mihiel Offensive. Deactivated at the end of the war, the group was reorganized September 18, 1919 at Ellington Field, Texas. In July 1922, it was designated as the 2nd Bombardment Group and moved to Langley Field in Virginia. For the twenty years between the wars, the 2nd Bomb Group went through several name changes and various aircraft. Throughout World War II, it flew a variety of combat missions, flying the B-17 bomber throughout
Europe. After the war, the 2nd transferred to Chatham Air Force Base, near Savannah, Georgia. But, fortunately for the Ark-La-Tex, in April of 1963, the 2nd moved to Barksdale and took control of the B-52 Stratofortress aircraft. It underwent a slight name change in 1992, becoming the 2nd Bomb Wing. Two years later, two of its B-52H bombers flew the first around-the–world bombing mission, establishing the U.S. as the foremost nuclear superpower. Obviously, the 2nd boasts a proud heritage, encapsulated in its wing emblem. Designed in the shape of the Air Force shield, the emblem bears five perpendicular stripes at the top. The colors, black and green, are those that the wing wore as part of the Army Air Service in World War I, with the green stripes representing the three major offensives the wing participated in—St. Mihiel, Lorraine, and Meuse-Argonne. A white fleur-de-lis symbolizes France, its home during World War I. The lower portion of the shield is in Air Force golden yellow with four aerial bombs delineated in ultramarine blue, representing
both the original four combatant squadrons of World War I and the ongoing mission as a heavy bombardment wing of Air Combat Command. At the bottom it bears the unit’s motto: Libertatem Defendimus, “Liberty We Defend”. In a moving speech, Colonel Ty Neuman, the Commander of the 2nd Bomb Wing and installation commander for Barksdale AFB, summed up the bond between his wing, his base, and the community: Barksdale is leading the way in our command, breaking barriers each and every day, and ensuring the safety and well-being of the citizens of this great nation. While we have many challenges on the base to still overcome, you can rest assured we have the most dedicated Airmen in the Air Force working on them and they are supported by the most loyal community we could ever ask for. We are a determined force, ready, able and willing to execute our mission… anytime, anywhere. We are the Mighty Deuce - Proud to Serve.
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reality of the situation, he ordered a real THREATCON Delta and Barksdale went into lockdown. Crews hustled to their stations and most of those at the base assumed that the nation was at war. When Keck received the radio request, Code Alpha, that indicated a high priority aircraft was incoming, he was also informed that it wanted 150,000 pounds of gas, 40 gallons of coffee, 70 box lunches, and 25 pounds of bananas. It didn’t take long for him to figure out that he was dealing with Air Force One and had twenty minutes to prepare for its arrival. Aboard Air Force One efforts were being made to keep the president’s whereabouts a secret. Reporters on board were even told to turn their phones off lest someone determine his location from their signals. However, as Air Force One made its descent into Barksdale, a local television crew filmed its landing. When U.S. Representative Adam Putnam called his wife, he told her, “I can’t tell you where I am.” She replied, “Oh, I thought you were in Barksdale. That’s what I saw on TV.” As Mark Rosenker, the director of the White House Military Office descended from Air Force One, an Air Force Officer was waiting for him with a message: “See those planes? Every one is loaded with nukes—tell me where you want ‘em.” He indicated the row of B-52s in full operational mode, thanks to the morning’s “exercise”. Meanwhile, President Bush, who usually leaves bases in a special armored limousine flown ahead for him, found himself
being escorted to a blue Dodge Caravan affectionately known around the base as “Soccer Mom”, which was accompanied by an unarmored Humvee with a standing gunner to guard the president’s transport. Military dogs thoroughly searched the van before he entered. As they sped away, Bush noted later it felt as if it “blasted off down the runway at what felt like 80 miles an hour. When the man behind the wheel started taking turns at that speed, I yelled, ‘Slow down, son, there are no terrorists on this base!” It was the first time Bush, who had been arguing with the Secret Service to return to Washington, expressed any concern about his personal safety. Back at Air Force One, Colonel Mark Tillman, the pilot of Air Force One, was trying to get the plane refueled, but a civilian argued with his crew that the fuel pits were only authorized for use in time of war. As Tillman recalled, “This Air Force master sergeant —God bless him—overhears this and roars, ‘We are at war!’, then whips out his knife and starts cutting open the cover.” While that was happening and for the time it was on the ground, Air Force One was guarded with armed Airmen with their guns drawn and a pack of military dogs patrolled the tarmac. The president was anxious to speak to the nation at this frightening moment and after meeting with Keck and Colonel Curtis Bedke, commander of the 2nd Bomb Wing, was taken to the headquarters of the 8th Air Force, He made phone calls to New York and Washington, and then worked with
One of the Airmen who constitute Barksdale’s “most valuable asset” walks beneath the missile bank of a B-52 after a functions demonstration.
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advisors to draft an appropriate short speech to the nation. Meanwhile, anxious Airmen were trying to create an equally appropriate space for it. They selected a conference room where they pulled up a podium and arranged several flags behind it. One anxious Airman was still atop a ladder replacing a light bulb when the president came into the room. Bush then made the famous “Faceless Cowards” statement: “Freedom itself was attacked this morning by faceless cowards. And freedom will be defended. Make no mistake: The United States will hunt down and punish those responsible for these cowardly acts.” After the speech, it occurred to those with him that the president hadn’t had anything to eat since that morning. They didn’t want to take him to the usual dining area since that could be a security risk. Instead, Lieutenant General Keck called his wife and informed her that he was bringing the president over for lunch. She replied with words to the effect of “pull the other one”. Keck assured her he was serious and that she had perhaps ten minutes to pull it together. He suggested she make some sandwiches. Back went Bush into “Soccer Mom” with his escort and a few minutes later he pulled up to the Keck house. Mrs. Keck, still wearing her bathrobe, stood in the doorway holding a plateful of sandwiches. Two hours after he landed, Bush prepared to take off again, this time for Offutt Air Force Base, home to the U.S. Strategic Command which controls the nation’s nuclear weapons. As he rode along the flight line, he passed the row of B-52 bombers and was given a thumbs-up by the assembled plane crews as military police saluted and other Air Force crew members cheered. As Air Force One lifted off from Barksdale’s runway, two F-16 fighter jets pulled up alongside to escort it. No one who was there that day will forget it—especially Mrs. Keck. It wasn’t the first time Barksdale made history, nor will it be the last. That grass and dirt landing field and 1,500 men that characterized Barksdale in 1933 have grown to a 13,758 feet concrete runway, and a population of 7,600 active duty and reserve personnel. In addition, 20,900 Air Force retirees live in the area. It’s home to one of only fourteen Air Force 4-Star Generals, and largest of the eight Global Strike Force commands. The base is constantly being upgraded and updated,
“We sleep better at night because they are there to check for… monsters
To all the steadfast men and women of our military– thank you for your unwavering sacrifices and continued service.
under the bed and to make sure that there is always a light somewhere
May God bless you, your families, & our great nation!
in the darkness.” whether adding new technology to its B-52s (slated to last until at least 2050) or coordinating the project to create a new I-20/I-220 interchange giving increased access to the base without the dangers and restrictions of military materials passing through residential areas or, worse still, delayed or cut off by passing trains. Once completed, the I-220 loop interchange will descend directly onto the base at I-20 near Louisiana Downs. In addition to better access to the base, the expansion will likely create at least 300-400 new jobs. The partnership between the base and the people of northwest Louisiana will also continue to deepen and grow. The men and women at the base efficiently and effectively maintain their mission of nuclear deterrence, supporting America’s efforts to defend liberty at home, and, when possible, maintain peace abroad. And when that’s not possible, they are prepared for whatever may be required of them. We sleep better at night because they are there to check for (altogether too real) monsters under the bed and to make sure that there is always a light somewhere in the darkness. In return, we can make sure that young Airmen know they are welcome in our community, that resources and consideration are readily available for the families of those deployed, that their children will receive a good education and hope for the future whatever comes, and that, as diligent citizens, we will pay attention to how our military is used and treated by our government. With these steps, our partnership will remain as strong at the end of the 21st century as it has been since that dedication day 85 years ago in the 20th century.
Roots for Boots
Operation Bright Holidays
Sarah Halphen, volunteer and host mom, assigns Airmen to their host families at the Roots for Boots kickoff dinner at Shane’s Seafood and BBQ in Bossier City, La., April 30, 2017. Single Airmen who live in the dorms are able to sign up for the program and matched with a local family that provide a home environment for the Airmen. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Sydney Bennett)
Operation Bright Holidays sponsors and recipients pose for a group photo at the Barksdale Club, Dec. 16. Twelve enlisted Airmen were nominated by their supervisors and chosen by the Company Grade Officer’s Council to receive a free trip to their home town to visit family for the holiday sponsored by the Military Affairs Council, The Anita Mary Tipping Steinau Foundation and the Credit Bureau of Louisiana. Many of the Airmen who were chosen for the program had not visited their families in years due to their dedication to the mission, and those who could not afford airfare. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joanna M. Kresge
Celebrate Barksdale
Scholarship Fund
Larry Hill, military retiree, demonstrates a dance move to Captain Shreve High School Army Junior ROTC during the 14th annual Celebrate Barksdale hosted by the Military Affairs Council Oct. 22. The main event, a base-wide picnic, took place on the lawn of Chapel 1 where food and drinks were served by Military Affairs Council members. There were many booths set up including a children’s play area, a face painting booth and balloon animals were made by a clown for children. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman First Class Joseph Boals)
A five-year program has been developed which will provide $1,000 scholarships to 20 deserving Airmen each year. Scholarship applications will be distributed by the base each spring, and a committee of MAC members will review the applications and select the scholarship winners each June. If you are interested in supporting our scholarship program, please contact our Executive Director, Kathi Smith at maceagle@shreve.netor 429-2418.
To learn more and get actively involved, please visit sbmilitaryaffairs.com
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BY JESSICA ELSTON
School’s Out, Now What? Engaging, Educational Summertime Ideas for the Win!
T
ime is ticking. Summer is coming. For many parents, the third week in May provokes feelings of both excitement and dread. “Yay! Summer is out. I’ll have more down-time with my kids.” we say. “Oh no, summer is out. My kids have a ton of free time, what do I do with my kids?” we also complain. Kids are exciting. They are creative and fun, silly and imaginative, but they are also easily bored, especially kids in the 21st century. So, what can parents do with their kids this summer? This article is two-fold: the first part answers the question, “If I choose to give my kids screen time, what are the best apps for kids?” The second part lists fun, engaging programs & activities kids can do away from the T.V. or tablet.
I sat down with Adrian Johnson at the Broadmoor Branch of the Shreve Memorial Library for a list of educational apps for kids, but more importantly, I wanted his wisdom on what makes an app educational.
The other day I was in my three year old’s room organizing his bookshelf. I smiled while dusting, looking over all his books. That kid truly has a library. I could hear him behind me rummaging around, looking for his trains or his Buzz Lightyear. Once I determined it must be in his closet, I opened the door, found what he needed, and gave it to him. As I did, I noticed his giant bin of play clothes in the corner of his closet. Besides books, that kid also has a lot of play-clothes. He and I might dress up as builders, Parisians sipping tea in berets, or super heroes in capes. But unfortunately, a lot of his play clothes go unused. Playing dress-up or creating puppet-shows require imagination, something many folks consider a dying ability in our modern day. In the age of smart phones, tablets, smart-watches, and instant streaming, children spend a lot of time in front of screens, and technology is here to stay. So while pediatricians agree that screen time should be limited, should there be limits on how they spend their screen time? There is a difference, for instance, between a mind-numbing game (like Snake) and a mind-enriching game. If you are interested in directing your children’s screen time towards more edifying games and apps, we’ve compiled a list of the best educational apps for kids with explanations as to what makes them educational.
J: And how do you decide whether or not to use an app?
JESSICA: So Adrian, what makes an app educational? ADRIAN: It needs to be something that is interactive, as opposed to simply watching a T.V. show. Kids need to learn how to do something, not just be entertained. We want them to be interacting with the information, like matching shapes or answering questions.
A: Determining the usefulness of an app can be tricky. There are a lot of options and app descriptions are often not super detailed. I recommend trying to evaluate the company or app developer. If they have a website, they are more likely to be legit. Often you can search a particular company and see the apps they have. If there are many educational apps, there is a better chance they will be legit. If there is only one or two amongst a bunch of different types of apps, quality will likely suffer. Many well-known companies have mostly paid apps, but there are often lite or free versions of some apps. This can give you a chance to try it out before you buy other apps from the company. It is easier to browse apps available in the app store on a computer. You can select many helpful criteria for sorting them such as “Free,” “Educational,” and “Kids” which makes finding appropriate apps much easier.
“Interactive apps are good educational supplements. 52 SUMMER 2018
parental interaction is the “Indeed, best form of education for kids…
ADRIAN’S & JESSICA’S LIST OF THE TOP EDUCATIONAL APPS FOR KIDS: Using Adrian’s recommendations, I have compiled a list of some of the best apps for kids age 10 and under:
Duck Duck Moose by Duck Duck Moose
Age: 3+ (Note: Some apps are for ages 3-5 and others are for ages 6-8) What they provide: This app company has over 23 educational games in the Apple Store. The games incorporate a lot of music (think Little Einsteins), and they recently partnered with the non-profit Khan Academy, whose mission is to provide high-quality education at no cost to anyone, anywhere.
Why it’s educational: Each app enhances different levels and types of learning. Some games focus on letters and help children read phonetically. Some games read to kids and provide words at the bottom of the screen for kids to read-along. One of the best games is “Puzzle Pop.” It shows a completed picture of a puzzle, mixes it up, and kids have to try to reassemble the picture.
Price: FREE
Relation Shapes
Starfall
by Vizu Vizu
by Starfall Education
Age: 5 & Under
Age: 5 and Under
What they provide: This is a reading app for kids. Stories have audio buttons
What they provide: This app company creates games that promote visual
that read out-loud to kids while they look at the highlighted words at the bottom of each page.
and spacial learning. Players are given pictures and have to use a set of shapes to create the same picture.
Why it’s educational: Starfall focuses on phonics where learners don’t just see letters, they also hear them.
Why it’s educational: This app is wonderful for preschoolers. It’s important for kids to know their shapes, but it’s more impressive if they can use certain shapes to create something new. Kids have to problem-solve to figure out how to make each picture.
Price: FREE
Price: FREE
Lazoo Zoo
Bloxels
by Lazoo
by Pixel Press Technology
Age: 5 and Under
Age: 9-11
What they provide: This app company creates apps for kids to draw, paint,
What they provide: This app provides coding skills for kids ages 7 and up.
and create. The games ask players to “draw squiggle lines to make the car move” or “draw hair on the people.” This is a great app for the artist in your family.
Players make video games by putting square, block pieces together. Since each colored block represents something like water or land, the player ends up building a world with blocks.
Why it’s educational: This is a responsive game. Kids have to listen and follow instructions. The company motto is to “encourage self-expression and empower a child’s imagination.”
Why it’s educational: It offers an early lesson on coding for young kids. Kids
Price: FREE
Price: FREE
get to create and build their own game.
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“Learning is relational. I ended my conversation with Adrian grateful for his research. All of these apps seemed great for kids, but I still had one lingering question. With angst in my voice, I asked, “Are apps good for kids, even if they are educational?” He concluded by saying they are good educational supplements. “They shouldn’t be the main source of learning. The best mode of learning is through one-on-one interactions between parents and children.”
For educational screen time with a twist, I met with Kasie Mainerio, the Principal of University Elementary where this summer she is providing a cutting-edge program for kids in grades 1 through 5. Her program aims to bridge the gap between computer screens and social interaction. In doing so, University has partnered with Keith Hansen from Twin Engine labs to create what is called Minecraft University. Keith and the teachers at University collaborated on the curriculum where they will use the popular online game Minecraft as a central part of their program. When students participate in this curriculum, they will receive guidance from certified Caddo teachers demonstrating how to code as well as spend time collaborating with other kids who are playing. If Minecraft University is not a fit for your child, University Elementary is also offering, “Bricks4Kidz,” another program that uses physical Legos to encourage kids creativity, problem solving, and team building skills.
Be proud, Shreveport-Bossier! There are many folks working tirelessly to provide fun learning environments for your kids this summer. Whether it’s SPAR maintaining our parks, Minecraft University, Shreve Memorial Library’s “Fantastic Performer” program, or Red River Wildlife’s nature programs, there are endless options for kids. Please check out these venues, and get involved with your kids. There are lots of books, T.V. shows, and educational apps that teach children information, but nothing motivates a child to learn more than when a parent is engaging with them. Learning is relational. It happens when parents sit down and build with Lincoln Logs and Play-Doh. It’s digging and planting a garden. It’s reading a book on a rainy day or on a blanket in the sunshine. But, whether it’s a “T.V. kind of day” or a more interactive one, there are many educational options for your kids this summer.
SHREVE MEMORIAL LIBRARY www.shreve-lib.org/464/Childrens-Programs
LSUS CAMPS www.ce.lsus.edu/search.cfm
On the last leg of my journey to find fun, engaging programs & activities kids can do away from the T.V. or tablet, I scheduled a phone-date with principal and educator, Mary Harris. Mary is the principal at South Highlands Elementary. I asked, “Mary, what should parents do with their kids this summer if they want to limit the use of technology?” Her answer will not surprise many of you. “Read to them,” she said. She recommended going to the park. Kids can run around and burn off energy, and then sit down on a blanket and read a few books, she advised. Reading is a time for freedom, but kids should still review and practice skills they learned over the school year. When going on vacation, she recommended parents provide magnetic games. Most games come in little metal tins, and are full of magnetic shapes that kids can use to make various designs and patterns; where other boxes fold out into game boards. Kids can also do word searches and crossword puzzles. This helps students read, find new words, boosts vocabulary, and provides a great way to encourage family discussion and problem solving. She recommended students also spend time writing this summer. “If you want to connect technology and writing, have your children open a Word document to write a quick paragraph about what they’re doing and seeing on their vacation. Reference materials such as pocket dictionaries and thesauruses are also highly recommended to help with spelling, vocabulary, and general interest. Once a story is written, they can call a friend and read their paragraph out loud or rewrite it on a postcard.” She concluded our phone conversation with a simple suggestion: Just spend time talking to your kids this summer. Go back to the basics: ask your kids lots of questions. Indeed, parental interaction is the best form of education for kids.
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RED RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE www.fws.gov/refuge/Red_River/camps/
BRICKS 4 KIDZ www.bricks4kidz.com/louisiana-bossiercity-shreveport/
SOUTHFIELD SCHOOL CAMPS southfield-school.org/campus/summer
MINECRAFT UNIVERSITY www.minecraftu-shreveport.com
BPCC CAMPS www.bpcc.edu/campcavs/index.html
SUSLA CAMPS www.susla.edu/events/stem-summer-camp-2018
STOCKWELL PLACE CAMP www.summercamps.com/camp/camp-invention-at-stockwell-place-elementary-school-bossier-city-louisiana/?v=7516fd43adaa
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56 SUMMER 2018
3730 Youree Dr. • Shreveport, LA • 318-861-HAIR
Salina Sepulvado
In-House Mirabella Certified Make-Up Artist & Regional Educator
A Shreveportrait:
Written & Photography by: Shannon Palmer
Chimp Haven & Their
Compassionate Human Heroes
E
stablished in 1995, Chimp Haven responded to the need for long term care for chimpanzees who were no longer used in biomedical research, the entertainment industry, or the pet trade. The CHIMP Act (Chimpanzee Health Improvement Maintenance Protection Act) was signed into law in 2000, which established the Federal Sanctuary System. That year, Caddo Parish provided 200 acres of forested land inside of Eddie D. Jones Nature Park, where they built the sanctuary. Now the chimps are able to live in large social groups in outdoor habitats, in a setting that gives them more freedom and self-determination. The first two chimpanzee residents, Rita and Teresa, came to live at Chimp Haven in 2005. Today, they have cared for more than 300 chimps, and are currently home to more than 200. You can donate to Chimp Haven by visiting their website at www.chimphaven.org.
Director of Behavior, Education, & Research Amy Fultz cofounded Chimp Haven in 1995. According to the organization’s website, she’s played chimp matchmaker more than 250 times, creating chimp families and helping retirees thrive at the sanctuary.
President and CEO Rana Smith began leading Chimp Haven in 2017 after more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership.
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Raven Jackson-Jewett, D.V.M. is the attending veterinarian. She has her hands very busy with five children of her own along with 230 chimps.
SHREVEPORTMAGAZINE.COM 59
Shaping Shreveport’s Cultural Landscape
May 5, 2018
R.W. Norton Art Gallery
Summer ‘18
Betty Virginia Park
Fall ‘18
South Highland Mansion
Catahoula
Wine Mixer November 17, 2018
Windrush Park at Provenance
November 30, 2018 Line Ave. Corridor
Tickets at DerbyDayShreveport.com
March 22-24
Betty Virginia Park
UVHVETS.COM 318.797.5522 SHREVEPORTMAGAZINE.COM 61
MAsCigars.com
SHREVEPORT
BOSSIER CITY
855 Pierremont Rd. #140 318-861-3138
2917 Old Minden Rd. Ste E 318-584-7152
62 SUMMER 2018
855 Pierremont Rd, Ste 138, Shreveport, LA 71106 SHREVEPORTMAGAZINE.COM 63
RJ TANGENT CHRIS BROWN
64 SUMMER 2018
I
f you drive down East Texas in Bossier City today, there are virtually no remnants of the famous—some would say infamous—Bossier City ‘Strip’. Some detractors might go so far as to say “good riddance” but the fabled Strip is many things to many people. In its heyday, in the late 50’s through the 60’s, the Bossier Strip was a micro-Vegas, a shimmering Oz of neon that offered excitement featuring great bands and good food. Ace Lewis, well-loved and respected drummer and band leader (and also brother of local legendary record store owner/distributor Stan “The Record Man” Lewis) still recalls playing The Skyway Club in the early days of what became known as the “Bossier Strip”. “Particularly on Friday nights” Lewis said, “stars would stop by from the Louisiana Hayride and sit in with us. Names like Jim Reeves, Johnny Horton, Faron Young, Webb Pierce and steel player Jimmy Day would always bring excitement to the shows.”
Whisk-A-Go-Go ad (Spotlight, September 1965)
Long Branch Saloon ad (Spotlight, October 1969)
The late-great regional historian Eric Brock was one writer who repeated the oft-told “strip” joke that patrons would be checked at the doors on the way in to see if they were carrying a gun. If they were not, so went the joke, they would be given one. At some points in the Strip’s history, this might not have been too far from the truth. There was certainly a seedy side that could occasionally see fights breaking out, but that was usually in the ‘dives’ more so than the ‘upper echelon’ of establishments. At the top of the food chain was The Stork Supper Club where owner Mike Theodos offered three separate venues under one roof. Stork Supper Club itself was the main attraction where you could find “The Only Floor Show in the Ark-La-Tex”, and you could eat well on fine steaks and seafood while also enjoying nationwide talent on stage like the incredible Coasters (“Yakety Yak”, “Charlie Brown”, “Poison Ivy” and more) and r&b/soul sensation LaVerne Baker (“Jim Dandy To The Rescue”, “What Am I Living For”). Big name talent was usually to be found at The Stork. Also under the same roof was The Sho-Bar (featuring top regional bands and an array of Go-Go dancers ‘twisting’ the night away) and the Hide-A-Way Lounge (continuous entertainment nightly at the Piano Bar). Bubbling just under The Stork, was Merle Kemmerly’s Whisk a Go Go with its popular Boom Boom Room, which offered some of the hottest and best traveling rock bands on the circuit and a dazzling transparent plastic dance floor with 300 flashing lights beneath with psychedelic movies on the walls and the 3-D flashing psychedelic wall itself. Among the up-and-coming artists you might have run into at the Boom Boom Room would have been the soon to be legendary albino blues rock legend Johnny Winter backing his band The Black Plague, which also featured his brother Edgar, who would later tear up the charts with hits like “Frankenstein”. Also popular with the Boom Boom Room crowd was the darling of the West Coast club scene, “December’s Children” (obviously named for the Rolling Stones hit album) with their big hit “Backwards and Forwards”, Shorty and The Shays, Duke Royal (lead singer with the renowned Blues Incorporated) and the gimmicky, yet quite talented Johnny Green and the Green Men. This group of green haired rockers had been written up on the covers of Life and
SHREVEPORTMAGAZINE.COM 65
Skyway Club ad (Shreveport Times, July 4, 1958)
Esquire Magazines as well as having appeared three times on the 60’s campy TV classic “Batman”. They always packed the place. Besides the always exciting musical offerings, the Boom Boom Room was also known for their Go-Go dancers ‘go-going’ wildly in their suspended glass cages. Another ever-popular feature at the Boom Room was the Hurricane, the club’s signature drink with its signature collectible glass which I feel certain every patron left the premises with at least once. Just down the road was the less sparkling but always entertaining Shindig. Larry Gordy, still a part of the Shreveport music scene, was bass player for the long-time Shindig house band The Rogue Show from 1966-1969. That well-remembered ensemble was primarily made up of Gordy on bass, the late Dino Zimmerman on guitar, Ellis Starkey on drums, and David Rowe on keyboards. Zimmerman later made a name for himself in Nashville playing for such illustrious names as K.T. Oslin and doing studio work for Alabama and more. “There was always the unexpected to be expected at the Shindig,” Gordy says. “Once this real unassuming gentleman walked in and walked up to the band stand and asked if he could sing a song. One of the guys in our band happened to recognize him as RCA recording artist Jimmy Elledge, who at the time, had a big hit on the radio of Willie Nelson’s classic composition, “Funny How Times Slips Away”. He got on stage and sang that hit with us and the crowd went wild. Another night, I recall the reputed New Orleans Mafioso Carlos Marcello came in with a small entourage. I watched him and I’ll never forget that he never touched the money, ever. His entourage took care
Town And Country Motel ad (Spotlight, September 1969)
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Peppermint Lounge ad (Shreveport Times, June 12, 1964)
of everything. That always stuck with me.” Another still vital music luminary who has vivid memories of the Strip in its halcyon days through a familial connection is former singer, now entrepreneur, Jerry Hawkins. Jerry Hawkins managed the Shreveport American Federation of Musicians for 13 years and is the brother of the late famed recording star Dale Hawkins, remembered for his classic radio smash “Suzy Q”. “Before ‘Suzy Q’ hit big,” Jerry Hawkins recalled, “Dale played out on the Strip some at places like the It’ll Do Club. That was even as far back as when Merle Kimmerly had Kim’s, even before he opened Sak’s Whisk a Go Go.” The Town and Country Motor Hotel and Restaurant, once owned by Marcello’s Shreveport attorney Mike Maroun, was a hotbed of activity with three dining rooms, “intimate cocktail lounge”, continental dancing facilities and top notch musical entertainment. Even as far back as the 60s, locally renowned band leader/keyboardist Bill Bush and his combo were drawing crowds to the Town and Country. Bush just recently passed away but he had remained a popular staple of Shreveport music stages. Among the other late, lamented clubs that have gone on to that great Vegas in the sky that must be mentioned are Kim’s, Blues Lounge, The Black Knight Lounge, The Long Branch Saloon, Studio Steak House and the more upscale supper clubs like the Revana, with the legendary “The Fabulous Helene”—one of the most striking and beautiful singers to grace the Strip at any time in its history. Though all the venues in this article have faded into the history books, for those patrons who were able to be regular or in-frequent habitués of them, they will certainly never be forgotten. Though it may never have rivaled Las Vegas, The Bossier Strip was a few miles of magic to those who knew and loved it. Note: This article could not have been done without the generous assistance of staff at the Bossier Parish Library Historical Center: Laurie Dyche, Pam Carlisle, Marisa Richardson, Ann Middleton and Amy Robertson
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“S
he’s gone.” I never knew two words could shatter my world instantly. I repeat the scene in my head over and over without even realizing it sometimes. “She’s gone,” says the doctor in all green. “So she’s dead. My mama is dead,” I repeat back to him in a daze, my consciousness floating somewhere between two realities, the one where my mom was alive and the one where she’s gone. It just takes a second. One moment we are dreaming in our beds, getting ready for work or coming home from a long day and the next moment everything comes crashing down around us. We all go through this experience in our lives at different times and to varying degrees. It is part of the human condition. The archetype of the falling tower comes to mind. There will be these moments in all of our lives where everything we have built up to shelter ourselves from the outside world falls away and we are left there in the rubble—vulnerable and exposed. For 190 years a pine tree in the Highland neighborhood of Shreveport grew to be a towering 120 feet tall and on February 7th at 4am it laid to rest…on the home of Alan Dyson and Debbie Hollis. “It sounded like a train hit the house,” said Alan as he tried to get the sleeping Debbie to comprehend that one of their beloved pine trees had just crashed into their home. Naked and in shock, the couple peered through the darkness of early morning at the tree, slowly and silently coming to terms with the fact that this was not
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a dream. As the sun began to rise, the extent of the damage came to light. Over one third of their home had been destroyed and the tree that had once been such an important part of their lives was lost. So, Alan doing what he does best sat down at his piano and started to play “Look on the Bright Side of Life.” Around 4pm one stormy afternoon in 2009, Michael Williams sat at a stoplight in front of First United Methodist Church. The church
Mandie Ebarb with her mama, Polly, and their dog, Heidi. (Photo circa 1990)
sits proud at the head of Texas Street with its iconic 100 ft. steeple towering above, but Michael doesn’t notice the steeple or the tornado spiraling behind him. He waits for the light to turn so he can continue home. The rain beats down on his car as Michael watches the three traffic lights turn sideways in the wind. Debris flies all around him and he thinks to himself, “Gee, I hope nothing dents my car.” Bang! Then black. “Whoa! Why are your eyes closed?” Michael says to himself, “Put your break on!” Michael tries to wake up from what feels like a dream of total darkness and realizes he cannot move his legs. “Did I hit someone or did someone hit me?” Unaware that a steeple had just crashed on top of him, Michael laid in wait for help to arrive. Lights began to flash as a cavalry of firefighters surrounded the wreckage preparing to exhume the victim from the heap of metal only 17,000 pounds of steeple can create. Slowly, Michael lifts his head and says, ”Get me out of here!” It was a miracle they say. The Steeple Man was alive. When the damage has been done, our bodies crushed, our homes turned to rubble and our loved ones lost, something impossible starts to bubble—gratitude. At first, it’s all a blur as the people come, carrying covered dishes, lifting you from the wreckage and providing a sense of solace. On what would have been my mother’s 69th birthday, I stood in front of the piano bench covered in cards of condolences, gifts and lists of people still left to thank, and watched as the sun sent beams of light through the crystal and sprinkled the room in rainbows. An overwhelming sense of gratitude filled my entire body, as I succumbed to the power of community. I am not alone. We are not alone. “It is my privilege to serve you,” affirmed Judy Williams, as her husband lay broken but healing in his bed, “You are my hero.” While scrambling to grab a hold of the pieces of our lives that we can still recognize, a stunning thing begins to happen. First you think “Why? Why has this happened to me? To them? How shall I ever get through this?” But then, slowly and quietly, you do. Michael may have broken his back and all of his extremities, but he was alive and that was a reason to be grateful. After 9 days in the hospital, Michael and Judy returned home to a new life, a life where they would discover a second miracle unfolding before them, the miracle of love. For months, the doorbell would ring every day with friends, neighbors and even strangers bringing food, offering assistance and filling their home with what can only be described as unconditional love. “We saw a different side of humanity,” recalls Michael, “I now believe that every human being has that ability to love unconditionally.” For the Williams, it is their overwhelming gratitude to their communities near and far that has given them the
Alan Dyson & Debbie Hollis’s home was destroyed in the early morning of February 7. 2018.
Local rescuers access damage after the heroic rescue of Micheal Williams in Downtown Shreveport in 2009. (Photo courtesy of Neil Johnson)
strength to face life’s challenges and come through the darkness to the other side, forever changed by the love they have experienced. Back in the Highland neighborhood, the rain continued to fall and Alan and Debbie lost two more of their beautiful healthy pine trees, their roots rising in the air as their trunks lowered down across the landscape. But just as we know that what goes up, must come down, we know that where there is death, growth is sure to follow. Alan and Debbie have always viewed their home as a place of refuge, a place where loved ones come to find community as they sing songs around the piano and take a respite from the daily grind. Now it’s the community that has become the refuge, reaching out to Alan and Debbie with acts of kindness large and small. “It’s the people who love us and who we love, who go through these things with us that makes us grateful to live in Shreveport,” says Debbie. “We’ve gotten a lot of love and I don’t know if it would have been that way if we lived somewhere else.” So now where the trees they lovingly call the “Pines of Eden” once stood, a small garden will grow into a garden three times its size and share its abundance with the community. My mom always told me her thirties were the best years of her life. Mine have definitely gotten off to a rocky start, but nobody says growth is easy. Within a period of about a year and a half I have lost my best friend, our family dog of 17 years, and now my mom in January of this year. I have felt lost, painfully alone and vulnerable, but I have felt utter joy, unconditional love and most of all, the kind of gratitude that warms my soul. Michael & Judy like to say that the day the steeple fell was the worst day and best day of their lives. Its beautiful, this ability to hold two opposing truths. There is something about that space that makes all the pain worth it. Maybe the darkness and the light are not that different from one another after all. Maybe the tower must fall so we are able to see the abundance around us more clearly. For it seems when our life gets dark, the love we seek begins to show itself in high relief, and we realize that it has actually been there all along.
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Summer Events Handpicked Ideas to Find the Fun May 14-18
May 18
Miss USA & Miss Teen Pageant & Downtown Parade
May 19Nov. 24
Bossier City Farmer’s Market //Every Saturday from 9AM-1PM
Joe Bonamassa
//Municipal Auditorium
Wicked City Lecture //May 23rd
The Wicked City is the first lecture in the Spring Street Museum’s “Spring into History at Spring Street Museum” Lecture series! Presented by Cheryl White, this lecture will be wickedly interesting!
May 24
Feast For Shreveport Green //Provenance’s Greenleaf Park
March 19
May 19
Chimp, Chat, Chew //Chimp Haven
Beast Fest: Surf, Turf, & More //at Centenary College
Women Rock
//May 19th at RiverView Theater The music of Carole King, Tina Turner, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, Pat Benatar, Heart, Carly Simon, and more is brought to life by the SSO and a cast of singers, with video footage of each iconic artist projected on the big screen.
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Mudbug Madness & 5k Road Race //May 24th- 27th at Festival Plaza
Mudbug Madness was born. What began in 1984 as a two-day street festival in downtown Shreveport is now one of Louisiana’s largest and most popular Cajun festivals, featuring renown Cajun, Zydeco, Blues and Jazz artists, mouth-watering Cajun cuisine, raucous contests, and fun for all ages. Now a four-day festival held each Memorial Day weekend, Mudbug Madness is nationally recognized as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events and the American Bus Association’s Top 100 Event in the nation. PRICE: $5 per person Thursday & Friday after 5 and all day Saturday & Sunday Free for everyone Thursday & Friday until 5 & children under 7
20th Sunflower Trail & Festival //June 16th in Gilliam
This event will feature art and entertainment for all ages including handmade items for sale by heritage crafters and artists, hands-on arts and crafts activities for children, art exhibits, a sunflower photography contest and more. Food and refreshment vendors will be available at the festival, and lunch will be served at nearby businesses. Live music will be performed in the festival area. Admission is free and open to the public.
May 26October 26
Bike Shreveport Slow Roll //Last Friday of each month
June 16
Charlie Pride
//Horseshoe River Dome May 26
Us Up North Food Tour //with Chef Hardette Harris
All Y’all: Wildcard //June 2nd at Studio 616
Unlike previous All Y’all live storytelling events, “Wildcard” will not feature a curated group of storytellers on a common theme. This time around, every audience member - every single person in attendance - should come prepared either to tell a brief story if their name is drawn or nominate a friend to tell a story instead. Stories can be on any topic and no longer than 10 minutes in length.
July 4
//at St. Vincent Mall
July 4
Shreveport Farmer’s Market
June 15-17
Let The Good Times Roll Festival
KTBS Independence Day Festival //in Festival Plaza
Advance ticket purchase is recommended.
June 2August 25
Firecracker 5k for Research
//Saturdays at Festival Plaza
//Festival Plaza
July 8-15
Red River Balloon Rally //LSUS Campus
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I Seriously Want This Dog
Harco and his handler received orders to move out of the country. Jason requested to be their pilot knowing this would most likely be the last time they would ever see each other. At that time, Harco was three years old with probably another five years to work and when he retired, all his former handlers would have first option to adopt. When Jason returned home to the United States, he had his buddy Harco on his mind. He wanted to be considered when he came up for adoption. After years BY DR. CATHERINE PAINE FORET | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JASON RHYNARD of emails and phone calls and multiple dead ends, Jason finally received a reply, “I see you’re listed as an adoption candidate in Harco’s file, can I ask how you know this anuary 27th, 2017 was a brisk morning on the edge of the K9?” Jason jumped to answer this email explaining his connection to Harco, sending pictures of their time in Afghanistan, explaining beautiful Red River. Hundreds of people stood with their best friends on the ends of leashes anticipating the start what an amazing home he could offer him, and describing their bond. of the inaugural Run Like An Animal Race hosted by my practice After several months without any communication, Jason got the answer he was hoping for—” The decision has been made to retire University Veterinary Hospital. There were dogs of many shapes, sizes and colors and their people were all smiles as we gathered Harco, fill out these attached forms.” That was it! Harco was shipped together for a great cause. I met so many new four-legged friends that from Bagram, Afghanistan to Bahrain to Amsterdam to Houston, TX. day, but there was one standout trio that touched all of our hearts. Although it had been over three years since they last saw each As I announced the winners of the costume contest I had to pause, other, they picked up right where they left off. He immediately gather my words, and share the story that I had just learned that truly moved me to tears. Jason and his wife Stefanie were dressed in Star Wars theme—Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Harco, their handsome Belgian Malinois was dressed as Chewbacca. Their story and their bond are unique and beautiful. They didn’t get Harco as a puppy, find him through a breeder, or even rescue him from a shelter. In fact they were not even looking for a new pet. Jason Rhynard is a civilian contract helicopter pilot and Harco is a static explosive detection canine. They met while they were both stationed in Afghanistan in 2013. The first time Jason saw Harco he says that he loved him right away—that he was so calm and friendly. Jason sat with Harco for two adjusted to living with Jason and his wife Stefanie and they adjusted to living with him. Jason says “Our house would feel so empty hours during that first meeting, playing ball, taking pictures, and even without him now. He loves going for walks and runs, playing ball in posting one on Facebook with the caption, “I seriously want this dog.” the yard, running up and down the fence with the neighbor dogs, Jason had multiple encounters with Harco and each time they laying around in comfort, and going with me anywhere I take him. saw each other their connection grew stronger. Later that year, He was in attendance at my last deployment sendoff ceremony. While I was away, my wife Stefanie did a great job taking care of him and I jokingly say that she’s his favorite now.” This year our hearts were warmed once again by this amazing trio. As I saw them with the others in attendance at the 2018 UVH Run Like An Animal Race, I quickly realized they would win this year’s costume contest. Stefanie was dressed as Little Red Riding Hood and Harco was dressed as the Grandmother even with little gold glasses. The kicker— Jason returned from a yearlong deployment the night before the race. That’s right, not even 24 hours at home in America and Jason was waking up at 6 a.m. to take his running buddy to his favorite race.
J
Jason Rhynard is a civilian contract helicopter pilot and Harco is a static explosive detection canine.
I seriously want this dog could not have ended better! Thank you Jason and Harco for your service to our country!
74 SUMMER 2018
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So much more than a fun place.
Shemeta achieved her result with Damon-Q Clear brackets at CSO.
www.CosseOrtho.com