The MAC programs are more than initiatives, they are the driving force behind our mission. From leadership development and community outreach to military support initiatives and strategic collaboration, our programs fuel the work of the Council by turning commitment into action. Together, they reinforce a shared purpose: honoring service, strengthening relationships, and ensuring our region remains a proud and enduring partner to the military community.
This year-long series of activities began as a way for the organization to express its appreciation for the military’s service and sacrifice to our nation. What started as a single-day, on-base event has since evolved into a full calendar of celebrations, made possible through the continued support of community partners across Shreveport and Bossier City.
The 29th Annual Celebrate Barksdale Family Cookout & Festival - A team of approximately 100 civilian and retired military volunteers prepares and serves meals to more than 3,000 base personnel while hosting an on-base festival featuring children’s activities, bounce houses, live music, food trucks, and squadron-led events for military families to enjoy together.
Oktoberfest is an annual celebration held at Barksdale Air Force Base’s MWR Multiplex, featuring live music, dancing, contests, authentic German food, souvenir mugs and beer fills, a traditional “Prost!” toast, and plenty of festive fun. Most importantly, all proceeds benefit Operation Bright Holiday, helping send our Airmen home to be with their families for the holidays.
Join us for the Celebrate Barksdale Golf Tournament — a premier event bringing together military leadership, community partners, local businesses and supporters for a day of competition, connection and celebration in support of the men and women of Barksdale Air Force Base.
In collaboration with Visit Shreveport-Bossier, the Balloon Glow features free tethered balloon rides, free movie in the park, bounce houses, food trucks and vendors; a fun-filled evening for military personnel and families on the lawn behind Hunt building.
Celebrate Barksdale
Community Events
In collaboration with our community partners, military personnel and their families can now enjoy cultural events throughout the region with discounted or complimentary admission, along with additional incentives designed to encourage participation and community engagement.
The Strand Theater | Robinson Film Center | Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl | Mudbug Madness | Red River Revel | Red River Balloon Rally & Balloon Glow | SciPort Discovery | State Fair of Louisiana
Operation Bright Holiday is an annual program partnering with the Company Grade Officers of Barksdale to raise funds allowing the organization to send young first-term airmen stationed at the base home for the holidays. In 2025, the MAC’s donation helped send 54 airmen home to spend Thanksgiving or Christmas with their families, having raised $16,500.
DonateThe Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs (MAC) Scholarship Fund was established in 2013 and reauthorized by the Board of Directors in March 2022. The mission of the scholarship fund is to provide financial assistance to individuals enrolled for undergraduate study.
The MAC Scholarship awards $1,000 scholarships annually to 25 deserving Airmen, supporting them in their academic pursuits while they continue to safeguard America’s freedom. MAC members have the unique opportunity to have a scholarship named in their honor with a donation of $1,000 or more, and to personally present the award to the recipient at our Scholarship Awards Luncheon.
The Military Affairs Council (MAC), in partnership with Barksdale Air Force Base, proudly presents the Adopt an Airman Program (Roots for Boots) here in Shreveport-Bossier. Also known as the Barksdale Airmen Sponsor Program (BASP), this initiative gives select community leaders a unique opportunity to provide Airmen with a home-away-from-home during their first military assignment.
The program is designed to provide first-year Airmen with caring mentorships, advisors and a community connection beyond the workplace, helping to ease the stress in the transition into military life.
The official mentor-Airman relationship lasts for the Airman’s assignment at Barksdale AFB, unless either party chooses to end it.
Community leaders serve as positive role models, reinforcing social values and helping Airmen understand their career path in the Air Force.
MAC will thoughtfully match host families with Airmen based on shared interests and characteristics. Airmen may also request specific host families “by name.”
If you are committed to making a difference in the life of a young Airman, the Roots for Boots is the perfect opportunity.
The Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council launched the Currency of Caring Program in 2024 to support Barksdale Air Force Base airmen and military families facing food insecurity. Through partnerships with local restaurants including Jacquelyn’s Café, Rhino Coffee, and Marilynn’s Place, military personnel and families can receive a complimentary meal by presenting a Currency of Caring token — no questions asked. Beyond providing meals, the program promotes mental wellness, community connection, and military family resilience. Food insecurity continues to affect many active-duty service members nationwide, making community-driven initiatives like Currency of Caring an important step toward reducing stigma and strengthening support systems for those who serve. Restaurants interested in joining the program may contact the Military Affairs Council office for participation details.
Are you a restaurant owner/manager interested In Participating?
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