The Greater Shreveport Chambers’ NWLA APEX Accelerator Director Dr. Gayle Flowers was inducted as an Honorary 2d Bomb Wing Commander at Barksdale Air Force Base January 23rd, 2025. The newest Honorary Commanders were welcomed to the team by the Commanders, Senior Enlisted Leaders, Airmen, Guardians, Civilians and mission partners of Barksdale Air Force Base.
The United States Air Force developed the Honorary Commander program to improve community relations with the service. Civilian leaders in the local area around each base are paired with specific units and encouraged to exchange ideas and experiences while building relationships
The purpose of the program is two-fold; first, it allows community participants to become more aware of the Air Force mission and the mission of the individual base. Second, it provides military commanders and their squadrons the opportunity to learn more about their local community.
Honorary Commanders at Barksdale serve as military advocates within their spheres of influence in the Shreveport and Bossier City communities. Their insight into base operations, mission requirements, and capabilities can facilitate partnerships with the local community to bridge the military-civilian gap.
During the induction ceremony, this year’s class of 27 Honorees was welcomed by Lt. Col. Adam Vance, Commander of the 2d Communications Squadron and presented with a plaque and introduced to their assigned unit. Dr. Flowers has been assigned to the 2d Contracting Squadron in recognition of her role in directing the activities of the Northwest Louisiana APEX Accelerator.