SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, La. – The Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council (MAC), in partnership with Visit Shreveport-Bossier, will host the inaugural Celebrate Barksdale Balloon Glow on Wednesday, July 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the park area behind Hunt Housing on Barksdale Air Force Base.

Open exclusively to DoD cardholders and their families, the event will feature:

• Spectacular balloon glows
• Free tethered balloon rides
• A free movie in the park
• Bounce houses
• A variety of food trucks

This family-friendly celebration is designed to offer a carefree evening of fun and community connection for military personnel and their families stationed at Barksdale.

“The Shreveport-Bossier MAC is excited to collaborate with Visit Shreveport-Bossier for this inaugural event. Our goal is to share all of the unique opportunities available in the community with our Airmen and their families. This community is eternally grateful for the base and the service of its personnel, and this is just one of the many ways our organization works to extend that gratitude,” said Trey Giglio, President & CEO of the Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council.

Special thanks go to the balloon pilots and their teams, including:

• Remax – Joel Sturdevant
• Silver Lining – Joe Kennerson
• Yen Yang – Bill Bussey
• Auspicious – Martin Philpott
• Main Squeeze – Mike Gullo

The Military Affairs Council also acknowledges the dedicated volunteers who make events like this possible.

Throughout the year, MAC supports Barksdale families through initiatives like:

• $1,000 scholarships for 20 deserving Airmen each year
• Currency of Caring to combat food insecurity among junior enlisted families
• Operation Bright Holiday, providing travel funds for Airmen returning home for the holidays
• The October Celebrate Barksdale Family Festival and more

For more information about the Celebrate Barksdale Balloon Glow or to get involved with the Military Affairs Council, contact Rob Tibi, Executive Director, at 318-429-2418 or executivedirector@sbmilitaryaffairs.com, or visit https://sbmilitaryaffairs.com.