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Barksdale Airmen honor, welcome home WWII veterans

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Micaiah Anthony
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
SHREVEPORT, La. --  Airmen from Barksdale, home of Air Force Global Strike Command, along with citizens from the Shreveport and Bossier City community welcomed World War II veterans home from their trip to Washington D.C. at the Shreveport Regional Airport May 12.

Barksdale's Honor Guard was there to honor the distinguished veterans with a cordon and color guard while the crowd cheered and clapped.

The veterans returned home after spending three days and two nights in Washington touring monuments, memorials and museums. The World War II memorial was opened in 2004, honoring the millions who served in the military during the war. The trip was organized to give WWII veterans the opportunity to see the monument made in their honor for the first time.

"It was wonderful! People treated us like royalty. They celebrated with us and honored us," said Samuel Canter, a WWII veteran.

The Barksdale Retiree Affairs Office organized the welcome home for the veterans.

"We have the best retiree office in the Air Force here at Barksdale Air Force Base, which is led by retired Col. Steve DePyssler and his wonderful team," said Col. Tim Fay, 2nd Bomb Wing commander. "They are constantly making sure we are including and honoring these great Americans from a great generation.

"The sacrifices this generation made, and every generation of American men and women, is worthy of remembrance and honor," Colonel Fay continued. "It is wonderful that we have an opportunity to offer them thanks for everything they did to make America free."