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Global Strike Command locations among best for military retirement

  • Published
  • By Crystal Jordan
  • Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Two Air Force Global Strike Command installation communities were recently ranked among the best of 379 U.S. cities where military retirees choose to live.

United Services Automobile Association, in cooperation with Military.com, recently recognized Shreveport, La., located near Barksdale Air Force Base and Cheyenne, Wyo., home to F.E. Warren Air Force Base, as "best places" for retired servicemembers.

"We hope this recognition encourages others to join us as neighbors as they retire," said Mr. Doug Rogers, president of the Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council, the lead organization for interacting with military leadership in the area surrounding Barksdale. "I believe our community's selection helps reinforce the message that we value those who defend our liberty."

USAA and Military.com worked with the experts at Sperling's BestPlaces to determine variables for selecting good locations for military retirement, said Ms. Stephanie Kahan, a spokesperson for USAA. Retired military members also provided insight on what matters the most when choosing an area for their retirement, she said.

Economic factors including stability, housing costs and unemployment rates were involved in the list of specifications. Having a military base nearby, local amenities, as well as availability of Veterans Affairs hospitals were also highlighted.

Rep. Pete Illoway (R-WY) said Cheyenne is a great place to raise a family with low taxes, a good work ethic and available jobs.

"I have lived here for 40 years and have watched the city grow and evolve into a great city without the hustle and bustle of larger cities," Representative Illoway said. "Cheyenne Frontier Days, the largest outdoor rodeo, is chaired by a military person, and the grand marshals for the event are usually military personnel."

For this year's Frontier Days, the grand marshal will be none other than the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Norton Schwartz, he said.

Cheyenne also offers a local clinic, Veterans' Affairs hospital and commissary and exchange.

This access ensures someone is available to answer retirees' questions about their benefits, said Col. John Boyle, commander of the 90th Mission Support Group at F.E Warren. Veterans prefer to have these conversations in person, and that's what makes Cheyenne so attractive, the colonel said.

Shreveport stood out among the hundreds of locations studied due to its proximity to Barksdale, said Ms. Kahan.

"Barksdale is a magnet for retirees by itself," said Mr. Rogers. "Thankfully, it is a vibrant military installation that has much to offer retirees."

Barksdale offers a medical clinic in addition to a Veterans' Affairs hospital nearby, a large commissary and a medium-sized base exchange.

Both areas offer affordable housing and living costs, and retirees in these areas incur little or no taxation on their retirement pay. This maximizes military benefits and gives retirees more "bang for their buck," said Kahan.

According to the USAA announcement, low unemployment rates surrounding Shreveport and Cheyenne add appeal for military retirees.

"Affordability is important," said Mr. David Lay, a retired colonel who chose to stay on Barksdale after retiring from the 2d Bomb Wing's director of staff position. Military retirees in Shreveport-Bossier have the opportunity to enjoy more of the perks of an economically-stable environment because of the low cost of living and reasonable housing market, he said.

AFGSC communities like Barksdale and F.E. Warren offer everything a retiree needs after their time in the U.S. military, Mr. Lay said. Affordability, access to military services and establishments and the resources to accomplish whatever lies ahead make these communities "the total package," he said.