(November 7, 2015)

Centenary, BAFB partner for Veterans Day Tribute

SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary College and Barksdale Air Force Base's 2nd Bomb Wing have formed a partnership to salute veterans annually in a ceremony hosted on the College campus, building on Centenary's annual Veterans Day Tribute established in 2012. "It is altogether fitting that we join forces with our neighbor, Barksdale Air Force Base, going forward," said Centenary President David Rowe.

The 2015 ceremony honoring the service and dedication of all veterans will be held on Wednesday, November 11 at 11:00 a.m. in Centenary's Anderson Auditorium. The Tribute is free and open to the public.

Colonel Kristin Goodwin, Commander of the 2nd Bomb Wing, will deliver the keynote address. Goodwin is responsible for providing combat-ready B-52H aircraft, crews, and associated combat support to conduct global operational taskings. As Barksdale's installation commander, she promotes the welfare of more than 11,400 military and civilian personnel, 6,300 family members, and 25,000 retirees. Colonel Goodwin graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, and earned a Master of Arts in Business and Organizational Management from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She is a command pilot with over 2,800 flight hours, worked as a Political Officer in the Bangkok Embassy, and served as the 509th Bomb Wing Vice Commander before arriving at Barksdale.

Senior Airman Tiffany Campbell of Barksdale will sing the National Anthem during the ceremony, which will also feature music from members of the Centenary College Choir and "Taps" played by Centenary student Chris Cates. Centenary students and Army veterans Cherie and Luke Groninger will read the official Presidential Veterans Day Proclamation.

Following the ceremony, Centenary will host a fundraising luncheon to benefit the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship program that provides financial assistance for veterans and their dependents to attend the College. The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.

Parking for both the Veterans Day Tribute and the Yellow Ribbon Luncheon is available on Woodlawn Avenue.