At SWEPCO, we believe in the transformative power of connecting with the people and communities we serve. And one of those communities is like no other - Barksdale Air Force Base. The nation’s largest bomber base and home to the U.S. Air Force’s 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale is like a city nestled in Bossier City.
SWEPCO has been a proud partner with Barksdale Air Force Base for decades with representatives serving on the Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council, a local organization dedicated to supporting the mission and airmen at Barksdale and building connections between the base and area communities.
That partnership continues to spark ideas and opportunities today that help the base and its airmen thrive. So far in 2025, SWEPCO has provided foundation grants and local funding to the base in support of multiple airman support program, including: Operation Bright Holidays which provides $1,000 scholarships to assist young airmen with travel expenses to visit their family for Christmas, Currency of Caring, which provides free or discounted meals at area restaurants for airmen in need and STARBASE, a STEM programming event in Caddo & Bossier City schools. SWEPCO is also a proud sponsor of the Barksdale Defenders of Liberty Airshow that brings the community and base together with one of the largest military airshows in the U.S. every other year.
And in a more traditional role, SWEPCO is also working with Barksdale leaders on infrastructure options for future upgrades to its aging power grid to better support the base’s mission.
“We have a unique opportunity to make a difference for the mission and individual airmen through our connection and support of the military community,” said Michael Corbin, SWEPCO external affairs manager-Louisiana.
Corbin serves as a board member on the Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council and was named this year as Honorary Commander of the 2nd Healthcare Operations Squadron. Joining Corbin on the Military Affairs Council are:
- Brett Mattison, SWEPCO President & COO
- Paul Pratt, Director of Customer Services and Marketing
- William Bradford , Vice President of External Affairs who also serves as Honorary Commander of the 307th Security Forces Squadron
Together, the group works with other community leaders to build understanding across military and community groups and support the airmen stationed at Barksdale. As honorary commanders, Corbin and Bradford work even more closely with the squadrons and commanders on the base.
As part of the program, Corbin recently toured key facilities on base, including the Weapons Loading Training Facility, where the group learned about the B-52 Stratofortress bomber mission. The expansive plane and eight jet engines cast an impressive shadow under the hangar lights. The rumble of jet engines echoed in the distance, a reminder of the scale and strength behind the gates of Barksdale.
“Seeing the dedication of these airmen up close reminded me why our work matters,” Corbin said “We’re not just powering buildings. We’re supporting missions, families, and futures.”
Air Force leaders said the relationships with community leaders like Corbin and Bradford help further their mission.
“It was great to get to spend time today with our honorary commanders,” said Col. Jessica Critcher, 2nd Bomb Wing deputy commander. “We appreciate them welcoming us into their community, their interest in the men and women of Barksdale Air Force Base and we’re certainly appreciative of their support. You don’t always have this much support at every base for the honorary commander program, so we’re grateful for how strong the program is here.”
As honorary commanders, Corbin and Bradford have the access and ability to speak with military leaders about the opportunities and challenges both the base and local communities face. Those conversations, and the time spent on the base provide a firsthand understanding of the power required for a mission that never rests.
“Personal connections like the ones we’re building with Barksdale help us stay engaged with the communities we serve,” Bradford said. “Whether through reliable service, shared experiences, or ongoing engagement, we’re proud to support the mission at Barksdale and honored to serve the men and women who call it home.”
Michael Corbin, external affairs manager for Louisiana, with fellow Honorary Commanders at Barksdale Air Force Base.