Our President and CEO Patricia Giesler hails from the greater Shreveport-Bossier area. When asked what the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Bossier City she said, “There is a warmth and kindness about the people that live there and often times, military members stationed at Barksdale AFB choose to stay in the area!”
After WWII the city’s population exploded. By 1950 Bossier City had grown by over 200% and was named “The Fastest Growing City in Louisiana." Its current population is 67,152 making it one of the largest cities in Louisiana with the cost of living 14% lower than all other cities in the U.S. It is touted as a city with a small-town feel, full of southern hospitality, and great authentic Cajun cuisine and music.
The area of Bossier City is steeped in rich history and dates back to the 1830s when it was the Elysian Groves Plantation. The main port known as “Cane’s Landing” is also the city’s first official name! In 1925, a devastating fire consumed one-half of downtown Bossier City, however, this led to great civic improvements and modernization. In 1928 Bossier City was chosen to house a National Guard air squadron. Barksdale Field was officially dedicated February 3, 1933 and was later renamed Barksdale Air Force Base. Barksdale AFB is an award-winning base that is home to warrior Airmen of the 2nd Bomb Wing, Air Force Global Strike Command, 8th Air Force, 307th Bomb Wing, and a host of mission partners dedicated to providing nuclear deterrence, combat power and combat support. It's social and economic impact to Bossier City and Northwest Louisiana has never been questioned.
We can’t mention this thriving city without discussing the Cyber Innovation Center (CIC). This sprawling center is the ‘anchor’ of the 3,000-acre National Cyber Research Park since 2007. Being one of the economic drivers for Northwest Louisiana, the CIC collaborates closely with Barksdale AFB, and also provides collaboration space for STRIKEWERX, which solves AF Global Strike Command’s most challenging problems by connecting people and resources across government, business, and academia. The CIC is also home to the premiere cyber defense innovators in Louisiana and serves as the model for comprehensive cyber education across the country.
Barksdale AFB always has a lot going on. The Barksdale AFB Vendor Expo is taking place January 24th. If you are attending don't forget to drop by the Giesler booth and say hello to Patricia Giesler herself!
Sources: Cyber Innovation Center
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