Barksdale AFB & 8th Air Force Museum

Friday two weeks ago my BIL Mike took us to Bossier City, La home of the 8th Air Force Museum and B52 Bomber. Upon arrival we cleared security at the main gate and proceeded to the museum. The ladies went shopping.

We drove by the Historical Housing District and saw many beautiful homes used by the families. Houses on the main base were originally built in 1932 and 1959, and the style has been preserved in any new housing being built. The large, two-story units on the main base depict French colonial settings. These homes were placed on the National Registry of National Registry of Historic Places in April 1992, along with more than 200 buildings on the main base that now comprise the Barksdale Historic District.

The museum was founded more than 30 years ago and is the caretaker of rare airplanes that include B-24, B-17, B-29, B-52, FB-111, British Vulcan bombers, and SR71 Blackbird to mention a few. Overall I believe there are more than 28 total static aircraft on display.

Also on exhibit in the museum is an exclusive September 11, 2001 exhibit. The actual podium and furniture are displayed when U.S. President George W. Bush made the first speech during the terrorist attack on the twin towers.

As we were leaving we saw this bad boy taking off.

Our tour took about an hour and half and was worth every minute. We returned to the mall to join up with the ladies. To our surprise with the exception of several packages they were pretty empty handed. They both wanted us to go with them to Best Buy so they could show us a wireless keypad they both wanted for their IPads. We approved (not that they needed our approval anyway) and they each came home with one. On our way home Mike treated us to dinner at the Longhorn Steak House. Thanks Mike and Pam for a wonderful day.

Until next time. . . .MtnAire Travlers.