Centenary, Barksdale Team up for Veterans Day Tribute

Centenary College and Barksdale Air Force Base's 2nd Bomb Wing have partnered to salute veterans annually in a ceremony hosted on the college's campus.

Centenary officials say this will build on the college'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 Row.

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

Barksdale's 2nd Bomb Wing Commander, Col. Kristin Goodwin, will deliver the keynote address. Senior Airman Tiffany Campbell of Barksdale will sing the National Anthem during the ceremony, which also features music from members of the Centenary College Choir and 'Taps' played by Centenary student Chris Cates. Students and Army veterans Cherie and Luke Groninger will read the official Presidential Veterans Day Proclamation.

After the ceremony, Centenary will host a fundraising luncheon to benefit the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship program. It provides financial assistance for veterans and their dependents to attend the college.

More about Col. Kristin Goodwin:

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.