AHF Showcases Living History at Barksdale Airshow
Airman Heritage Foundation Brings Living History to Barksdale’s Defenders of Liberty Airshow
The Airman Heritage Foundation (AHF) proudly participated in the 2025 Barksdale Air Force Base Defenders of Liberty Airshow on March 29–30, at the invitation of the Shreveport-Bossier City Military Affairs Council (MAC). The MAC specifically requested AHF’s popular Living History Program to help bring the “human element” to the airshow and deepen public appreciation for the legacy of U.S. Air Force enlisted personnel.
The request came after MAC Airshow Executive Director Robert Tibi witnessed the AHF’s impactful presence at the 2024 Sheppard AFB Airshow. “It’s such a fitting tribute to our deserving veterans,” said Tibi, “and a reminder that it was the Airmen who enabled these impressive bombers and fighters from every era on display.”
Led by Outreach Program Manager Dave Shultz, the AHF deployed a three-person support team to outfit a group of 28 volunteer reenactors in authentic AAF, USAF, and WAF uniforms, representing a wide span of Air Force history. The uniforms were carefully assembled with attention to historical accuracy, from collar brass to cap devices—ensuring every detail reflected the honor and tradition of enlisted service. “There are a lot of moving parts,” said Shultz. “Sometimes the uniform sizes we’re given are off, so we adapt—tracking down pieces, making spot alterations, and completing each look with full insignia and accessories.”
Throughout the weekend, thousands of airshow attendees, including veterans, families, and local leaders, stopped to engage with AHF volunteers. The presence of the AHF added a powerful layer of personal connection to the aircraft displays—bringing history to life and underscoring the vital role of the people behind the planes. Events like the Defenders of Liberty Airshow allow the AHF to fulfill its mission: honoring enlisted Airmen and Guardians, preserving U.S. Air Force history, and educating the public about the legacy of service that continues to inspire future generations.
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- The Sunday Heritage Players line up for final inspection prior to hitting the flightline.
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- The MSG Commander and adjutant interact with some of the live models.
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- AHF Outreach Program manager Dave Shultz and AHF member Sherry Chadwick counting heads.
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- Heritage players from Saturday (14 different personnel each day) posing in front of WWII era C-47.
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- A1C Blevins dons early WAF summer service uniform worn from later 40’s-early 50’s.
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- TSgt. Smith portraying MoH recipient SSgt. William Pitsenbarger alongside A1C Hite attired in the famous “Jungle Jim” outfit.
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- SrA Santamaria poses wearing a WWII winter service uniform with an 8th Air Force patch, matching the tip of the B-52 tail behind him. Barksdale AFB is the home of the 8th Air Force, that was headquartered in England during WWII and ran a successful daylight precision-bombing campaign over Nazi-occupied Europe.
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- One of the dozens and dozens of photo ops with the airshow attendees.
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- A1C Hite portraying “Jungle Jim” 1950’s summer tans.
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- Heritage players observe B-52 flyover
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- Maj. Lockridge (middle in OCPs), the BAFB Airshow coordinator, posing with the Heritage Players.
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- Heritage Players presenting a WWII Tuskegee Airman impression dressed in “Pinks and greens” and a 1950’s USAF Summer Service khaki uniform.
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- Heritage Players exit the VIP tent after a popular display of period uniforms to the Barksdale AFB leadership.
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- Sunday reenactors posing in front of a B-1 bomber.
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- Female volunteers representing various period Women in the Air Force uniforms.
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- AHF Member and former WAF Sherry Chadwick (2nd from left) representing various period Women in the Air Force (WAF) uniforms.
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- Another reenactor dressed in a WWII Tuskegee Airman uniform wearing a period B-15 jacket.
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- Maj. Lockridge, Airshow Coordinator, thanks the Heritage Players for adding the “Human Element” to the airshow.
