SHREVEPORT, La. — The Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council (MAC) will host its annual Undergraduate Scholarship Reception to recognize this year’s scholarship recipients and their families on Wednesday, July 30 at 6:00 p.m. The event will be held at The Petroleum Club, 416 Travis Street, 15th floor Main Dining Room, in Downtown Shreveport. Media are invited to attend.

The MAC Scholarship Fund, established in 2013, provides $1,000 scholarships to 20 deserving Airmen each year to support their academic journeys while they “simultaneously work to preserve America’s freedom.” The program is primarily aimed at Active-Duty Air Force members stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, but also includes Air Force Reserve members assigned to the base.

Congratulations to the 2025 scholarship recipients:

SSgt Iankyali Olvera, SrA Sydney Haskell, A1C Cianna Coleman, SSgt Temilola Adams, SSgt Natalie Williams, A1C Kai Davis Jr., SrA Antonio Hernandez, Amn Destiny Smith, SrA Jay’La Lebeau, SSgt Makayla Calwile, A1C Madison Blackburn, A1C Kaylin Gleason, SrA Ziontay Powdrell, TSgt Veronica Vasquez, SrA Sofia Sevillano, MSgt Joseph Griffin, MSgt Catherine Rafanello, SSgt Juan Romero-Velazquez, SrA Jaela Marie Whalen, TSgt Stefan Arredondo, and SrA Harry Johnson III.

This year also marks a new chapter for MAC as it assumes administrative control of the Lt. General (Ret.) Edgar Starr Harris, Jr. Scholarship, originally established in 2010 to benefit students planning to pursue a career in the U.S. military—particularly those interested in the U.S. Air Force or who are dependents of Air Force members currently or formerly serving at Barksdale. The 2025 award is $1,821, funded by a grant from the Community Foundation of Northwest Louisiana.

While MAC now oversees administrative responsibilities, the scholarship continues to honor Lt. General (Ret.) Edgar Starr Harris, Jr., a former commander of the Eighth Air Force, Strategic Air Command, headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base.

Recipients of both scholarships are selected through a comprehensive process that considers academic accomplishments, academic and professional goals, community service, demonstrated leadership potential, and financial need. Awards are paid directly to the recipient upon proof of enrollment in an accredited college or university.

Since the program’s inception, the MAC has awarded up to $218,000 in scholarships to support the educational goals of Barksdale AFB personnel. All scholarships are awarded without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. The number of awards is subject to available funding and qualifying criteria.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Successful completion of high school with a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5
• Submission of a complete scholarship application by the deadline
• Proof of enrollment in a post-secondary program at an accredited community college or university

To learn more about the scholarship program or to make a donation, visit: sbmilitaryaffairs.com/donation. To become a MAC member, contact Rob Tibi at 318-429-2418 or visit https://sbmilitaryaffairs.com.