Reflecting on the future

John Andrew Prime, who is the military editor for the Shreveport Times, discusses the future of Barksdale’s Reserve Airmen assigned to the 917th Fighter Group, with Senior Master Sgt. Mike Thornton at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Feb. 13, 2013. Thornton is a production superintendent for the 917th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. The 917 FG is scheduled to be inactivated in 2013, with many of its people transferring to other military bases and locations across the country. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston)

Reflecting on the future

U.S. Air Force Col. John Breazeale, who is the commander of the 917th Fighter Group, interviews with Shreveport Times Military Editor John Andrew Prime, at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Feb. 13, 2013. The two men discussed the future of Reserve Airmen assigned to the 917 FG and 47th Fighter Squadron, which are both scheduled to be inactivated in 2013. Prime, who has a personal interest in the historical aspect of the 47 FS, feels a sense of personal loss about the closure. His father was assigned to the 47 FS on Dec. 7, 1941, when Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japanese forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston)

The 917th celebrates 50 years at Barksdale

Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. James Graves speaks during the 917th 50th Anniversary Reunion dinner, Feb. 9, 2013, Shreveport, La. Graves is a former vice-commander of the 917th Wing and commander of the 47th Fighter Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele/Released)

The 917th celebrates 50 years at Barksdale

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Bradley speaks during the 917th 50th Anniversary Reunion dinner, Feb. 9, 2013, Shreveport, La. Bradley is the former Air Force Reserve Command commander and flew the A-37 Dragonfly and A-10 Thunderbolt II while assigned to the 917th Tactical Fighter Group at Barksdale. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele/Released)

The 917th celebrates 50 years at Barksdale

A 917th 50th Anniversary Reunion dinner is held on Feb. 9, 2013, Shreveport, La. The 917th has been at Barksdale for 50 years, beginning with the activation of the 917th Troop Carrier Group in 1963, and ending with the 917th Fighter Group, which is scheduled to be inactivated in 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele/Released)

The 917th celebrates 50 years at Barksdale

A 917th 50th Anniversary Reunion dinner is held on Feb. 9, 2013, Shreveport, La. The 917th has been at Barksdale for 50 years, beginning with the activation of the 917th Troop Carrier Group in 1963, and ending with the 917th Fighter Group, which is scheduled to be inactivated in 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele/Released)