Keesler cements history in the Biloxi community

Photo By Senior Airman Seth Haddix | Keesler Air Force Base leadership and Biloxi civic leaders cut a ribbon to the new Keesler AFB display inside the Biloxi Visitor's Center in Biloxi, Mississippi, Jan. 6, 2020. A ceremony was held to unveil the new display, which was created to show the history of Keesler and its role within the city of Biloxi. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Seth Haddix)  

BILOXI, MS, UNITED STATES

02.07.2020

Story by Airman 1st Class Seth Haddix 

81st Training Wing

A ceremony was held to unveil a new Keesler Air Force Base display at the Biloxi Visitors Center in Biloxi, Mississippi, Feb. 6.

The display shows the history of Keesler and its part in the history of Biloxi. Bill Raymond, city of Biloxi historical administrator, explains the important relationship Keesler and Biloxi share.

“Keesler is the heart of Biloxi,” said Raymond. “Almost every citizen of Biloxi has a tie to the base. I can’t imagine what our city would be like without it. It’s an economic driver and the relationship between them allows them to build off of each other.”

Raymond believes cementing Keesler AFB into the history of Biloxi is important due to the close relationship and history the base has with the community.
“Keesler has been an important part of Biloxi’s history,” said Raymond. “Without telling the story of Keesler, you are leaving out a big portion of the city’s story.”

One of the 81st Training Wing’s top priorities is continuously improving the community partnership between the base and the city of Biloxi and Brian Thompson, 81st Training Wing director of staff, believes Keesler will continue to play a big piece in the city of Biloxi.

“It is important to strengthen our mission and support each other,” said Thompson. “We need to continue to connect the base with the community and build our relationship.”

• Date Taken: 02.07.2020
• Date Posted: 02.11.2020 14:31
• Story ID: 362590
• Location: BILOXI, MS, US