Colonel Barnes retired from the United States Air Force on October 1, 2011.
Upon retirement he transitioned to the private community and currently serves as the Executive Officer for Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla in Tampa, Florida. In this capacity he manages the day-to-day operations for a not-for-profit civic organization solely dedicated to enriching the vitality and imagination of Tampa, Florida and the surrounding community. Each year, the Krewe hosts the third largest parade in the United States and the largest children’s parade in the country, attracting over 350,000 spectators annually.