AFA Hosts Annual Awards

U.S. Air Force Airmen and their spouses as well as civic leaders and other civilian staff from Minot Air Force Base, attended the Air Force Association (AFA) awards banquet held at The Grand Hotel in Minot on April 27, 2023. The AFA supports Airmen, Guardians and the families of the Air Force and Space Force, including Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, civilians, families, and members of the Civil Air Patrol.

After an opening greeting by Master of Ceremonies George Masters, the program began with greetings from all three of North Dakota’s Congressional delegation, done virtually as the House and Senate of the United States was in session. One special greeting was given by Senator John Hoeven. “I am proud to announce tonight the appointment of Isabelle Von Osterheldt to the U.S. Air Force Academy.” Isabelle was seated in audience and was recognized later in the program.
After supper, guest speaker retired Lt. Gen. Bruce “Orville” Wright, national President and CEO of the Air & Space Forces Association, was welcomed to the podium for the keynote address. In his address, Wright gave a history of the AFA organization, and the need for the AFA to lobby for the Air and Space Force amid the challenges of getting and retaining a viable military.

Then the featured event of the evening, the 39th Annual Commander’s Choice Awards, began. As names of individuals, or groups, were read they took their turn on stage for the presentation of an AFA Commander’s Choice Award Plaque, a photo with Lt. Gen. Wright, and a well-deserved round of applause for their efforts.
The evening ended with a photo opportunity with Lt. Gen. Wright by others in attendance.

Full gallery can be found on Minot AFB PA Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mafbpa/albums/72177720307877093