The town hall meetings are the perfect place to find out about a lot of the upcoming changes coming to Minot AFB. Here’s what was discussed at the recent Town Hall meeting on May 16 by Col. Hoadley, Col. McGhee, and Minot’s own Mayor Tom Ross.

There were many concerns brought up both virtually and in person. Questions like will the commissary expand, do Minot’s local businesses have plans to extend their hours, will we get a Chick-fil-A, and more was asked. There were also some more sensitive concerns brought up about what more could be done to help combat alcohol misuse and mental health issues facing airmen, as well as a concern about an incident someone witnessed firsthand. Every issue brought up was addressed and taken seriously. Those with issues that needed greater attention were also asked to stay after the meeting to discuss the problems more thoroughly. Mayor Tom Ross stated, he needs the issues brought up to him so that they can be addressed immediately. That is why these town meetings are so important, if base leadership and the Mayor are not informed of any concerns or problems they cannot work to resolve the matter.

Col. Hoadley, Col. McGhee, and Mayor Tom Ross were excited to share the progress and news of what’s been going on and what changes were happening at Minot AFB.

Hoadley announced that while the Commissary is looking at possibly providing a door dash type delivery to bring sandwiches to the flight line, there are no current plans to expand the commissary or exchange facilities.

Some improvements coming to MAFB facilities includes the new track that is projected to be finished by the end of June. It will also be gaining a bubble covering that will keep it open for use during all four seasons with air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter. The Turf will also be getting some additional workout equipment.

Unfortunately, the work force shortage has affected many local businesses and therefore they cannot extend their hours. Mayor Tom Ross stated that while the Chamber and State are working together to try to find a solution, the shorter hours are the “new normal” for now.

There are no immediate plans for a Chick-fil-A here in Minot. For now it looks like we can visit Bismarck or Fargo for our Chick-fil-A needs, but we can always hope that one day Chick-fil-A does come to Minot.

The issue of suicide prevention and alcohol misuse is being taken extremely seriously. Mayor Tom Ross mentioned that community partners are working on organizing a one-day symposium, at MSU on September 30, which will provide educational training to professionals. It will focus on working with Veterans, Active Duty, and First Responders.

The base had a team of specialists from AFPC, Air University, and headquarters Air Force come and make recommendations on what could be done differently. Some of the recommendations included restructuring data on risk factors, creating action plans, restructuring the sponsor program, and issues with manning in mental health and the chapel, and the cold weather incentive.

Col. Hoadley and Mayor Tom Ross mentioned the success of Home for the Holidays. Last year 115 airline tickets were purchased to send Airmen home for the holidays.

There was also talk of Northern Neighbors Day being planned for next year, which will hopefully involve rebuilding the air show.

At the end of the meeting the audience was told they could stay back and ask any other questions they preferred to ask one on one. Every voice matters, every concern is taken into careful consideration. One example of how your concerns are truly heard is that a woman in the audience shared her gratitude to Col. Hoadley and Col. McGhee for fixing a need she expressed at a previous Town Hall meeting. She stated that her family, as well as other families on base, would benefit from a fenced in park for smaller children to play. She thanked them for how quickly they addressed that need and installed that fenced in playground. So don’t miss out on the next Town Hall meeting, whether in person or virtually your concerns could be shared by many and bringing attention to them could help leadership make this base a better place for everyone.