To the Men and Women of Minot AFB –

It was the privilege of a lifetime to serve as the 5th Bomb Wing Commander the last two years. As Joyce and I prepare for the movers, I’ve been reflecting on what I will be taking with me and what I will be leaving behind.

I always strive to leave a place a little better than I found it. I’ll let you, the readers, judge how well I’ve accomplished this task.

Regardless, I’m confident that on balance I’ve acquired much more than I left on the table (true to form for a military move).

Here’s my accounting of the things I will be taking with me as I go. To be clear, these are all gifts you have given to my family and I.

1. Extreme pride in impactful mission outcomes – The Warbird Airmen of the 5th Bomb Wing literally spanned the globe in the last two years, assuring allies and deterring adversaries in nearly every geographic combatant command. At home we maintained a rock-solid foundation of nuclear deterrence. All of you make profound contributions to national security daily.
2. Relationships that will last a lifetime – This place is known for having a unique culture. It’s a culture built around genuine friendships, a supportive network at the office, and a sincere desire to go the extra mile to help one another. This culture was here during my first assignment to Minot AFB, and it still exists as I depart.
3. A great big hug from a community that cares – I’ve watched the citizens of Minot wrap their arms around the Airmen and families on base in a myriad of ways. This community is like no other in the Air Force, and I am departing with a deep sense of gratitude for their commitment to serving us as we serve the nation. In this group too, I’ve made friendships that will endure well past my tenure.
4. Resilience beyond measure – This place does not cut us any breaks; it’s not for the faint of heart. We shared demanding work in a challenging environment. All of us, regardless of rank or position are tested. I refined my toughness toolkit, mostly by watching all of you and taking notes. Only the best come north . . . and they’re better when they leave.
5. Warm memories that defy the climate – As with most military assignments the bumps in the road fade with time, and snapshots of the best parts are what remain. My kids made big strides in school, and Joyce enjoyed her time teaching at North Plains Elementary and helping out around base. We took cool trips, enjoyed great food, and spent time amongst amazing people. We built a treasure trove of fond memories.
   As I approach the point of putting Minot AFB in the rear-view mirror, my heart is full and I will no doubt shed a single tear (or a few) as I go.
   Thank You!
   Col Dan Hoadley

See next week’s Northern Sentry for our last interview with outgoing 5th Bomb Wing Commander, Daniel Hoadley.