Col Baum and his wife Jessie are not only leaving Minot this summer, but also the Air Force. Aspirations for Jessie to be a “domestic diva” and Col Baum “not [being] ready to quit working completely” are just a few of the driving statements that the Baums wise-cracked about when discussing their retirement plans. The couple was jovial and easygoing during the interview which allowed for a good-humored experience. It was evident to note their love for Minot AFB while simultaneously giddy for the future.

After 26 years (and 8 days) in the Air Force and moving every few years, Jessie joked that they could finally throw away all their electronic equipment boxes. Col Baum side-smiled and smirked when he said he wasn’t actually sure he would be able to let them go after all this time. Time will tell if the boxes forever live in their garages.

All joking aside, the empty-nester couple plans to settle in Utah where Col Baum plans to keep his ties to the Air Force community by working as a contractor with ICBMs near Hill AFB. Jessie plans to continue her decades-long passion for volunteering at the base Thrift Shop. They also really look forward to spending time with their parents and being able to help them out. Jessie said, “26 years is a long time not to be around. We want to pay back the support they have given us.”

Jessie and Col Baum have two grown sons. Devon, who works as a traveling electrician, and Cooper, a chemical engineer, have been proud supporters of their parents’ service. Cooper recently married his wife Isabelle and made the Baums grandparents. The Baums have a lot of life to look forward to.

Although it is evident that the couple is very much looking forward to retirement status, they shared some heartfelt memories of their last few years in Minot. Jessie mentioned that her friends here have been the best and that they “kept me from going stir crazy.” She said, “The spouses always stuck up for each other. I will miss being a military spouse.” Jessie specifically mentioned her deep friendship with the other 91 MW Group Command Spouses. She explained how they were always around, and they shared some truly genuine experiences. She explained that they called themselves the “91st Groupies” and the “McSchlaBaums” in reference to the McCarty’s, Schlabach’s and themselves.

Col Baum also had some extraordinary things to say about Minot: “Minot is the best! Everyone should come here!” He also made it very known that Minot AFB is by far the most top-notch base out of the missile bases. He recollected his preconceptions about Minot as a young lieutenant when he judged the base by what other people said. Over his career he shared that one of the most important things he has learned is how to be humble and admit that he was wrong about that perception and a few others.

Col Baum also had a perceptive take on the Minot AFB commonly used catch phrase, “Only the Best Come North”. He said he thinks it should be that “The North Produces Only the Best.” He described the way this base shapes Airmen and their families into the best, saying, “If people can survive the adversity and climate, it develops resiliency in terms of relationships that people build through shared experience. Minot creates a brotherhood and sisterhood that can forge any fire.”

On June 14th, at 10am, Col Baum will officially end his military service surrounded by Payload Transporters, maintenance vehicles, and all his friends, family and fellow Airmen in the Bully Dome. The ceremony is extra unique because Col Baum’s father, COL Kerry Baum, US Army, Retired, will officiate. COL (Ret) Baum has had the honor of commissioning and promoting his son at every single one of his promotions throughout the years. Col Baum currently wears his dad’s eagle rank on his uniform and he plans to give it back to his dad as a way to thank him for everything.

As a nod to the lightheartedness of both Jessie and Col Baum, his ceremony will contain a few surprises and a special guest MC and dear friend of the Baums, Col Holmes. Additionally, the couple’s brother-in-law, Ted Totorica, will welcome the crowd by singing the National Anthem.

Thank-you to Col and Jessie Baum for all the years dedicated to our country. We wish you the best in your retirement life! Minot will miss you.