I had a journalism teacher in college who tasked us with writing an article about Thanksgiving. “As journalism students, I expect more from you than just something cliché like we have so much to be thankful for, blah…blah…blah.”
The task at hand seemed fairly simple and somewhat well defined. However, it was not as easy as one would think. Cliché phrases like “I have a lot to be thankful for” or “I have so much, while others may not” would simply not work. After a considerable amount of thinking my thoughts would land on “Thanksgiving, It’s more than one day.”

So, let’s take that thought and make it the focus of a lifestyle article in a newspaper dedicated to an Air Force base, and its mission, in Minot, North Dakota. We’ll start with the deployment of B 52’s to the Middle East. Thankful that we are able to answer the call when our adversaries test us. Thankful for the men and women who deployed with the Bomber Task Force and thankful that these men and women have chosen to serve their country. We don’t know how long the deployment will be, but we will certainly be thankful when this deployment ends and they all return safe and sound to Minot Air Force Base, and of course their family and friends.

As we look to the tensions in the world we should also be thankful for the men and women of the 91st Missile Wing who are tasked with providing the deterrence that keeps us, and our allies safe from potential adversaries. On Thanksgiving Day these men and women don’t take a down day to celebrate, instead they continue to serve. When I escorted Joe Wiegand (aka Teddy Roosevelt impersonator) on a tour of the base and a Missile Alert Facility I was able to watch as he personally thanked each and every one he met for doing the mission that keeps us all safe. He would ask each of them where they were from. It was amazing how many places he had been and related so well their hometown or home state. Thankful again for all those who serve, but also thankful for people like Joe Wiegand who make it a point to make everyone feel special, because they are.

I am also thankful for the job I have with the Northern Sentry that allows me the chance to meet and get to know the active duty military and their dependents at Minot Air Force Base. I absolutely have the best job in the world and speaking to the purpose of this article, it’s not a one-up opportunity. Something special happens almost every time I am on the Minot Air Force Base or covering a story that talks about the special relationship our communities have with the Minot Air Force Base.
I am also thankful for this country that allows us to have Thanksgiving. I am not blind to the challenges we have as a country, yet I am also not blind to what we are provided with each and every day. Governor Doug Burgum always talks about an attitude of gratitude. I wish I had thought of that phrase especially some 50 years ago when I was tasked by a journalism teacher at the University of North Dakota to think outside the box about Thanksgiving.

Finally, it is not cliché at all to remind ourselves that Thanksgiving is not just one day out of 365 to be thankful for what we have, and thankful for the opportunities we have to give back. So, what happened some 50 years ago when I handed my journalism instructor the story that I worked so hard on? He said “Mr. Wilson, I’m thankful that you turned this paper in. There won’t be a grade on this paper. Have a good Thanksgiving.” He looked at the title of my paper and continued “remember Thanksgiving is more than just one day.”

Best Kept Secrets
Pretty soon the Sertoma will turn on their Lights in the Park. Don’t forget to make it a point to head to Oak Park for this event. Starts the day after Thanksgiving and continues through New Year. Know someone who would enjoy Lights in the Park? Give them a call and take them along.
Today’s Chuckle
They start calling you distinguished when you look almost extinguished.