Minot often gets a bad reputation in the Air Force community, but those who have actually been here will tell you that it’s the people who make it truly amazing. MAFB may be secluded, but when you move past the cold temperatures and the dismal night life, you’ll see that with good friends this place can be great! Between the openhearted coworkers, amazing supervision in the workplace, and friendly faces you see when walking around base, MAFB could not have been a more perfect first assignment for me.
Within my first week on Minot AFB, I had been invited to go bowling with all the other Airmen in my office. It gave me the opportunity to meet a whole slew of amazing people. Everyone was so welcoming and seemed to really want to include me, the new Airmen. This was a recurring behavior, as new people arrived, everyone got invited out. Whether it’s winter and everyone was going to the hockey area or in the summer time when people were invited to hang out with friends at the state fair, the MAFB population greeted everyone with open arms. This happened to other people on base too, not just me. One MAFB spouse, Chole Young said, “When I moved here and started classes on MAFB I felt so welcomed. Everyone helped me learn the ropes quickly and made it easier to acclimate to my new environment.”
The amazing supervision all around the base population another perk of the base population. I have never been around a group of supervisors so dedicated to their Airmen. In my situation, I can reach out to any of the supervisors in my office and know that I am being heard and cared for. My supervisors have become my work family that I can go to if any problems arise. TSgt Tessie Odhiambo, Section Chief of Customer Support in the 5 FSS, encourages all her Airmen to achieve their personal goals. It was her support, along with the encouragement of SrA Lucia Lemon, former Passport Technician in the 5 FSS, that helped me become an intern for the Northern Sentry.
Of course, I cannot speak for all the Airmen on MAFB, but my experience has proven that MAFB is one of the best bases in the US. Others also agree with me and the sentiment provided by SrA Ethan Darwin about his chain of command at 705 MUNS is heartwarming and positive too. SrA Darwin said, “My leadership has consistently been in my corner since my arrival to 705 MUNS. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without their continued support and guidance!”
What stands out to me about Minot AFB is not just the location or the work environment, but the genuine sense of community that permeates everything here. People make the difference in creating a positive and supportive atmosphere, and it’s clear to me that most everyone at MAFB is dedicated to helping each other succeed. The base is full of opportunities to socialize and connect with others such as Fun Fridays and Progressive Bingo at Rocker’s Bar and Grill, making it feel like a close-knit family. The base organizes events, groups, and activities where you’re always welcomed with open arms. From the “Burger Fest” in the summer to karaoke nights during the cold winter months, there is always something happening, making it easier to make friends and bond with those around you.
Living on Minot AFB has taught me that it’s not just the location, but the people who truly shape the experience. It’s easy to feel like you’re just a number in the military environment, but Minot is anything but that. Here, people are seen, valued, and supported, and I’m grateful to be part of such an amazing community. Whether it’s the Airmen, spouses, or leadership, everyone plays a part in creating an environment that makes Minot feel like home.
