Hailing from the suburbs just North of the Twin Cities, SMSgt Anthony Foerster is no stranger to the Midwest (and its extreme weather.) In fact, this is the second time he and his family have been stationed here at Minot AFB during his twenty-one year career. If “Only the Best Come North”, perhaps the Air Force expects even greater things of those that get to return for a victory lap. And with only 1% of the enlisted force making it to the rank of Chief, SMSgt Foerster’s selection to this elite group of leaders is a mark of not only his technical expertise but the Air Force’s trust in his ability to shape the next generation of young Airmen. With his love of family, strong work ethic, and a dose of humility, SMSgt Foerster is ready to take on this next chapter in his career.
Everyone has their origin story. When asked what inspired him to join the Air Force, SMSgt Foerster shared, “For me, it was one of the few options I had. I wasn’t the best student in high school and the discipline the military offered was much needed. I chose the Air Force simply because that was the recruiter who showed up to my high school lunchroom.” He added, “Prior to joining I didn’t have a good understanding of the military. I had a buddy who was joining the Air Force and so I figured why not?” After basic training, where he absorbed some of that discipline and got his first taste of what exactly he had signed up for, it was off to Minot Air Force Base for his first duty station in 2004.
More than just direction in his life, he found love, family, and adventure. “I met my wife [Jessica] in the first couple months here in Minot. We married in Mexico, barefoot on the beach in 2008. We were joined by my oldest son Mason in 2010. At ten months old Mason flew to Italy with us and spent his first two years living the good life near Lake Garda at the base of the Italian Alps. We were just three for five years before Ben came along. He was a tough kid who had to overcome a heart condition and needed open heart surgery at 9 months old. He persevered and today lives an absolutely normal life.” Multiple overseas moves, major surgery, and the stressors that come with starting over at a new duty station, however, have only made his family more resilient.
Some might be surprised to hear that despite being stationed in both Italy and Germany as well as at Kirtland AFB, SMSgt Foerster’s favorite duty station is Minot. “I’ve loved all my assignments, but Minot is where I met my wife, and we had Mason. We have so many amazing memories here that the other bases just don’t compare. A lot of people think I’m crazy for that, but Minot really has become a special place to us.” When asked what set Minot apart from other locations he gave the answer that many will recognize: community. “There is definitely… a sense of family here. We rely on one another and because of that we make lifelong friendships.”
He is currently serving as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the 705 MUNS/MXW, whose proud cries of “Shockwave” can be heard reverberating around the base. And while he has settled into work and making his squadron the best it can be, his wife and kids have settled into the community and local schools. In Jessica’s case, as a teacher at Dakota Elementary. It was here that SMSgt Foerster decided the time was right to go for Chief. For him, it was an opportunity to prove to his children and maybe even his younger self that hard work and dedication really will produce results.
Reflecting on this moment and what was at stake he said, “This was my second time up for Chief. I was retirement eligible. We decided that this would be it. If I didn’t make Chief we would retire and move on to the next chapter. When I found out I made it, there was a sense of relief at first. In the back of my mind I really wanted to make it because I knew I had more to give.” Upon hearing the news that he had indeed been selected he said, “My initial reaction was shock. It’s crazy to hear that word “Chief.” I’m still surprised, but also excited to wear this stripe and see what I can do with it.”
When asked if he had any advice for someone at the beginning of their Air Force Journey, SMSgt Foerster said, “Don’t give up when you don’t make a stripe. There are very few who have ever made it to Chief by making rank the first time every time. It’s about bouncing back and getting ready for the next year. Don’t take it as rejection. Take it as challenge to do more and get better. Improve yourself and work hard. The stripes will come!” They certainly have.
Congratulations, Chief Select Anthony Foerster!
