Two parents were walking cautiously down a Central Campus hallway. It was Parent/Teachers conferences, and we were looking for our son’s history classroom. The good news is that we were not the only parents struggling to locate the right classroom, the bad news is that we were supposed to find this classroom and do a conference in the span of 15 minutes, and we were behind the 8-ball as they would say.
Suddenly, a gentleman in one of the doorways said politely “are you lost? What classroom are you looking for?” U.S. History we answered. Mr. Srejma smiled and asked, “who is your student?” David Wilson we answered. Mr. Srejma smiled and said, “well please, come on in and sit down, and let me tell you good things about your son!” What a relief.
So, what does a Central Campus Parent/Teacher conference have to do with the Minot Air Force Base? Well actually, quite a lot.
General Thomas Bussiere was a VIP visitor to Minot Air Force Base last week. General Bussiere is the Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, and the purpose of his visit was to congratulate and thank the Airmen of the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing on their stellar performance at a recent Nuclear Surety Inspection. For those who don’t know, a nuclear surety inspection is a rigorous, independent assessment conducted to ensure the safety, security, and control of the US nuclear stockpile, covering personnel, procedures, and materiel. According to Gen Bussiere, in reference to the NSI, the 91st MW and 5th BW “hit it out of the park!”
There have been several occasions when Gen Bussiere has mentioned Minot AFB in speeches or general conversation. He normally explains the importance of Minot AFB because of its dual nuclear mission but will also make people aware of the great relationship Minot AFB has with the community of Minot. He didn’t exactly say “sit down and let me tell you good things about your base and your community”, but that is how the interview went, pretty much focused on what the base and the community mean to each other. Coming from a 4-Star General, it certainly was impactful to hear once again that what happens between Minot and Minot AFB does not happen everywhere.
It is also quite an honor as a journalist to be given time to interview someone like Gen. Bussiere. His time on the ground when he visits a base like Minot AFB is measured in minutes. “I want to reach out and talk to as many Airmen as I can” he told me, and when Gen Bussiere takes the time to let folks know that they did well, he is saying “let me tell you good things about what you did.”
This N That
Boxing Show
Randi Griffin, MAFB Security Forces, will take to the ring this Saturday, April 5th at Calavera Martial Arts and Boxing Club. For more information about the show, go to the Calavera Boxing Facebook page.
Downtown Bunny Trail
Join your Downtown Minot Merchants for the annual Bunny Trail in Downtown Minot on Thursday, April 17th from 10am until 12pm. Bring your Easter baskets to collect goodies from participating businesses. Maps will be available at several locations. Open for preschoolers and under. Free to the public. Sponsored by the Downtown Business & Professional Association.
Oliver!
Western Plains Opera is proud to present Lionel Bart’s “Oliver!” a musical adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens novel, on April 11 and 12. Adult tickets are $35, $30, or $25, with children ages 17 and under priced at $10 each. Minot State students are admitted free with a valid MSU ID, and a military discount is available with an active ID when purchased at the door. Tickets are available at the door or online at Wester Plains Opera’s website.
Best Kept Secrets
I am going to go with Atypical Brewery. I am far from a craft beer expert. But every time I have had the opportunity to have one of Atypical’s beers, I have enjoyed it immensely. They are located in Downtown Minot, so once again, check out their Facebook page for information and hours.
AND- while you are Downtown, you might want to stop in and enjoy the small town atmosphere if The Blue Rider. Like they say, you’re a stranger only once at the Blue Rider.
Today’s Chuckle(s)
Punctuality for appointments is the best way to get some alone time.
If you can sleep like a baby at night, you obviously don’t have one…
