The room was filled to near capacity as the crowd gathered to help the 42 Air and Space Association Commander’s Choice award winners celebrate. Emceeing the awards for his 21st year was Air Force veteran George Masters. Col. Jesse Lamarand called George Masters to center stage to award him a Minot Air Force Base coin and thank him for his years of service. “Without people like you in the community who give a lot of time and effort to organize this banquet, it just wouldn’t happen” said Lamarand.
Organization of the Commander’s Choice Banquet starts early as “we’re getting together this month to talk about this year’s banquet and discuss things we could have done better, although it certainly went well, and start to talk about next year” says Masters “and that’s a whole year out.”
The evening would start with President of the local Air and Space Force Chapter, Jim Bowman thanking the audience for their attendance and recognizing distinguished guests in the crowd from the Minot Community and Minot Air Force Base.
The Magic City Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol presented the colors and TSgt Christine Cherry followed with the National Anthem.
After the invocation by Bowman, recorded videos from Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer, and Representative Julie Fedorchak were played. Senator John Hoeven is on the U.S. Appropriations Committee which deals with Defense, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. He highlighted some of the future growth that will take place at Minot Air Force Base programs like the new Grey Wolf Helicopter, modernization of the B 52 H models to the advanced B 52 J models and the future construction of the Sentinel Missile System which will replace the Minuteman III. All 3 thanked Commanders Choice Award winners for their dedication and service to the U.S. Air Force, and Minot Air Force Base.
After supper, it was Col. Jesse Lamarand’s turn to take the podium and talk about dedication and service. Col. Lamarand’s speech was well received by the over 180 in attendance. In particular, Col. Lamarand’s reference to George Washington’s challenges during the Revolutionary War certainly drew a parallel to the challenges today’s Airmen face at Minot Air Force Base as they perform the missions of two legs of the nuclear triad, the Minuteman III missiles and the B-52 Bombers.
After Col Lamarand’s speech he would stay center stage and present the Commander’s Choice Award winners with their plaques. In all, 42 different award winners would come forward to accept their award. From the audience would often come squadron cheers as their award winner accepted well-deserved recognition.
With the Minot Air Force Base insignia in the background, each recipient paused for a photo to capture their moment in the spotlight. The 41st Annual AFA Awards banquet would come to an end, but the recognition that each recipient received, and the pride that exemplifies their accomplishment, will live on for a long time. Congratulations to each and every award winner. Take a well-deserved bow.
