On Monday, May 5, defenders from the 91st Missile Security Forces Squadron (91 MSFS) gathered at Oak Park, a local park in Minot, for more than just physical training. They came together for a cause greater than themselves. With roughly 180 defenders in attendance, the squadron participated in a ruck march that doubled as a charitable mission to support some of the most vulnerable members of the Minot community.
Organized by Staff Sergeant Scott Rader of the 91 MSFS Training Section, the event was a collaborative effort between the 91st Missile Security Forces Squadron, the 91st Security Forces Group True North Team, and Souris Valley United Way. Together, participants collected and delivered approximately 1,200 pounds of non-perishable food, clothing, and essential supplies to help meet the growing needs of local families, underprivileged children, and the homeless population in Minot.
The event served not only as an opportunity to engage in community service but also to strengthen camaraderie and morale among Defenders. According to SSgt Rader, “My wife and I had been trying to find a place where we could donate some of our gently used clothes. We didn’t want to just sell them or throw them away. We were asking around about local organizations that truly help the homeless and underprivileged, and that’s when we came across Souris Valley United Way. It just made sense to turn this into something larger to get the whole squadron involved.”
The idea of combining the act of giving with a ruck march, a physically demanding trek in which participants carry heavy backpacks or gear, was both symbolic and practical. The Defenders used the march to transport the donated items, carrying their support for the community on their backs. The ruck took place throughout Oak Park, where participants moved in unity, showcasing the strength and compassion of the Air Force and its partnership with local organizations.
The 91 SFG True North Team also played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of the event, providing spiritual support and encouragement to the troops and reinforcing the importance of service beyond the base gates. Their involvement helped highlight the deeper purpose behind the event: connecting with and uplifting those in need.
Souris Valley United Way, a long-standing pillar of community support in Minot, ensured that every donation went directly to those who need it most. The donated goods will help stock food pantries, provide warm clothing for the unhoused, and offer basic hygiene and household items to families facing economic hardship.
“This event created a real sense of togetherness,” said SSgt Rader. “Not only did it bring our squadron closer, but it also strengthened the bond between the Air Force and the Minot community”
For Minot’s underprivileged children, homeless individuals, and struggling families, the event provided vital resources and a renewed sense of hope. For the Airmen of the 91 MSFS, it offered a unique opportunity to serve, not only through defense, but through compassion and connection. Acts of service like this serve as a powerful reminder that lasting change often begins with small acts of kindness and when a community unites, even the heaviest burdens can be shared and lightened.
