The David C. Jones-Chapter 135 of the Air and Space Forces Association announced the date of their annual Commander’s Choice Award Banquet at their monthly meeting held on October 21st at Rocker’s. “Our 42nd Annual Commander’s Choice Awards banquet will be held on April 9th, 2026, at the JDC Events Center on Minot AFB” according to George Masters, who is entering his 22nd year as Chairman “we have invited a national officer of the Air & Space Forces Association to be our guest speaker, and will make that announcement when we have received confirmation.”
“The Commanders’ Choice award is awarded by the Commanders to a deserving Airmen, one who might have been missed by the Inspector General or an inspection team” continues Masters “we (the AFA) do not give the awards, only facilitate the annual banquet so these deserving Airmen can be recognized. The receive a plaque and are invited to the banquet where the AFA will serve them a complimentary meal.”
Awards will be given by each wing, group and squadron. “We also recognize outstanding members of Civil Air Patrol, Junior ROTC, Outstand Recruiter and Outstanding Teach” according to Masters.
The banquet will normally start with the presentation of colors by either the Civil Air Patrol or Junior ROTC color guard and greetings normally by video from the North Dakota Congressional Delegation. “Usually, staff members from our congressional team are also at the banquet.”
George Masters started his career in 1969 working on the Hound Dog Missiles, “but when they were grounded by the SALT treaty, I retrained into the Minuteman III program. I retired in 1989 and began working as a missile engineer in 2011.”
George began his AFA tenure, which continues today “when I was invited to an AFA meeting and was elected Vice President. The next year I was elected chapter president, followed that up as North Dakota State President, before serving as regional VP, and finally on the national level as a member of the membership committee.”
George then became active again in the George C Jones Chapter and eventually said yes to chairing the Commander’s Choice Banquet.
Commanders will be notified of the date of the banquet in December so they can begin to identify possible award recipients. “Our guest speaker last year was Col Lamarand, and it was nice to have him be part of the awards presentation team.
Masters emphasized that it takes a lot of organization, and the support of community partners to make the banquet a success. “Businesses who are interested should contact me and I can explain the opportunities for businesses to get involved.” George’s cell phone number is (701) 240-6771 or interested business or individuals can also call Chapter President Jim Bowman at (808) 462-2173.
