Sometimes it happens…You spend time editing your column to make sure that everything is spelled correctly, all the I’s are dotted and t’s crossed, there are no extra words…well in general you are supposed to proof what you write at least 3 times. My journalism teacher back at the University of North Dakota wanted our articles 100% mistake free “No matter how many times you have to proof them!” I have often remembered her marking up our articles. It really hurt to see her cross through words and phrases.

And correcting an article is only a small part of what needs to be accomplished. I need to follow through and get the corrected document to the production side, which will end up being the FINAL proof, the one you read in the newspaper on Friday.

I almost felt like a young freshman in Journalism class when I read the final copy of our January 30th edition. There in front of me were countless mistakes that had been corrected, but never were part of the final article that many of you may have read. For this mistake I apologize. I looked back in my files and there it was…the final proof of my article just waiting to be sent.

Darn! I just hate it when things like that happen. It’s kind of life I guess. We can only strive to do better next time.

Anywhere In The World
I had the opportunity to watch part of a nuclear deterrence symposium where Senator Kevin Cramer spoke about the importance of Minot and Minot Air Force Base. Senators Cramer and Hoeven are important voices for Minot Air Force Base, as both are on important committees that are key to continued funding for projects like Sentinel and the B 52 J modernization. You can call it “rhetoric” because what they say is such a common theme, but important rhetoric as we must keep the message about Minot AFB front and center.

I guess from my perspective the entire world is downrange from Minot Air Force Base. Of course, the Minuteman III missiles can and will strike any target, anywhere if needed. But add to that the ability to use our B 52’s to deploy when and where they are needed. There is no geographic limitation to the deployments of the B 52’s, and Col John Burrell, soon to be the commander of the 5th Bomb Wing, outlined the activity of the 5th Bomb Wing at a recent Air and Space Force Association meeting. Col Burrell pointed out that there were no limitations when it comes to the B 52’s at Minot Air Force Base. “They will go where they are needed, when they are needed, and with the purpose of sending a message to our adversaries that we are ready” according to Burrell.

The missions? They are pretty well defined, albeit expanding every day as the world becomes a bit more dangerous. The task at hand needs to be well defined, and the message from people like Senator Cramer is so important as Minot Air Force Base prepares for the future.

A Great Opportunity- Tour The Peace Garden
On Feb. 8, entry to the Garden is free for all active military and their families. We appreciate the dedication of our servicemen and servicewomen. Our deep winter may be new for families stationed at Minot, Grand Forks, Shiloh, Winnipeg and Portage La Prairie. There’s a great beauty in the Turtle Mountain cold, so come one out and let us show the possibilities when embracing winter.

Today’s Chuckle
It’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all; assuming, of course, you’re the one who ended up with the house and the dog.