So much happens behind the scenes of daily military life. The base mission has dozens of moving pieces that (mostly) intertwine seamlessly to provide Airmen and their families not just a job, but a sense of stability and a place to call home. Minot Air Force Base at its core is a military installation, but it is also home to thousands of Airmen and families. It is a way of life. It is a community.

What makes the MAFB community so unique? Beyond its remote location (set far from any major city and planted squarely in the middle of “nowhere”) he base offers military families a wide range of community events: markets, holiday parties, social gatherings, free meet-ups and more. After nearly two decades as part of a military family, I can confidently say Minot stands out in the way it fosters connection and belonging compared to many other bases around the globe.

Why? Location plays a role, but it’s the people who truly make the difference. A dedicated group of Airmen, spouses and civilians give their time and energy to ensure these programs and events continue. Without them, the base would not be what it is today.

One such dedicated volunteer is military spouse Carrie Driver. Carrie is no stranger to Minot AFB; her family previously completed a tour here. Her passion for volunteering, however, dates back to her husband’s first duty station in Germany. She explained that her journey began after attending Heart Link, and she has not looked back since. At every installation they’ve called home, Carrie has actively sought ways to serve and support others.
At Minot, Carrie has played pivotal roles in numerous base organizations and events. She has served as a Resident Advocate Council member, a GivingTuesdayMilitary Ambassador, a leader for the Military Family Vendor Market, a host for the weekly Moms Coffee & Conversation meetups and a coordinator for the Adopt-a-Dorm program. She also manages several base community Facebook pages and oversees some of the carrier routes for the Northern Sentry.

Carrie has consistently advocated for positive changes across the installation and says she is always willing to step in wherever she sees a need. She encourages fellow military spouses and Airmen to step outside their comfort zones and find ways to give back. “Everyone can be a positive influence,” Carrie said. “You can step up and fill a need.”

Like many who come to Minot and are pleasantly surprised, Carrie and her family have grown to love the area and hope to retire here someday. She is passionate about helping others discover things to do both on base and in the local community, believing strongly that connection is key to thriving in military life. “You don’t need someone to tell you that you can do it, just do it. We can all do our part.”

Volunteer opportunities are plentiful across the base. Squadrons are often looking for Key Support Liaisons. Spouses’ clubs need board members. Programs that mentor children welcome adults who are willing to guide and encourage young people who need positive role models (https://www.companionsforchildren.org/). Sometimes, volunteering is as simple as helping a neighbor shovel a driveway or pulling weeds at a local playground.

There is tremendous value in giving your time. When you look around and respond to the needs you see, your experience at Minot Air Force Base becomes richer, filled with friendships, purpose and a deeper sense of belonging.

A short list of volunteer opportunities can be found at:
https://northernsentry.com/2025/11/26/giving-and-volunteering-are-one-and-the-same/