If you have been reading my column, you are familiar with my running total of “good first impression” greetings at the Minot AFB gates. We are at 68 Airmen in a row that have greeted us warmly and smiled and told us to “have a good day” or something similar.
On Thursday we were so very fortunate to have a young female Airman greet us outside the normal guard area. For folks going on to the base, the traffic flow was pretty much normal. But for those leaving base, there had been an incident that caused the outgoing line of cars to be stopped. The line had gotten quite lengthy and was sure to keep growing.
When we asked about the line of cars our Security Forces Airman informed us there was an alert and no one could leave the base. To her first statement she added “it’s kind of one of those necessary things you know. We hope folks understand, and I hope things will be back to normal when it’s time for you guys to leave.” Again, hard to make a good first impression the second time. And by the way, this young Airman had an infectious smile. Easy to tell her, as we did, “thanks for all you do…”
Did You Use The 83 Drive?
During the last snowstorm the 83 Drive section of our web site got a lot of hits. Cameras 4 & 5 define quite well what Highway 83 looks like between Minot and the Minot Air Force Base. The 83 Drive idea was that of our Publisher, Ted Bolton. Ted was stationed at Minot Air Force Base, albeit a few years ago, but still remembers how challenging that 12 mile drive from Minot to the Minot Air Force Base could be. We also have a direct link to the ND DOT road report so folks have the latest information.
It’s not only a great resource for those travelling to Minot AFB, but the 83 Drive also has a collection of all of the area ND DOT cameras. So, if you are travelling anywhere during one of those weather events, take a few minutes and check out the 83 Drive. And thanks to our sponsor, Jerome’s Collision Center.
Commander’s Choice Awards Banquet
The Air & Space Forces (AFA) annual Commander’s Choice Awards banquet is on April 9th at the Jimmy Doolittle Center on base. The Commander’s Choice Awards were set up to allow each win and squadron on Minot Air Force Base to nominate one person to be recognized for their extra effort or vision in the job they perform. There are a total of 45 recipients this year. The Commander’s Choice Awards banquet is open to everyone, and tickets are now available on the local chapter website: jones.afa.org. The David C. Jones Chapter 135 is proud to organize and sponsor the Commander’s Choice Awards and banquet.
Only From A Kid
We were visiting a Minot Air Force Base family, the home of Michael and Stacy Haynes. Stacy Haynes had submitted a photo for our annual Wintery Photo Contest, and she was the photographer that was randomly picked to win a family day at Bottineau Winter Park. There are 5 little girls in the Haynes family, the youngest a baby girl who was only 3 weeks old.
Ted Bolton and I were charged with getting a photo of the Haynes family. After the photo was done, one of the girls came over to me and wanted to see the photo. I was struggling to get the photo to show on Ted’s phone when the young girl, probably around 4 years old pushed 2 places on the phone and you guessed it, the photo appeared.
I suppose I could be embarrassed that a 4 year old could was able to do what I could not. Instead, I had to chuckle as I walked back to the car thinking about the potential the little girl has as she grows up in the world of smart phone and AI.
I’m Letting You Know In Advance
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opens on July 4th, the 250th Birthday of the United States. The library will be a popular destination in the summer and fall of 2026. Make plans to visit Medora and Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library. It will certainly be worth your time and effort. For more information go to www.trlibrary.com.
Today’s Chuckle
When you’re young you want to set the world on fire. Then you get older and you just want to live close to the fire department.
