It’s been a few years since I was educated about the moniker of Big “A” Airmen. As it was explained to me, capitalizing the “A” in Airmen noted their importance to the success of the Air Force. “Without them, we don’t have an Air Force…the planes don’t fly themselves…the missiles don’t maintain themselves…we would have a large, but very useless arsenal” according to a speaker (whose name escapes me now) at an Air and Space Force Association presentation. It was an important lesson.
Fast forward to last night and the Minot Area Chamber/EDC annual banquet, which looked to be almost a sold out event held at the Regency Event Center in downtown Minot. This annual gathering not only brings the Minot business community together to celebrate the successes of the previous year, but it is also a time to say farewell, to Ryan Ackerman, outgoing Board of Directors Chair, or as he explains, “being put out to pasture”. Carrying his “Bully Stick” to the podium was incoming chair Jarid Lundeen. Lundeen’s speech talked about the future, probably more focused on his upcoming tenure as the 2026-2027 BOD Chair. Jarid Lundeen is now the Honorary Commander of the 91st Missile Wing and explained to the audience that when he gave a rousing shout of “Bully”, the audience was to return the favor with their rousing shouts of “Bully”. Those present accommodated Lundeen quite well.
Which brings me once again to the importance of the relationship between Minot and Minot Air Force Base. It cannot be said enough that what we have, the Community that we have created with Minot, the surrounding Communities and Minot Air Force Base, is special. Yes, we have created a Big “C” Community. As Ryan Ackerman writes in his program notes, “Our partnership with Minot Air Force Base remains central to the fabric of our community (in 2025). Minot was one of just three communities nationwide to be recognized as a Great American Defense Community, reflecting the strong support our region provides to service members, their families and the Mission at Minot Air Force Base.”
That honor might have been enough to drive home the dedication that exists to create this very special Community…but there is so much more. Minot Chamber EDC CEO Brekka Kramer was selected to join the U.S. Air and Space Force Civic Leader program, Operation Homebound sent 100+ Airmen Home for the Holidays paying for their airline tickets with proceeds of over $91,000.00 raised through various fund raisers, with over $31,000 raised in one day with a special promotion sponsored by Qdoba and Jersey Mikes. But it doesn’t stop there. The MACEDC helped champion legislation that expanded opportunities for home based businesses operated by military spouses and other entrepreneurs across North Dakota.
Another accomplishment, which I was able to attend in person this year, was the Nuclear Triad Symposium in Washington, DC. The speakers often pointed out the importance of Minot Air Force Base to our national security.
And finally, although I know there are many more examples, a Military Welcome Center opened at Minot International Airport. The space was created to ensure Airmen, veterans, and their families feel welcomed the moment they arrive in Minot.
The guest keynote speaker for this year’s MACEDC annual meeting was Maj. Gen. Stacy Jo Huser, Commander of the 20th Air Force. Maj. Gen. Huser was stationed in Minot and ended her remarks with a thank you “We thank you for everything you do, it absolutely makes a difference for our Airmen and for our mission.”
Big “C” “Community is truly what we have developed, and as Maj. Gen. Huser also pointed out, we already have what others are working towards. And as Col. Jesse Lamarand has said on several occasions “this is as good as it gets. There is not another community and base that have the relationship that we have.” Big “C” Community. All of us working together to create a great place to live.
One Last Chance
Bottineau Winter Park will be closing this weekend. Sunday is the last day. The snow is still good, and there is still fun to be had. Still time to have one of those one-day family trips.
Today’s Chuckle
The best way to keep your chin up is to keep your mouth closed and quit complaining.
