I have been keeping track of the number of times I enter the Main Gate at Minot Air Force Base and receive a cheerful, warm, welcome. There really wasn’t a reason, other than one very cold day when the wind chill was double digits below zero there was a young lady who was obviously chilled by the extreme conditions, but managed a very warm “Welcome To Minot Air Force Base, Sir. Hope you have a great day and enjoy our North Dakota weather.”
I am not an everyday visitor to Minot Air Force Base, but I soon reached over 25 successful greetings and that is when I became serious about keeping track. So, to the folks from Security Forces who man the gates during even the most extreme weather conditions: Congratulations! We are at 100 cheerful, warm welcomes and counting.
Some of The Events On My Radar
There are a couple of up and coming events that are worth putting on your calendar, the first being iMagicon. LeAnn Mellum has been my contact at iMagicon for over 6 years. She started marketing the event in the Northern Sentry when it was at the Minot Municipal Auditorium, and since iMagicon has move to the North Dakota State Fairgrounds. The dates are April 24-26th. There are a lot more details on the iMagicon Facebook page, or on imagiconnd.com.
Moms & Mimosas
How about letting Mom have a great time touring downtown Minot during the Moms and Mimosas event in downtown Minot. May 9th from 10 AM to 2 PM you can enjoy downtown. From the Downtown Minot website “Join us for the annual Moms, Mimosas, and Mocktails on Saturday, May 9th from 10am until 2pm. Bring your momma, your bestie, or the whole crew for a fun filled day in beautiful Downtown Minot. Cost is $10 and must be 21+ to attend. “
https://downtownminot.com/moms-mimosas-and-mocktails-2026
Straight Up & Toasted
June 19th we’ll host another Straight Up & Toasted event at The Spot in Downtown Minot.
There’s great bourbon from the Neely Family Distillery in Sparta Kentucky, entertainment, great food and cigars for those who enjoy a leisurely smoke under the stars. Once again we are happy to have Rebekah Neeley return to her hometown as our host.
https://downtownminot.com/straight-up-and-toasted-2026
Proud To Be A Member
When I first joined the Air and Space Forces Association I knew very little about the AFA. As my Dad would say “once the water goes under the bridge, you know a lot more.” That is so true. After a year of being a member of the AFA I am proud to say that I have learned so much. I was able to attend the AFA convention in September last year, and following the AFA convention was the 3-day AFA conference filled with seminars and an exhibit hall of displays with the latest technology. It was like a look into the future as I walked around experiencing displays by industry giants like Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
But the challenge is how to bring all of that back to Minot and Minot Air Force Base. Our AFA membership has taken on the task of building our Community Partners roster. We have told our story to a number of businesses and professional organizations, and many have joined. The money we receive from the Community Partner program helps us to sponsor events like the Commander’s Choice Awards and provide resources for organizations like the Civil Air Patrol.
We were also able to bring Air & Space Forces CEO Lt. Gen. (ret) Burt Field to Minot to be our keynote speak at our Commander’s Choice Awards Banquet.
The sole purpose of the Air and Space Forces Association is to Advocate for, Educate about and Support the mission of the U.S. Air Force. It is so very vital to help get the word out about the importance of the missions of Minot Air Force Base, and every other Air Force Base around the world. I think we are able to see the importance, today more than ever, of a strong Air Force. One that provides deterrence to our adversaries and is able to assure our allies that we are ready to provide whatever it takes to defend our freedom.
Best Kept Secrets of North Dakota
During my younger days I always tried to make a trip to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit near Watford City. From the many buffalo that wander freely about the park. You may also get lucky and see a Big Horn Sheep. It can be a daycation, or a weekend camping trip, but the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is worth a visit.
Today’s Chuckle
If ignorance is bliss, Congress must be the happiest place on earth.
