What does it mean to be a parent, or even a mother? Mother figures, even without being biological parents, often touch our lives in ways that may never be fully known. The same can be said for a young couple right here at Minot AFB. Although there are many foster parents within our community, Senior Airman Jonah Bailey, 91 MSOS, and his wife Rebecca have fostered and cared for 13 children since 2025. Their dedication to providing family support to children, even if only for a short time, truly makes them parents in their own right.

Rebecca and Jonah are only in their mid-twenties. While many people their age are out enjoying life with fewer responsibilities, the couple has chosen instead to dedicate their time to children in need. Originally from the Midwest, they married in 2022. Both had prior experience with the foster and adoption process, as their immediate families participated in fostering and adoption while they were growing up. They were familiar with the system and knew it was something they wanted to do someday. After trying to start their own family and experiencing multiple pregnancy losses, the couple felt it was the right time to begin their fostering journey.

Rebecca explained that although the process to become foster parents can sometimes be extremely slow, for them it moved rather quickly. They completed their home study, online training, and required paperwork efficiently and were offered a placement while still finishing the process. Their first placement, three young brothers, had a major impact on their journey. They quickly grew attached and even took the boys on family trips. When asked how foster parents manage attachment when children may not stay long, she said, “If foster parents are not getting attached, they are probably doing it wrong.”

Even though the couple lives on base, Rebecca said there were no issues getting approved. However, she noted that despite often having multiple children in their care, they are still allotted housing based on their rank, a two-bedroom home, which can be challenging at times. She also shared that many military families stationed on base are foster parents as well. One difficulty, she added, is the frequent travel into Minot for appointments, which often means driving into town multiple times a week.

While each state has its own regulations for fostering, and the Baileys will need to reapply when they PCS, most foster placements last anywhere from one week to four months, or even longer. Rebecca explained that foster parents can set preferences regarding how many children they take in and the ages they are comfortable with. She also noted that many children enter foster care with very few belongings, sometimes only the clothes they are wearing. Foster parents receive a stipend to help cover clothing and basic necessities, as well as a monthly stipend for food and other expenses.

Rebecca said that with each child in their home, they do their best to provide love and stability. “Many foster kids don’t know what a safe and loving bond is,” she said. She added that while the work can be difficult, it is also what makes it so important.

The couple is open to adoption or continuing to foster in the years ahead. Their goal is simply to use their opportunity to show love and stability to children who need it, no matter how long they stay.
This Mother’s Day weekend, we honor caregivers of all kinds who place the needs of children above their own.