Arriving at Minot

“Minot Air Force Base? Well, it’s a lot of hard working people crushing the mission every day,” says Chief Master Sergeant Scott Bradbury.

Bradbury arrived in June and stepped into his new role when Col. Burrell took command of the 5th Bomb Wing in July. His first six months have lived up to his expectation that the assignment would be busy and challenging.

Before arriving, Bradbury researched the wing’s history, tracing its roots to Hawaii before it became the 5th Bomb Wing. He says the wing has been involved in virtually every conflict since World War II. Today’s operations, including Epic Fury, have kept the pace demanding—and made his first six months rewarding.

Developing Airmen and Leaders

As command chief, Bradbury wants to improve professional development opportunities for everyone on the installation. His priorities include giving first sergeants access to development opportunities they might otherwise miss, helping young Airmen become NCOs, and equipping NCOs with effective tools and further opportunities to develop.

He sees that work as especially important because, he says, the installation has the largest population of first-term Airmen.

A Family Settling Into Minot

Joining Bradbury in Minot were his wife of almost 21 years, Lisa, and their son, Stephen. The day before the interview, Stephen, 19, was sworn into the Air Force. The couple also have a daughter, Raegan, who attends the University of North Texas.

Bradbury smiles as he looks ahead to Raegan’s holiday visit: “and we are excited for her to get the North Dakota winter experience when she comes home for the holidays.” Stephen’s basic training departure date is not yet certain, so he may experience part of a Minot winter before leaving.

Before the move, Bradbury noticed a contrast in the advice he received. People who had served at Minot spoke positively about their experiences; those who had never been there were more likely to criticize the weather, location and other aspects of the assignment.

The enthusiasm of former Minot residents—including some who had served there more than once—was a pleasant surprise. The Bradburys already wanted to come, but hearing those positive accounts made them feel even better about the move.

Winter Experience and Life Outside Work

The Bradburys have lived at other cold-weather bases, including Misawa Air Base in Japan, perhaps the snowiest of their assignments. There, Bradbury gained plenty of experience with a snowblower and shovel. Although Misawa does not get as cold as Minot, he says its temperatures allow considerable snow to accumulate.

Snowboarding is one of his hobbies, and he hopes to spend some recreation time at Bottineau Winter Park or Frost Fire. He is also working toward his private pilot certificate, studying and taking flight lessons. Outside those pursuits, he enjoys spending time with his family and their dog.

Finding a Welcoming Community

The Bradburys have spent time driving around Minot and meeting people, from lifelong residents to former members of the military community who chose to stay. Those encounters have left them impressed with the people, the community and the support local organizations give back.

Lisa and Bradbury often talk about how happy they are with their new home. As he puts it, “Minot has the reputation for being a good community and it has certainly lived up to that.”