Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we’re thankful to gather with family and friends, and to enjoy the warmth of home. However, for many members of the 91st Missile Wing, the holiday season requires them to be away from their families by carrying out their critical duties to ensure the security and readiness of the Nuclear Mission. These Airmen work tirelessly at missile sites around the clock, for weeks at a time, safeguarding our nation while maintaining mission readiness 24/7.
This year, the Minot AFB community came together in a remarkable show of support to ensure that no Airman in the missile field would feel forgotten this Thanksgiving. These initiatives demonstrated the deep bond between the Minot AFB community and those who serve, highlighting the strong connection between the local community and the military personnel at Minot Air Force Base. It illustrates how simple, thoughtful actions, such as giving pies, treat packages, or even offering a morning prayer, help strengthen the sense of unity and support between the community and those serving at the base.
To kick off the Thanksgiving festivities, the Key Support Liaisons of the 91st Missile Wing, in collaboration with the Minot community, organized the Annual Thanksgiving Pie Drive. With support from local families, businesses, and organizations, they collected 104 pies, from classic pumpkin to pecan, and apple. These pies were then delivered to 320 Airmen at 15 missile sites. The goal was simple: provide these dedicated service members with a taste of home and remind them that their sacrifices are deeply appreciated.
In addition to the Pie Drive, First Lieutenant Evelyn McCoy and First Lieutenant Ashley Gregory of the 742nd Missile Squadron went above and beyond to support their fellow Missileers. On Thanksgiving morning, they provided a warm and hearty breakfast featuring pancakes and other morning staples to the Airmen heading out to the missile sites. This thoughtful gesture ensured the Missileers headed out to the missile field on Thanksgiving morning started their day with full stomachs and high spirits, giving them the energy they needed to carry out their essential duties.
“I just wanted to lift morale for all the members heading out to the field who couldn’t be with their families on Thanksgiving,” shared 1st Lt. McCoy. “It was about making people happy and showing them they’re appreciated.”
The 91st Missile Security Forces Squadron Key Support Liaison Team also played a vital role in spreading Thanksgiving cheer. They prepared and delivered treat packages to 250 Security Forces members returning from the missile field. These boxes, filled with cookies, chocolates, and heartfelt thank-you notes, served as a reminder of the community’s deep gratitude for their hard work and dedication. For many Airmen, spending the Thanksgiving holiday away from their families can be especially tough, but these treat packages brought a little piece of home to those returning from the field. Airman First Class Donta Thorpe Jr. expressed his appreciation, saying, “This is my first Thanksgiving without my family, but I’m thankful for the treats. I’m also going to spend the holiday with another member’s family, so I won’t be alone.”
As part of the day’s efforts, Senior Airman Kenny Caniz Lopez from the 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron (791MSFS) delivered a meaningful morning prayer to the team as they prepared to head out to the missile sites. The prayer, inspired by 1 Chronicles 16:34, read, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; His love endures forever.” It offered a sense of spiritual connection, reminding the Airmen that their sacrifices are valued, not just by their families but by the larger community. It was a touching moment that reinforced the unity and support flowing through the 91st Missile Wing family.
These efforts: 104 pies donated by the community ,breakfast served to the 742 MS, treat packages for the 250 Security Forces members, and the morning prayer for the 791 MSFS, showcased the strong spirit of gratitude and solidarity between the Minot AFB community and the 91 MW. Though many Airmen were separated from their families this Thanksgiving, these small but meaningful gestures brought comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging.
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and share moments of warmth. This year, the Minot AFB community’s heartfelt support helped bring that warmth to Airmen who couldn’t be with their families, making sure they felt appreciated and connected to those they serve. As we look ahead to the holiday season, the gratitude and unity shown this Thanksgiving will continue to resonate within the 91st Missile Wing and the Minot community.
