The Honorary Commanders program has been in place for several years and has placed hundreds of Minot Air Force Commanders and Minot citizens together as a duo described as “Honoraries”
Over the course of a year, and sometimes more, a commander and honorary commander share information. The commander will share information about the Minot AFB and the citizens of Minot chosen who volunteer to be honorary commanders will share their knowledge of city and regional events.
On 15th of January there was a ceremony held at the JDC to recognize those Minot citizens who have either just become Honorary Commanders or may be changing commanders because their current commander has been re-assigned to a different base, or maybe even retiring from the Air Force.
Some of the commanders presented special gifts from their squadron, and each Honorary Commander received a special plaque with a certificate and a newly designed coin.
From both Col. Lamarand and Col. Schlabach came words of praise for the special connection between the city of Minot and the surrounding communities and Minot Air Force Base. “On the way in you walked by the Barksdale Trophy” said Emcee Maj Thomas Barger (5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs Chief) “it’s awarded to the community that maintains the best relationship with the base they serve. And if it weren’t for the fact that the rules state that one community cannot win that trophy 2 years in a row, you may as well take the trophy downtown and bolt it in the middle of the town square!”
From a different perspective, it might be OK for the Barksdale trophy to leave for a year because it gives the city of Minot an incentive to “sharpen the axe” if you will. To look for new ways to add to, and improve, the relationship between Minot and Minot AFB.
Thanks to all of those who serve as Honorary Commanders. A special note: Both publisher Ted Bolton and I serve as Honorary Commanders and have enjoyed our time immensely.
2025 Honorary Commanders
23rd Bomber Generation Squadron
Doctor Steven Shirley, New Honorary Commander for Major Jeremiah Gray.
740th Missile Squadron
Ms. Cassidy Hjelmstad, New Honorary Commander for Lieutenant Colonel Derek Arnholtz.
5th Bomb Wing
Mr. Jonn Knecht, Honorary Command Chief for 5th Bomb Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant Wayne Sharp.
5th Operations Support Squadron
Mr. Todd Telin, New Honorary Commander for Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Smith.
69th Bomber Generation Squadron
Mr. Mike Gietzen, New Honorary Commander for Lieutenant Colonel Danielle Ackerman.
5th Contracting Squadron
Mr. Brad Doll, New Honorary Commander for Major Cory Ostrowski.
5th Force Support Squadron
Dr. Scott Faul, New Honorary Commander for Major Emily Bold.
791st Missile Security Forces Squadron
Miss Elly DesLauriers, New Honorary Commander for Commander Major Erik Olson.
91st Security Forces Group
Sheriff Robert Roed, New Honorary Commander for Colonel James Slaton.
791st Maintenance Squadron
Ms. Pam Hopkins, New Honorary Commander for Major Andrew Dunbar.
91st Maintenance Group
Mr. Tyler Neether, New Honorary Commander for Colonel Joseph Edington.
741st Missile Squadron
Ms. Keli Rosselli-Sullivan, New Honorary Commander for Lieutenant Colonel Richard Morrison.
91st Missile Wing
Mr. Ryan Ackerman, New Honorary Commander for Colonel Jimmy Schlabach.
