“I offer to the Airmen at Minot that they perform the nation’s most important mission at the nation’s most important Department of Defense installation. It is the only the only installation that hosts two thirds of the (nuclear) triad, both the air leg and the land leg. It is the center of gravity in my world. No other installation on the planet has that responsibility. I would offer to you where Minot goes the Air Force goes. I would offer to you where Minot goes the Department goes, I would offer to you where Minot goes the nation goes, no pressure…”
General Thomas Bussiere, Commander, Global Strike Command.

For Brekka Kramer, President/CEO of the Minot Chamber EDC and 5th District Senator Randy Burckhard, the mission focus was simple; get the word out about Minot Air Force Base and its missions to the North Dakota State Legislature. Helping them carry that message would be Colonel Jesse Lamarand, Commander of the 5th Bomb Wing and Colonel James Schlabach, Commander 91st Missile Wing.
General Thomas Bussiere had informed those attending the Task Force 21 Nuclear Symposium in Washington, D.C. of the importance of Minot Air Force Base, and carrying that message to North Dakota, and in particular the North Dakota Legislature, was crucial.
“Having my fellow North Dakota Legislators understand the importance of our military installations is critical, especially now with the modernization of our nuclear enterprise underway”, said Senator Randy Burckhard. “As an Air Force Global Strike Command Civic Leader and member of Task Force 21, we’ve been tasked with educating and advocating the importance of the nuclear triad and strategic deterrence, especially as we prepare for Sentinel.”
Taking center stage with Colonels Lamarand and Schlabach would be Colonel Timothy A. Monroe, Commander, 319th Reconnaissance Wing, Grand Forks Air Force Base. Helping to orchestrate the special presentation would not only be Senator Burckhard, but Senator Scott Meyer of Grand Forks.

Senator Burkhard introduced the Minot wing commanders;
“Honorable colleagues, it is my great honor to introduce the two Wing Commanders from Minot Air Force Base. Colonel Jesse Lamarand is the commander of the 5th Bomb Wing where he ensures the wing’s combat readiness, strategic deterrence, and long-range, world-wide, strike capability. He is a Master Combat Systems Officer with more than 2,300 flight hours primarily in the B-52H, including 279 combat hours. He has deployed around the world throughout his career and took command at Minot in June of 2024. His command also manages the base and provides logistics support to the 91st Missile Wing. Colonel Jimmy Schlabach is the commander of the 91st Missile Wing, leading the land-based Intercontinental Ballistic Mission there since he took command in June of 2024. He is a master nuclear missile operator with more than 7,200 hours of strategic nuclear alert duty in the Minuteman III weapons system. Gentlemen, thank you for your leadership and taking the time to speak to us today.”
Each commander spoke in the House chambers for about 15 minutes. Col’s Lamarand and Schlabach highlighted their missions and shared important information about the economic impact of the Minot Air Force Base on the Minot Community. In turn they thanked the legislators for their work this past session which include in part: Thanking legislators for the work this past session
o The North Dakota Military Commission work to make North Dakota the most military friendly state (commenting on the collaboration and statewide effort here)
o Governor’s proclamation to celebrate the Month of the Military Child each April
o Legislation passed last session (2023) which included:
o Psychologist compact
o Counseling compact
o Virtual enrollment
o Community funding
o Family childcare license exemption (allow military spouses to be licensed in ND using their DoD childcare certification)
o State tax exemption (for all military members military pay)
o Hunting and fishing privileges
o Support for veterans
o The commanders also recognized
o The session work that continues as additional compacts have made it through the first half of the session
o The support the community provides
o Home of the Barksdale Trophy
o Communities like Stanley that serve up their famous Whirlawhip to Airmen
“Minot Air Force Base Commanders did an outstanding job at the First State of the Base, spotlighting the important missions at Minot Air Force Base, successes from this past year, and what lies ahead with modernization of the nuclear triad”, shared Brekka Kramer, Minot Area Chamber EDC President | CEO and member of the North Dakota Military Commission. “Grateful for Senators Meyer and Burckhard for bringing the idea forward to hold a joint session. As we continue to work to make North Dakota the most military friendly state in the nation, it’s important for leaders at all levels to understand the mission and for us to continue our work to educate and advocate for military.”
Task Force 21 Chair Pete Hankla and Brekka Kramer serve on the ND Military Commission executive committee. Here is a link with more information on the commission Executive Order 2024-04 ND Military Commission.pdf.
Kramer also highlighted legislative bills that are being addressed by the current legislative session. Here is the military legislation we are tracking through the ND Military Commission.

North Dakota National Guard

North Dakota Military Commission/Defense State Liaison Office

Military