If you watch sporting events, or any event that requires a team effort, you know that winning is certainly not a coincidence. There are a several factors that come in to play when a team wins consistently. First, there is tradition. A team that has made winning a practice will often have a long tradition of success. There are, of course, those Cinderella teams that may be making their first appearance in the Final Four (as an example). Sometimes tradition will also lead to expectations, and that’s really not a bad thing. As new members join the team they are taught or informed about the expectation of the team.

Then there is good coaching or leadership. These 2 words can be used interchangeably, but in my opinion there is a difference. I have played for several good coaches. One trait that they have in common is that they developed good leadership on their team. It goes without saying that once several members of the team buy into what the coach is teaching, they become the leaders. There are natural born coaches and there are natural born leaders. However, it takes good coaching AND good leadership to develop a winning team. I used to think that age was part of the magic ingredient that led to good leadership. We used to look up to the seniors on our high school football team. They were the leaders, but honestly, only if the coach held them to the higher standards. But age is not necessarily that magic ingredient. Take for example, Sydney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins NHL Hockey Club. His second year on the team he was elected captain of the team because in the opinion of several players, he was a great leader. Why? Because he held himself, and his teammates, to a higher standard.

The last, and one that I use the most in my own life, is the “GAHF”. Yep, the Give A Hoot Factor! I have heard it called other things, but it simply means that even with great coaching, and excellent leadership, the team members have to step up to the plate and give a hoot about playing the game. They don’t look around at others to carry the team, they realize that it (whatever “it” is) cannot be accomplished without every member of the team giving a 100% effort. My Dad used to say that “The Coach Doesn’t Play The Game”. A high school coach that I once had said that “every member of the team needs to be a leader at some point in a season. There are not taking plays off by any member of the team if we expect to win.” That is so true. I was an offensive lineman in football. It was pretty easy for the quarterback to see where the big guy that tackled him came from. And in another reference to football, I took a lot of pride in my play if the quarterback would send the running back through the hole (OK- really nerdy football here- but the hole is where I was supposed to block) where I was playing.

So, what is your point Mr. Wilson?

I have the opportunity in my column(s) to tell it like it is. There is a strong tradition of excellence at Minot Air Force Base. It doesn’t say “The Average Come North” on the front gate, it says, “Only The Best Come North” and I have heard it several times “Only the Very Best Leave Here.”

This past year has been a great example of what good leadership and coaching has created at Minot Air Force Base. Team building 101: Great people attract great people. Great people raise others to their level. That is why the community of Minot and the Minot Air Force Base brought home the Blanchard Trophy. I know that Col. Lamarand and Col. Schlabach will point to Minot as the reason the Blanchard Trophy came north again this year, but I am one who will go to the mountaintop and proclaim that Minot Air Force Base is a great base, and it is with pride that I write the stories I do about their success.

And folks, it didn’t stop at the Blanchard Trophy. What about the Omaha Trophy to the best Missile Wing in U.S. Strategic Command. The Omaha Trophy is the highest honor bestowed upon a nuclear enterprise unit by a civilian organization.

But it doesn’t stop there. The Minot Air Force Base recently won a national award that recognizes how well they’re supported here in the community.

Minot is one of three areas recognized as a 2025 Great American Defense Community. The Association of Defense Communities gives this designation to cities that strongly support their military bases. Yes, we are Team Minot!

And not to be outdone, the 69th Bomb Squadron at Minot Air Force Base is the recipient of the 2024 Brig. Gen. Kenneth N. Walker Award for the Best Overall Bomber Squadron. The award is presented annually to the best bomber squadron in Air Force Global Strike Command.

Most assuredly I will have forgotten some awards. And to those folks I apologize in advance. But as we all know, winning awards takes a great team. Reach around and give yourself a slap on the back Team Minot. You deserve it!

Best Kept Secrets
We’ll go with Sharon’s Country Market this week. Sharon has been bringing great North Dakota products to the Minot Area for many years.
Orders are needed by Saturday evening – May 17th
4.5 – 5 lb. fryer chickens – $10.75
4.5 – 5 lb. fryer chickens cut in 1/2 – $11.00
4 – 4.5 lb. smoked chickens – $14.00
1 lb. sliced bacon (maple sugar cured) – $7.25
9” beef pot pie – $10.25
1 1/2 lb. pork breakfast sausage – $5.25
Milt and Sharon Knarreborg
701-465-7224
sknarreborg47@gmail.com

Today’s Chuckle:
What do you call selfies of the super-rich?: wealthies.