The 5th Bomb Wing Commander, Col Jesse Lamarand, is responsible for the successful operations on Minot AFB. The 5th Bomb Wing is the host wing and I must say, I have been extremely blessed to have such an incredible hostess—Mrs. Nathalie Lamarand—assist me with five School Liaison Program’ partnership initiatives! Together, we enhanced our base community’s awareness of educational resources and larger community awareness of the Month of the Military Child, enhancing quality of life on Minot AFB and beyond.
Firstly, Mrs. Lamarand eagerly stepped up to welcome guests at our first “Mission: Transition – Managing Stress Together” family workshop at Minot AFB on February 24th, 2026. This event featured five on-base organizations in one location to provide one-hour sessions on transition support with hands-on activities for young children: Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), Military & Family Life Counseling (MFLC), Minot AFB Library, Family Advocacy Program (FAP), and my office; reaching approximately 30 families. This information will travel with these families once they’ve left our installation, successfully aiding them throughout their military careers.
Secondly, she attended both Month of the Military Child Proclamation Signings for the City of Minot in April 2025 and 2026.
Thirdly, Mrs. Lamarand attended both Month of the Military Child assemblies at North Plains Elementary School in April 2025 and 2026.
Fourthly, Mrs. Lamarand not only attended, but distributed pencil cases filled with student resources—elevating the School Liaison Program’s impact—to all students in Memorial Middle School and North Plains Elementary School’ Clap-ins on April 17th, 2026 on Minot AFB. Dakota Elementary School received their stuffed pencil cases for all students at an earlier date.
Fifthly, Mrs. Lamarand generously provided six $15 gift cards, six B-52 Bomber pins, and six bags of snacks to help fill free baskets for our three on-base secretaries and three principals to commemorate National Administrative Professionals Day and National Principals Day. Due to the location of our public schools on a military installation, these leaders have a unique mission to ensure the success of their at-risk predominately military-connected student’ populations, and all six excel at it!
Mrs. Lamarand has devotedly cared for our school staff, partnering organizations, and military families, directly impacting readiness and retention. As a School Liaison Program Manager, I remain a critical resource for families, guiding them through their school options and aiding them in a smooth transition – and my work could not have been so successfully utilized without Mrs. Lamarand’s tireless involvement and support.
As Mrs. Lamarand prepares to PCS to Randolph AFB, I will be sad to see her go, but forever grateful for the lasting impact she had on families, students, staff, and me.
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