Rod Wilson and his wife, Sue, are visiting family in California, consequently the responsibility to write “A View from Our Side” falls to me this week. As publisher, I generally handle the business side of running the paper so writing a column is not something I normally do. Nonetheless I’m happy for this opportunity.
As a member of the Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Committee, one of the perks is participating in the “Honorary Commander Program.” This program connects members of the committee to a squadron commander. As Honorary Commander of the 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron, I had a busy week last week. Wednesday was our change of command ceremony where we bid a farewell to Maj. Aaron Taylor and welcomed Maj. Kevin Shannon as the new commander of the “Norsemen.” On Friday night and Saturday, many squadron members, including myself, attended the Midsummer Festival at the Scandinavian Heritage Park. I have lived in Minot for 46 years. I can remember when the park was first built, yet I have never attended this “Nordic” themed event. What changed? Well, I’m a Norsemen now!
Our amazing First Sgt., Master Sgt. John Silva, has worked over the last few months to develop a better understanding behind the squadron’s identity as “the Norsmen.” To that end, he established a relationship with the folks at the Scandinavian Heritage Center. The Heritage Center features the only outdoor museum in the world showcasing all five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The Scandinavian Heritage Park is located right in the heart of Minot, on Hwy 83 next to First Western Bank. MSgt. Silva sought input from the folks at the center to educate him and subsequently the entire MMXS about the history, customs and traditions of the Nordic people. In doing so, bonds have been made between the two organizations that benefit both. Earlier this spring the center needed to do its annual cleaning of the beautiful falls and water feature that runs through the park. This is normally a weeklong chore for the Heritage Center volunteers. However, this year the word went out to the 91st MMXS, and a hoard of Norsemen rallied from the North and the job was done in hours rather than days. Why? Well, because they are Norsemen now, (and we would expect nothing less).
As the years progress, commanders, first sergeants, and Airmen will come and go from the 91st MMXS. But I believe identifying as the “Norsemen” will endure, in large part to the work of MSgt. Silva.
Best Kept Secrets
The Scandinavian Heritage Park is truly one of Minot’s best kept secrets. A tour of the park will take you past a Finnish Dalla Horse, a Norwegian Stav Church, a beautiful rock waterfall and a Scandinavian Flag display, just to name a few of the displays on the ground. Take a few hours and a picnic lunch and enjoy the Scandinavian Heritage Park, located at 1020 South Broadway.
Today’s Chuckle
Ole (Norwegian) and Sven (Swedish) went on a fishing trip to Canada and come back with only three fish.
Ole says, “The way I figger it, Sven, each of them fish cost us $400.
Well, at dat price it’s a good ting we didn’t catch any more of em than we did,” says Sven.
