From Humble Beginnings to Chief

The Journey of Joshua T. Shoemaker 5th Security Forces Squadron Starting as a Coca-Cola warehouse employee, Senior Master Sergeant Joshua T. Shoemaker’s path to becoming a Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) is one of unexpected twists, hard work, and unwavering dedication. Shoemaker, recently selected for the prestigious rank, has served with distinction for nearly two decades—and […]
Hard Work and Perseverance Help “Bring on the Stripes” for SMSgt Foerster

Hailing from the suburbs just North of the Twin Cities, SMSgt Anthony Foerster is no stranger to the Midwest (and its extreme weather.) In fact, this is the second time he and his family have been stationed here at Minot AFB during his twenty-one year career. If “Only the Best Come North”, perhaps the Air […]
On the Path to Chief

(C)MSgt Derek Geske Written by Lt Col Jeffrey Beene Leaders are not born; they are made with intense heat and pressure over time. They are forged through fires of professional and personal experiences that shape and mold them to perform as positions and responsibilities increase. The path is not easy, and there are few shortcuts […]
Respect The Stripe!

CMSgt Joshua E. Woodard For Chief Master Sergeant Joshua Woodard, it is more important to set shorter and perhaps more achievable goals “that don’t linger for 10 years” says Woodard “so I tell younger Airmen that building short term goals will make you feel like you are moving forward.” It was 2004 when Woodard enlisted […]
Brass Brand Mardi Graz celebration

Brass Band of Minot The Brass Band of Minot will conclude its 2024-2025 season with a concert celebrating various spring holidays titled “A Bit of Mardi Graz” on Sunday, March 30th at 4:00 PM at Minot State University’s Anne Nicole Nelson Hall. The concert will begin with Hands Across the Sea, a toe-tapping march by […]
Army & Air Force Exchange Service Brings Military Community Together to Honor Vietnam War Heroes

Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs As a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service will host pinning ceremonies for the final time at PXs and BXs around the world to honor and recognize Vietnam War-era Veterans. The Commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War […]
Month of the Military Child kicks off at Magic City Discovery Center

Minot, N.D. – The Magic City Discovery Center is proud to support military families by offering free admission to all active-duty military personnel and their families, including the National Guard and Reserve, from Sunday, April 6th through Saturday, April 12th. Military families can enjoy a week of hands-on learning and play simply by presenting a […]
Memorial Middle School Band Brings Home Gold

On Tuesday, March 11 the Memorial Middle School Advanced Band travelled to the Mandan High School Auditorium to perform at the Big Muddy Band Festival. This is a festival designed for middle school and lower level high school bands from around the state to perform for each other and for a panel of judges (normally […]
Healthcare Fair Aims to Keep Families Healthy

Military healthcare comes with its challenges, but it also offers valuable benefits. Military providers are dedicated to keeping service members healthy and mission-ready while also caring for their families. At Minot Air Force Base, the responsibility of maintaining the health and well-being of the base community falls on the 5th Medical Group (5MDG). In line […]
Return To In-Person Work: Are Mil Spouses Exempt?

Employment and employability are top concerns for military spouses, who face not just the usual economic pressures impacting the job market, but the stress of having to transfer their skills to new duty stations every couple of years. And with unemployment of mil spouses continuing to hover around 20%, five times that of the general […]