Category: News

Hillstead reveals World War II contribution

In a way, Jim Hillstead’s story about military service is much the same as other veterans, but in another way, it is completely different. Hillstead, who is 103 and lives quietly with his son Kelly in Kenmare, took on a significant military role when he was drafted into the Army in World War II in […]

MSgt Ed Zilli US Army

It was June 6th 1944, D-Day…. As part of the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division (known as the Ivy Division), Sgt Edward John Zilli had crossed the Atlantic on the Queen Mary, landed in Scotland, rode a blacked out train to a small village in England, had several months of additional field training, and now […]

A Uniform Reality

Air Force members are part of the “uniformed services”, but everyone has a unique experience during their time of service. Specifically, for enlisted Airmen, we can all relate to our rite of passage at Lackland AFB, including our joyous march down the “Bomb Run” during graduation weekend. From that location, we all dispersed into our […]

Minot Bomber Alum: Col (Ret) Jeff Beene

Military service is both a sacrifice and a privilege. Service members of all branches and their families are honored every Veterans Day as a thank-you for keeping America protected against foreign invaders. The US Armed Forces technically erupted during the country’s birth in 1776; however, the US Air Force has been honoring its members since […]

Walter Parcells Survives Two Hair Raising Mid-Air Attacks – Comes Home!

Walter Parcells. Parcells was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Parcells born in 1922 and spent his youth at Oberon, until the family moved, ending up at Kingston, Washington. Parcells’ father, a Benson Co. native, served in the United States Army during World War I. Walter was quick to enlist in the Army Air […]

Someone’s Baby in the Battle

There are many tipping points in life. The one I’ve most recently reached is that funny point when youth doesn’t seem all that long ago, but upon looking at a teenager, you can’t help think, “What a baby.” Maybe you can relate.This is a strange thing to reflect upon for Veteran’s Day, but this is […]

Exceptional Distinguished Public Service

Secretary of the Air Force Honors Mark Jantzer His term as a member of the Air and Space Force Civic Leader program appeared to be coming to an end for Mark Jantzer. After 12 years of service, Mark would transfer to an emeritus status, but not before being presented with the Secretary of the Air […]

Global Thunder 23 concludes at Minot

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. —Global Thunder 23, the most recent iteration of U.S. Strategic Command’s annual nuclear command and control exercise, concluded April 19. GT23 was designed to assess joint operational readiness and provide training opportunities for USSTRATCOM forces to deter, detect, and prevent strategic attacks against the United States and its allies. During […]

705 MUNS supports Global Thunder 23

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D —Global Thunder is the most extensive command and control exercise in which the 5th Bomb Wing participates, and the 705th Munitions Squadron plays one of the most critical roles in the exercise, which is U.S. Strategic Command’s largest.Global Thunder, which involves all three legs of the nuclear triad, is conducted […]

Global Thunder 23

Annual Nuclear Command and Control Exercise Begins at Minot U.S. Strategic Command commenced its annual nuclear command and control exercise, Global Thunder, April 11, 2023.Global Thunder 23 (GT23) involves personnel throughout the strategic enterprise including USSTRATCOM components and subordinate units. The purpose of GT23 is to enhance nuclear readiness and ensure a safe, secure, and […]

Minot AFB SFS officer receives top level award

The North Dakota Air National Guard’s (NDANG), 119th Wing, known as the “Happy Hooligans,” recognized the organization’s top officers, noncommissioned officers and Airmen of the Year last month, during a ceremony at the Hilton Garden Inn, Fargo, N.D. Airmen were nominated for the awards based on their military and civic service throughout 2022. The Outstanding […]

2023 Chief Master Sergeant Selects

CMSgt. Jeffrey Brown, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron “Back when I was 16 or 17, I had decided that I really wanted to enlist in the Air Force so I took the ASVAB. My dad was prior Army and he said he would never join the Army, so I followed in his footsteps,” said Chief Master […]

Blizzard emergency prompts CE, ambulance response

There’s no perfect time or place to contend with a medical emergency. But if it’s going to happen, one would hope it wouldn’t be 14 miles from the nearest emergency room under near-blizzard conditions. Airmen assigned to the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron and 5th Healthcare Operations Squadron teamed up to respond to a medical emergency […]

Bomber Task Force 23-2: Maintaining the Task Force

MORÓN AIR BASE, SPAIN —The 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit out of Morón Air Base, Spain, has been working 24/7 to ensure the readiness of the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron’s assets. From routine inspections to preflight actions, the Barons are the driving force behind the Bomber Task Force missions being flown out of Morón Air Base, […]

Minot B-52s depart for BTF 23-2

RAMSTEIN AIR FORCE BASE, Germany —Four B-52 Stratofortresses, assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota forward deployed to Moron Air Force Base, in support of the latest Bomber Task Force Feb. 24, 2023. Bomber Task Force missions are routine operations across the globe that demonstrate U.S. commitment to collective […]

More than a maintainer

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. — Tactical Response Force: the words themselves bring forth images of Security Forces Defenders clad in tactical gear, rushing to a missile alert facility in a UH-1N “Huey”, prepared to do whatever it takes to defend the 91st Missile Wing’s Airmen and assets. For Senior Airman Kody Uden, a missile […]

Col Michael Maginness In New Position- Assumes Command of 5th Mission Support Group

Colonel Michael Maginness has assumed command of the 5th Mission Support Group at Minot Air Force Base. The 5th Mission Support Group is focused on delivering essential installation mission support and community service, securing resources, providing proper care of base facilities and infrastructure, while developing combat-ready airmen. The group’s 1,600 military and civilian members serve […]

5th Medical Group Utilizes Trinity Health’s SIM Truck for Training Day

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. —Once per quarter Trinity Health sends a Simulation in Motion truck to Minot AFB to provide 5th Medical Group Airmen an opportunity to practice treating patients in a remote location where their resources may be limited.“In the truck, you have a simulation mannequin that is amazing,” said Lt. Col. Donna […]

Interview with the 5 BW Command Chief

Chief Master Sergeant Tori Jones: The Most Important Position I Will Ever Have Chief Master Sgt. Tori Jones began her career in North Dakota 22 years ago at Grand Forks Air Force Base. At that time, the mission at Grand Forks included the KC-135 tankers in support of the B-52 bombers from Minot.Her travels would […]

Minot Air Force Base Airmen
execute Exercise Prairie Vigilance

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. —Airmen from the 5th Bomb Wing participated in Prairie Vigilance 23-1, an exercise designed to test the wing’s ability to conduct strategic-bomber readiness operations, Nov. 1-7. Prairie Vigilance showcases Air Force Global Strike airpower and capabilities, ensuring Airmen are prepared and ready to execute their mission by providing a realistic […]

Dakota Hope Announces Festival of Trees Nov. 18-19

Since 2014, the Festival of Trees has provided fun and festive activities for all ages. Held the weekend before Thanksgiving on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 18 and 19, it is a perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Sponsored by Dakota Hope Clinic, the Festival will again be held at the ND State Fair […]

A Lot Of Home Cooking…

Steve & Heidi Lindsay Open Jamaican Vybz Kitchen Walk up to Steve Lindsay and ask him where he learned to cook the entrées at Jamaican Vybz, and he answers, “my Mom”. Turn to Heidi Lindsay, Steve’s wife, and partner in Jamaican Vybz, and ask her the same question, where did you learn to make kneophla […]

Discovery Center Lights Up the Night Sky

On the evening of Monday, October 10 at 7:56 p.m., the Magic City Discovery Center staff and community gathered on the North Hill to celebrate the facility’s much-anticipated building completion by switching on the lights for the first time. The Discovery Center has been in the works since the idea first came up in 2013, […]

SVAS Hosts Barktober for the Month of
October

To celebrate Barktober, the Souris Valley Animal Shelter (SVAS) is excited to announce a full month of adoption events occurring October 1st through October 31st! The month will kick-off with the Bissell Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelter” event where all adultdogs aged one year and older will have an adoption fee of $50 until October […]

Groundbreaking Naturalization Ceremony at Minot AFB

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. —Airman Amin Ahmadi, a 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron traffic management office apprentice, and Airman 1st Class Jorge Peralta, a 5th Force Support Squadron classification technician, were the first Airmen to go through the enhanced naturalization process, becoming citizens of the United States at Minot AFB, Aug. 31, 2022.After going through […]

Downtown Minot Rolls Out Red Carpet

Many of the traditional celebration events were put on hold during the two years of COVID protocol, and the Downtown Fall Festival was one of those casualties in 2019 and 2020. Retuning in 2021 with a more limited schedule of events, the downtown area was once again crowded with people ready to enjoy a fall […]

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Why Do We Focus on Suicide Prevention?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide among service members, veterans, and their families is a public health and national security crisis. While suicide is generally the act of an individual, it occurs in the context of the individual’s relationships, […]

Connecting Minot’s Women through Inspirational Alignment

What does it mean to be a female in the workplace in Minot? The founding members of Minot Women Connect make it their mission to offer professional development for women in the area that reflects the hurdles women may encounter in the workplace. The group, founded in 2017, was learned about from a similar organization […]

It’s Not Your Grandfather’s Car Wash

For Gabe Holt and his partner Alex Lopez, acquiring enough room for the commercial footprint of Magic City Car Wash would take some time. “We needed to purchase and develop five lots. Two of them on the east side and three residential lots on the west side” of the Magic City Car Wash location, and […]

What’s Going On in the BX?

Every base has a BX, or Base Exchange. If you’ve been around a while you know each BX is filled with chain restaurants like Charley’s Sandwiches, Burger King, Subway or maybe a local eatery. The Minot AFB BX has all these places plus some new exciting additions. Color Dot Jewelry, Cookies for You and Son […]

AADD…First Resort or Last Resort…Call!

TSgt Jamie Johnson is from Albany, Georgia, and he joined the military before his 21st birthday “Which automatically made me the DD (designate driver)” according to Johnson. Now, eight years later, he finds himself as the President of the AADD (Airman Against Drunk Driving) Governing Council, a position he will hold for at least two […]

Trains, Trains and …Trains

The city of Minot has a rich history with trains and the railroad. In fact, it was the railroad that created the town itself. According to the City of Minot website, “Minot came into existence in 1886, when Jim Hill’s Great Northern Railroad ended its push through the state for the winter, after having trouble […]

5th Bomb Wing Quarterly Awards

Col. Daniel Hoadly, 5th Bomb Wing commander, presents the 5th Bomb Wing Quarterly AwardsAug. 8, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, N.D AMN: SrA Nicholas OestmannNCO: TSgt James WeidmanSNCO: MSgt Austin HenrichsenCGO: Capt Sean RussellFGO: Maj Dawn JohnsonCiv Cat I: Ms. Susan LopezCiv Cat II: Mr. Michael GradyCiv Cat III: Ms. Nikole Braddy U.S. AIR […]

91st Missile Wing Quarterly Awards

91st Missile Wing Airmen are awarded for their hard work in their shop at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 4, 2022. Quarterly award ceremonies allow commanders to highlight the Airmen that show excellency in their shops. AMN: SrA Lindsey N. BenoitNCO: TSgt Andrea M. ButlerSNCO: MSgt Nicholas A. Risner FGO: Maj Kristopher R. […]

Minot AFB EOD Wins Global Strike Team of the Year competition 2022

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. —The Minot Air Force Base 5th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team competed at the Air Force Global Strike Command EOD Team of the Year competition on June 26th, 2022 at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. The team was tested on a number of skills, skills that range […]

5th Medical Group Conducts Exercise Ready Eagle

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. —“Training days are so important because we are here as a defense force, medical readiness, and we’re here to deploy… if we’re needed,” stated Tech Sgt. Nathan Langel, Flight Chief of medical readiness and Command Support Staff. The 5th Medical Group conducted a Ready Eagle exercise for their Airmen to […]

Operation Homefront: Back to School Backpack Brigade

It was a warm Tuesday afternoon, but people lined up as the annual Back To School Backpack Brigade sponsored by the MAFB School Liaison Office and national nonprofit Operation Homefront. The event offered free resources and support to military families as children are heading back to school, which can be a hectic (and expensive) time […]

Bacon Inspired Food Paired
with Local Beer… Yes Please!

Who loves bacon-infused meals and the deep smoky flavors of locally brewed beers? I am going to assume that the majority of readers just raised their hands. So for those of you that did, the Roosevelt Park Zoo has something just for you and the hundreds of other bacon lovers in Minot! Did I lose […]

Stronger by Helping Each Other: Women’s Leadership Symposium

The military hosts many conferences, meetings and training; it is part of what they do and how they train Airmen to be the best they can be. However, on July 11 & 12 in Norfolk, Virginia, something more unique was going on. The Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium convened to address issues facing women in all […]

Adopt a Pet and Rock Out
this Summer

Pets are so loved. They often become part of the family and part of ourselves. But what happens to those pets who don’t get blessed with a loving family? Whose lives do they bless and how can you help them? The Souris Valley Animal Shelter wants to get every pet into a loving home and […]

WarBull SNCO Select Development – “Leaders Lead”

Over the past four weeks the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron, otherwise known as the WarBulls, conducted a series of training, activities and instructions to welcome their newest members of the Senior Non-commissioned Officer promotions. The SNCO Select Development is a 21-day deliberate development course which culminated with a Final Day of intense physical & mental […]

What Wonderful Weather
We’re Witnessing

The North Dakota weather this past year has knocked the socks off those new to the area. Most newcomers have been warned about the long winters, dark days and blustery conditions, but rarely is it mentioned the beautiful, moderate temperatures and bright sunny days the North Dakota tempts citizens with during the summer months. Most […]

Real Golf for Real Kids:
The Jack Hoeven Wee Links
Golf Course

Golf is one of those sports in which age is not a limiting factor. Unlike many other intense sports, anyone can play golf. However, what then limits everyone from indeed playing golf? Firstly, there is the cost associated. To begin golfing, one must buy clubs, shoes and pay for the actual rounds of golf too. […]

Military Single Parents Support Group Reaches Minot

It’s a Small Air Force– This phrase is spoken when referring to the way words, needs or people travel within the Air Force. Even though there are bases all over the world, many members and families find themselves meeting up with old friends or discovering that the struggles of people in the military are universal […]

Save Your Speed for When You’re Near the Finish Line

Running is my favorite sport and I like when my legs are moving fast. I ran at the Minot Park District Olympics in June and July. This summer I ran at the Duane Carlson Stadium at Minot High School. I ran on Wednesdays in the afternoon.I always feel ready for track. To get ready, I […]

Fitness Feature: Marathon Training

The Air Force active duty members are a physically fit group of people. Many choose to go above and beyond their annual PT training and aim for higher goals. A group of Airmen on Minot AFB have set their sights on participating in the esteemed Air Force Marathon on September 17 and are working together […]

Robot Dogs Show Their Potential

Two big black boxes arrived on Minot Air Force Base three weeks ago. The containers provided safe shipping for the New Vision Robot dogs from Ghost Robotics Corp. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Weighing about 60 pounds each, Chappie and Atom were removed from their confinement and soon were being test driven by members of the 5th […]

Defenders in Action

Courtesy of TSgt Johann A. Gonzalez On the 24 of June 2022 members of the 5th Security Forces Stan Eval and Weapons & Tactics sections hosted Cadets from the Air Force Academy during a visit put on by the 5th Bomb Wing. Cadets had an opportunity to immerse themselves within the Security Forces Career field […]

A Day at the Base Pool

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon when the temperature barely reached 82 degrees and the slight breeze made the cloud spotted sky a perfect day at the pool in Minot ND, this reporter caught up with some Minot AFB swimming pool goers to find out what they enjoyed the most about going to the pool. Married […]

Best Bases in the Air Force: Hanscom Air Force Base

There are so many large and frequently talked about Air Force Bases either for the good or the bad. Each AF family that has been around a while will have a story to share when asked, “Where has been your favorite base?”. The purpose of this “Best Base” feature series is to highlight the lesser-known […]

Recommended: Amtrak

Would you like to travel on a train? I rode the Amtrak train from Minot to Chicago for Thanksgiving last year with my family. The train was magical. It swayed back and forth and rode the rails extremely fast. We went from Minot Station to Union Station in Chicago. Trains have different cars which allow […]

The Other Dakota: Worth the Drive – A road trip must for everyone at Minot

I’m a traveler now. I wasn’t always. After we were stationed at RAF Mildenhall, England, about 10 years ago, I uncovered a European attitude that I wasn’t aware existed. The Europeans (much before Covid) all seemed to adopt a traveling spirit that I hadn’t found in the 25 years I lived in the US. Traveling […]

Fitness Feature: Cycling Team
Promotes the Air Force

Even though all active duty members must adhere to their yearly Air Force-instituted physical fitness assessment, there are a variety of different methods that Airmen use to stay fit. Many of our active duty community on Minot Air Force Base participate in and thrive in a multitude of sports and activities. Tech. Sgt. Thomas Abney […]

Aerial Spraying on Minot Air Force Base

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D.-Minot Air Force Base has requested assistance from the Youngstown Air Reserve Station 910th Airlift Wing to conduct aerial spraying for mosquito control between July 11-15, 2022, for Minot Air Force Base and the cities of Minot and Burlington. Due to uncertain weather conditions, the exact time and area to be […]

On the Journey to College

If you have a college bound high school junior or senior, there are many tasks to accomplish in preparation for college applications. This can often be overwhelming for students and parents. However, the summer is the perfect time to begin planning and preparing for this journey. Over the next several weeks, we will break down […]

A New Design:
Thursdays in
Downtown Minot

I was rushing to eat my vegan cheese bagel in the car. I didn’t want to waste this delicious snack! As I hurried to eat, my mom came closer to pick me up. Once I finished with my bagel, I walked up to my mom excited to enjoy downtown Minot. We came up to Margie’s […]

Best Bases in the Air Force:
Joint Base Elemendorf-Richardson

A common first topic of discussion amongst any newly-introduced Air Force family is, “Where all have you been stationed? And where has been your favorite?” This usually leads to many fascinating conversations about the military life experience, such as how one person’s dream location is another family’s worst nightmare. It cannot be avoided that some […]

Col Walters Reflects on Minot

Col. Michael Walters and his family arrived at Minot Air Force Base in the midst of a COVID 19 Pandemic. The entire group that gathered for the change of command wore masks and chairs were social distanced. By contrast, Col. Walters handed off the guidon for the 5th Bomb Wing to Col. Daniel Hoadley with […]

The Northern Sentry
Welcomes Col’s Hoadley and McGhee

Not every Air Force base has a community newspaper like the Northern Sentry. Yes, our paper is certainly unique in that we generate stories about Minot Air Force Base and are vigilant in providing base organizations a communications resource for Minot AFB events. The Northern Sentry is also a resource for human interest stories about […]

The Future of the Warbirds

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. —In 1919, during the infancy of military aviation, the 2nd Observation group was founded on Aug. 15 at Luke Field in the Territory of Hawaii. In 1921, the group was re-designated as the 5th Observation Group, flying the DeHaviland DH-4 aircrafts. Now, nearly a century later, the 5th Bomb Wing […]

Avoid the summer slide with Tutor.com

It is summer and the weather provides ample opportunity to be outdoors! Our K-12 Minot AFB students and families are actively involved in activities in and around the Minot area. However, there is an incredible resource at our finger tips to keep students academically engaged to combat the impact of the “summer slide.” This resource […]

Medora is a MUST

Medora, both the town and its renowned musical, is the ‘Pride of North Dakota!’ You will be amazed with the natural beauty and state pride that resonates from this small town. If you are like me, from a large and very proud state (ahem Texas), then thinking that any other state -especially one as seemingly […]

The Mil Spouse Photographer: Capturing the Moments of Life and Loving It!

Military spouses have historically had a rough time in securing careers of their own. However, mil spouses are resilient and have found many ways to have a fulfilling career, move with their spouse and create an income. There are a plethora of spouses who have found ways to work and succeed, but this article will […]

Relive the Past at the Pioneer Village Museum Grand Opening

There is always something new happening in town to further the destinations within the Minot area. This Saturday, June 25, the Ward County Historical Society is hosting the Grand Opening for their Pioneer Village Museum. The museum consists of twelve historical buildings that have been specifically brought to this new location in order to show […]

BEK TV – Local Makes The Difference

In a recent discussion an active duty parent asked me “How do I tune in BEK TV?” They are covering Minot High School Girls Soccer in Mandan (it was the North Dakota State High School Girls Soccer Tournament). Another question came from an Air Force retiree. “I hear that BEK TV is carrying a Minot […]

What Do Military Chaplains Do?

When it comes to Military Chaplains, they have a different role than most other military members. Yes, they wear the uniform, and they have a chain of command, and get all the same benefits that are afforded to the other Airmen. They are in the military. However, they are also a little bit different. What […]

Celebrate the Sunshine at the Midsummer Festival

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] Midsummer is that time of the year when the sun never seems to set. The celebration of the Midsummer Solstice is celebrated mostly in Scandinavian cultures and is historically known as a “Magical Night” of sunlight and dancing. Here in Minot, we understand the glory of the long, […]

ScriptCenter Locker
sets to open in July

Department of Defense beneficiaries at Minot Air Force base will soon have the option of picking up prescription medication refills from a secure locker system starting July 12, 2022. The locker system will increase accessibility while fostering good social distancing practices by decreasing face-to-face interactions and being located by other frequented areas on base. The […]

Souris Valley Animal Shelter: Here to Help

There is something about pets that makes most humans feel comforted. Animals offer unconditional love. Dogs, and sometimes cats, allow the human heart to be filled in ways that can’t be filled by other companionship. Many pet owners would probably agree. Because of this unique bond between humans and their pets, the Souris Valley Animal […]

Last Summer for Baseball’s
Souris Valley Sabre Dogs

What screams American Summer nights: Baseball, Family and Fun! Minot’s own Souris Valley Sabre Dogs are here for one last baseball season in Minot. Since 2018, the wooden bat collegiate team has played here in the Expedition League. While some changes are coming next season for the league and team, it did not stop the […]

Final Events Make it Real

The UH-1N Huey helicopter announced its arrival long before it came into view. It was one of those perfect, blue sky days at Minot Air Force Base. The gathering waited for touchdown and the embarkment of Col Christopher Menuey on his fini helo flight, final helicopter flight for us civilians, as Commander of the 91st […]

Rough Riders:
Continuing the Legacy

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. —24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the 91st Missile Wing operates, maintains and defends 150 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Launch Facilities and 15 Missile Alert Facilities spanning 8,500 square miles. This commitment to one of the most important missions in the Department of Defense provides our nation with a […]

5th Bomb Wing Quarterly Awards

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The Talley’s Return to Minot

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. — It was 1970 at Minot Air Force Base, the Airman’s club was hosting a dance competition. James Talley, a Missile Maintenance Technician with the 91st Missile Wing, was in attendance with some of his friends who had told him of some new arrivals at Minot, some of the first […]

5th Bomb Wing LRGF Wins AFGSC Best Fuel Flight
American Petroleum Institute Award

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. —All of our advanced technology and aircraft simply could not operate without fuel. If it was not for the hard work of our Fuel specialists our base would not be operable.The Fuels Management flight from the 5th Logistics Readiness squadron was awarded the Air Force Global Strike Command’s Best Fuel […]

A Day for Minot Discovery

On Wednesday morning, May 25, a group of eager Minot AFB spouses boarded a bus and took off on a tour of a lifetime! Ok, maybe not a lifetime, but definitely one of the best tours for spouses while stationed at Minot. The tour, named Discover Minot Excursion, created and implemented by the Northern Sentry, […]

Where’s the
Recycling Bin?

Minot Air Force Base is always streaming with newcomers. Getting to a new base means figuring out new dentists, schools, grocery stores and general ways of life. After unpacking what seems like the 100th box, some new Minot AFB residents look for the recycling center to dump those overflowing boxes; however, there isn’t one here. […]

Almost Here, Horse Expo
of North Dakota

North Dakota is a large state that offers a wide range of interests and opportunities. One cannot live in this state without getting just a little bit of an appreciation for the outdoors, wildlife and the beauty of Mother Nature. The North Dakota Equine Association is a group of animal enthusiasts which supports horses and […]

Storm Spotter Program
SKYWARN® to be held at Minot AFB

In most years, thunderstorms, tornadoes and lightning cause hundreds of injuries and deaths and billions in property and crop damages. To obtain critical weather information, the National Weather Service (NWS) established SKYWARN® with partner organizations. SKYWARN® is a volunteer program with between 350,000 and 400,000 trained severe weather spotters. These volunteers help keep their local […]

Dakota Elementary’s
Mrs. Shelby Brown Retires

Teachers have always worked extremely hard. But these days, more than ever, quality school teachers are a blessing. This appreciation for teachers was exemplified at the on base Dakota Elementary School. During the yearly “Teacher Appreciation Week,” which was held the week of May 2-6, Dakota treated its teachers to breakfast from Bearscat Bakehouse, a […]

John Sinn
A Man Who Served His
Country and His Community

The obituary of John Sinn tells of his military duty, serving in WWII, his life as a husband and father, and finally it talks about John Sinn, community volunteer who spent hundreds of hours as a volunteer, most notably the “go to guy” at the Scandinavian Heritage Park.I first met John and Olive when my […]

Wing Command Spouses-
Perspectives from the Best
(Who Have Come North)

It’s that time again. The time when the new wing commanders come in and the farewells to the seasoned commanders kicks off. It is a time of remembrance and the familiar “starting new” vibe that the military offers frequently. While every base experiences this, the unique combination of the Bomb Wing and the Missile Wing […]

Family Child Care
Celebrates Month of the Military Child

Family Child Care providers offer valuable in-home child care services to Minot AFB families and these professionals actively celebrated Month of the Military Child!Individually, many showcased decorative home displays donning purple paint, family pictures, and that dandelion message of resilience that we’ve all grown to love. Some dyed purple shirts and others baked purple treats […]

Blizzard Haley Snow Removal Efforts

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. —Recently, April 12-14, 2022, people at Minot Air Force Base and the surrounding North Dakota communities witnessed a massive amount of snow during the historic late-winter storm, Blizzard Haley.The blizzard bombarded Minot AFB for over 48 consecutive hours, leaving the area with a whopping initial 36 inches of snowfall. The […]

AFGSC Outstanding Airmen of the Year recognized

Air Force Global Strike Command recently named its Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2021, commending the top enlisted Strikers across the command.This past Monday, these six Airmen were recognized by Gen. Anthony Cotton, AFGSC commander, and Chief MSgt Melvina Smith, AFGSC command chief, during a Medallion Ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base.Huge congratulations to:Airman […]

E-3s from Tinker AFB relocated to Minot AFB

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. — E-3 Sentries from Tinker Air Force Base relocated to Minot Air Force Base due to severe weather in the area of central Oklahoma.The four aircraft and air crews moved to Minot Air Force Base as a part of normal weather relocation plans to mitigate the possibility of damage during […]

5th Civil Engineering Squadron provides assistance to local disaster response

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. —Early Sunday morning, May 1, 2022, many citizens in Ward County received a public safety notification informing them of a train derailment in Burlington, North Dakota and to evacuate their homes immediately. Shortly afterward they received a follow-up notification indicating the situation was […]

5th Medical Group Pharmacy
Implements New
Feature to Better Serve Patients

The 5th Medical Group Pharmacy is happy to announce that they will have a new text feature to let you know exactly when medications are ready for pick-up. During the check-in process simply alert the pharmacy staff that you would like to receive a text message when the medication is ready, and their team will […]

Discover Minot Excursion:
Find Out Why You Might
NOT Hate it Here

The “Minot Meltdown” (not referring to the massive snow melt) is that familiar moment of dread and overwhelming despair that washes over many Airmen and their family members when they receive orders to the 5th Bomb Wing or the 91st Missile Wing. You know what I’m talking about. Deemed as one of the least ideal […]

A Mother’s Day Tribute: Military Moms

Mother’s Day weekend is here again. It’s the time of year where moms everywhere get extra love, hugs and ‘maybe’ a little extra time to sleep. While this Sunday is a day to celebrate all moms everywhere, here at the Northern Sentry, we would like to give a special shout-out to our active duty mothers […]

The North Dakota Outdoors are Calling— Finally!

The sun is shining, the grass is attempting to get greener and all of Minot AFB is aching to get out and enjoy some warmth! The Minot Outdoor Recreation Center is here to assist. Last Friday, the ODRC hosted an Open House to show off all the equipment they rent, the trips they plan and […]

New Mom Support Group Flourishes

Ask any mother, the transition to mom-life can be a difficult one plagued with uncertainty, loneliness, new emotions and confusion. The demands of early parenthood are challenging no matter where one lives, but in a place like Minot with the extended winters and extreme cold, new mothers and fathers can often find it difficult to […]

Minot Command Post
wins Best Nuclear Command Post in AFGSC

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. —The 5th Bomb Wing Command Post was awarded the 2021 Air Force Global Strike Command Large Nuclear Command Post of the Year and 8th Air Force Nuclear Deterrence Operations Team of the Year at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota.Command Post is the central command point for mission operations on […]

Spark Tank: Launches Innovative Ideas

There is a specialized place here on Minot Air Force Base that is designed to help Airmen discover and develop new concepts to assist in their workspaces. Snuggled in the back end of the Arts & Crafts Center is a top-of-the-line room filled with white board walls, computers, rapid prototyping technology, a 3D printer and […]

The Easter Winter Storm- One for the Decade

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”] The Weather Channel named it Winter Storm Silas. AccuWeater called it a ‘Historic Blizzard’, saying this has been “one of the state’s highest snowfall estimates… the storm was recorded in Minot at 36 […]