The story is repeated many times in a year, mostly on weekends. An evening starts out with several young Airmen arriving at the home of a colleague. It’s been a long week, even a long month, and those in attendance are able to visit, share frustrations with their job (as we all do), and have […]

“It’s enough.”This is the reminder I have been giving myself since June. Like the proverbial broken record, these words are on a continual loop in my mind. It’s enough. You’re having enough fun. You’re spending enough time outside. The kids are having enough lazy days. The kids are having enough busy days. You’re doing enough […]

I’ve known I had to write about this for quite some time but couldn’t really settle on a way to approach it.Delay. Delay. Delay. Finally, I came to the realization that was precisely the crux of the entire matter. As Nike says, just do it.I know what you are thinking – this kooky writer is […]

It’s no secret that students coming out of our high schools lack knowledge of history and geography.Is it poorly taught, does the curriculum matter to school boards, maybe students themselves just don’t like it, or is there some other reason not publicly known.Regardless, we often lack this knowledge and when we become adults and move […]

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. — On June 15, 2023, Airmen from the 5th Civil Engineering Squadron participated in a unique training concept, transitioning from computer-based training to a 12-hour hands-on, outdoor classroom environment. They learned lifesaving capabilities such as finding food, water, and shelter in the wilderness. “These are life skills that can be […]

U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Indonesia — In a historic first, two U.S. B-52 bombers landed in Indonesia on June 19 to execute training exercises with Indonesian Airforce (TNI-AU) F-16 aircraft. The landing at Kualanamu airport in Medan and subsequent operations mark the first time U.S. B-52s have operated from Indonesia. The aircraft, from the […]

The possession, distribution, and/or ingestion of hemp products, cannabidiol (CBD), delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC8), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC9), and marijuana are illegal in the military and are cause for discharge from the United States Air Force. Use of these substances is preventable and has real consequences. This article focuses on THC8 and THC9 and is intended to provide transparency […]

Nope, not talking about the difference between an optimist and a pessimist. Instead, let’s look at summer, 2023. We just passed July 4th, and I have heard many times that the summer is half over, it all goes downhill from here.So, let’s just talk a bit, optimistically, about all the good things that are left […]

If everyone discovered the benefits of fishing, there would be a shortage of fishing rods. I read that somewhere, or something very close to it. Fishing is fun, to be sure, especially when the fish cooperate, but there’s so much more to it. First and foremost is that thinking about general troubles and difficulties in […]

In last week’s article we discussed how shortages in the trades are making it difficult for businesses to carry out good customer service. But it isn’t just with electricians, plumbers and carpenters. Just about every industry; wholesale, retail, government, schools and military all have shortages in personnel. It’s even hard to find enough baseball coaches […]

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. —Through Task Force True North’s Warrior program, 115 Team Minot Airmen come together three times weekly to train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Instead of other martial arts that feature striking, Jiu Jitsu takes place on the ground and utilizes chokes, grabs, grapples, and locks. They say it has changed their […]

F.E WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. – — The Mighty Ninety came together to celebrate the change of command from Col. Catherine Barrington, outgoing 90th Missile Wing commander, and Col. Johnny Galbert, incoming 90 MW commander, during a ceremony at the Argonne Parade Field on F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, June 22, 2023. Barrington […]

Two Air Force B-52s made history with the bomber’s first ever landing in Indonesia on June 19—a gesture of partnership with the strategically important southeast Asian country. “This specific deployment of the B-52s to Indonesia highlights the importance of working with our allies, partners and other U.S. joint military units as we bolster our collective […]

It was a big day on the parade field at F.E. Warren Air Force Base as Col. Johnny Galbert assumed command of the 90th Missile Wing replacing Col. Catherine Barrington. It was almost picture perfect. An endless blue sky met the acres of green grass of this historic venue. Across the field was a row […]

“It must have been the wind.” That was my first thought when found soil strewn about the stoop and some freshly planted annuals uprooted from their pots. It had been windy overnight. The soil was light. This was a plausible explanation. If there’s anything I’ve learned from living in Hot Dish Land, it’s that most […]

The server placed silverware, all neatly wrapped in a napkin, on a nearby table. She set down two full glasses of water. Then two cups into which she poured steaming coffee. She left the coffee pot on the table and set down two menus.Sitting a few feet away, savoring a Clara’s Special breakfast and a […]

In the past several months we’ve had a lot of work done on our house and greenhouse. New kitchen cabinets, some electrical rewiring in the greenhouse and house and new plumbing in the kitchen. It’s all but finished now but it brings to mind how critical the trades are and how short they are of […]

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii — More than 200 Airmen and four B-52 Stratofortresses assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, arrived at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam June 14 in order to conduct Bomber Task Force—or BTF—missions. BTF deployments and operations support U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s missions by integrating strategic […]

I cried when I found out we were moving to Minot. I broke down when I found out we had orders out of here. I get it; Minot has a lot of downsides. We all know what they are. Also, it’s easier to ignore the disadvantages in the energetic summer months rather than in the […]

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 […]