Progress - Military

Minot Daily News SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2020

Military

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Minot has large number of

Army and Air National Guard members

Submitted Photo

Submitted photos by U.S. Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. David H. Lipp

TOP: Senior Airman Austin Schreiner, of the 219th Security Forces Squadron, handcuffs a simulated intruder during training at Minot Air Force Base on Dec. 10, 2019.

SECOND: Master Sgt Shawn Wegner, left, and Staff Sgt. William Tilton, both of the 219th Security Forces Squadron, operate high-tech unstable gunnery training individual (UGTI) simulator at Minot Air Force Base on Dec. 11, 2019.

THIRD: Master Sgt. Shawn Wegner, of the 219th Security Forces Squadron takes aim with an M-9 pistol during training at Minot Air Force Base on Dec. 11, 2019.

BOTTOM: Senior Airman Austin Schreiner, of the 219th Security Forces Squadron, prepares to fire his M-9 pistol at the small arms firing range at Minot Air Force Base on Dec. 10, 2019.

Staff Sgt. Angela Lage, right, provides instruction to Senior Airman Austin Schreiner, both of the 219th Security Forces Squadron, on the small arms firing range at Minot Air Force Base on Dec. 10, 2019.

U.S. Air National Guard photo by Chief Master Sgt. David H. Lipp.

By ELOISE OGDEN

Regional Editor eogden@minotdailynews.com More than 300 North Dakota Army and Air National Guard personnel are located in the Minot area.

According to information provided by the N.D. National Guard:

219th Security Forces Squadron

About 103 airmen of the Air Guard “Happy Hooligans” are stationed at Minot Air Force Base with the 219th Security Forces Squadron led by Maj. Greg Goodman.

The 219th provides security forces surge requirements in the Minot missile complex. Both full-time and part-

time positions are available. The unit Chad Worrel, provides command and allows personnel to serve at home and control of assigned and attached units. earn college tuition.

Personnel at the maintenance shop 164th Engineer Battalion in Minot belong to the 164th Engineer About 240 soldiers are assigned to Battalion. The battalion also is in the 164th Engineer Battalion of the charge of the 816th Engineer ComNorth Dakota Army National Guard at pany in Dickinson. the Minot Armed Forces Reserve CenOther units ter.

The battalion consists of units inCamp Grafton Training Center at cluding: Devils Lake has many Guard units.

– Headquarters & Headquarters Half of the 818th Engineer Company Company is located in Williston.

– Forward Support Company The Air National Guard Civil Engi– 818th Engineer Company (SAP- neering Technical Service Center also PER) (Half of the company is located is located at the Minot Armed Forces in Williston) Reserve Center. The service center The 164th Engineer Battalion, led personnel are not affiliated with the by full-time officer in charge Capt. N.D. Air National Guard.

AFB’s Billion Minot economic impact local area dollar on tops $10 billion player in 10 years

By ELOISE OGDEN

Regional Editor eogden@minotdailynews.com MINOT AIR FORCE BASE –More than $10 billion from Minot Air Force Base has gone into the Minot community and surrounding area communities during the past 10 fiscal years.

More specifically, from fiscal year 2010 through 2019, the base contributed more than $10.8 billion into the local economy That contribution includes payroll, personnel, construction on the base and in the Minot missile field, contracts for services, expenditures for health care and education, housing and much more. Military retirees also contribute to the local economy but are not part of the analysis.

During the past fiscal year 2019, the base contributed $559.4 million to the local economy, Capt. Crosby Hunt, deputy budget officer with the base’s 5th Comptroller Squadron, reported when presenting the current economic impact analysis to local community leaders attending the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Committee in Minot on Feb. 6.

Hunt said the economic analysis quantifies how Minot AFB plays a role in the local

ABOVE: Staff Sgt. Logan Winter, 5th Operations Support Squadron airfield management noncommissioned officer in charge, speaks into his radio at Minot Air Force Base April 4, 2019, shown in this photo by Heather Leveille.

LEFT: From the left, Capt. Ben Shea, 91st Operations Support Squadron minuteman combat crew commander, and 2nd Lt. Taylor Yost, 740th Missile Squadron deputy MMCCC, review Missile Alert Facility checklists at MAF Delta-01, near Max on Oct. 26, 2019, shown in this photo by Senior Airman Alyssa Akers.

Submitted Photos

economy. The current data is as of Sept. 30, 2019.

Minot Air Force Base owns 5,300 acres of land. The base also has right-of-way easements for over 19,000 acres that make up the Minot missile field across the region. Besides industrial buildings, family housing units, dormitories and visiting quarters and temporary lodging facilities, there are miles of utility distribution lines, roads, the flight line with its runway and taxiways, a large num-

ber of vehicles and many other items such as communication and electronic systems that need to be maintained.

There are 12,041 personnel including 5,637 military members, 5,305 family members of military members and 1,099 civilians employed at the base.

Of the total personnel, 1,960 military members and 2,329 military family members live on the base and the rest – about 60 percent – live off the base.

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Although the months of June to September are the main months of moves for military members and their families, Hunt said the number of personnel at the base continues to stay constant on an annual basis.

Of the more than 1,000 civilians at the base, the number includes and civilians working at the Base Exchange and for private businesses at the base.

See BASE — Page 2

Page 2

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Minot Daily News • PROGRESS: Military

Veterans serving veterans

Minot Vet Center specialist reaches out to veterans and their families

By ELOISE OGDEN

Regional Editor eogden@minotdailynews.com North to the Bottineau/Belcourt area, south to the Washburn area, west to the Watford City area and east to Minnewaukan area, Ric Gutierrez, Veterans Outreach Programs specialist with the Minot Vet Center, reaches out to veterans and their families.

Gutierrez has been Veterans Outreach Programs specialist with the local Vet Center since 2015. His work entails attending various and numerous local events to recruit and market the Vet Center. “We provide counseling for combat vets as well as MST (military sexual trauma) survivors,� said Gutierrez, who reaches out to veterans and their families to let them know about the services available at the Minot Vet Center.

The Minot Vet Center’s readjustment counseling services include individual and group counseling, marital/family counseling, bereavement counseling, drug and alcohol referral, liaison with VA and community resources, benefits assistance referral and community education career referral.

The center stresses it is a “safe and protected place to talk� and visits are

If a veteran and their family need kept confidential. “We are part of VA (Veterans Ad- assistance other than services proministration) but we are separate. Our vided by the Minot Vet Center, the center staff can refer them to services are at no costs to local agencies. the veteran and famSince the Minot ily members. We MINOT Vet Center moved see family VET CENTER to its new locamembers as The Minot Vet Center’s tion at Southwell to inphone number is 852-0177. side Plaza at clude If someone needs to reach 3300 S. chilBroadway in dren,� staff on weekends or after late SeptemGutierhours, they can call the 247 ber 2018, rez said, Vet Center Call Center at 1Gutierrez said adding, 877-927-8387. The Minot their “octane “WhoVet Center is located in levels have inever the the Southside Plaza creased whether veteran at 3300 S. it’s people walking states as a Broadway. in noticing our new family member, building and our new sign that’s who we see.� and asking about what services He said counselors from the Minot Vet Center travel to the Bot- we have or being referred from the diftineau/Belcourt, New Town and ferent agencies to our office.�

He said if someone doesn’t really Williston areas multiple times a know what they need as far as servmonth.

If there’s any type of event in the ices, he said they should still stop by Minot Vet Center coverage areas as the Minot Vet Center to visit with staff. “It doesn’t matter if they’re military long as manning allows them, he said someone from the Minot office will be – active duty, veteran – we’ll see anythere, whether it’s himself or a coun- body and guide them in the right diselor. He said the events may range rection,� Gutierrez said, adding, “We from a resource informational fair to have a lot of walk-ins.�

Appointments can be made but events specifically for women veterare not needed. “If somebody needs to ans.

Fairly simple process to determine VA health care eligibility

By ELOISE OGDEN

Regional Editor • eogden@minotdailynews.com

Determining eligibility for veterans for Veterans Administration healthcare is a fairly simple process, according to Ross Tweten, public affairs officer for the Fargo VA Health Care System.

Tweten provided information on a few ways veterans can determine their eligibility: – Call the Fargo VA Health Care System Eligibility Office at 239-3700, extension 3428. – Go to www.va.gov and click the link “Apply now for VA health care.� – Contact your local county Veterans Service officer for help. – Contact your local Veterans Service organization for help.

Tweten said they often tell people who may not have qualified for VA healthcare in the past, to reapply for VA healthcare. “The rules regarding eligibility are very much subject to change and veterans often find themselves going through changes in their lives which can cause them to be eligible for VA healthcare,�

Tweten said.

He said there are many things that can qualify veterans for VA healthcare, but a very significant factor is if a veteran served in a theater of combat operations after Nov. 11, 1998, and was discharged on or after Jan. 28, 2003, they have special eligibility to enroll in the VA healthcare system for five years from their date of discharge or release. “In other words, if you recently served in a theater of combat operations, you most likely qualify for VA healthcare,� he said.

For more information about eligibility, visit the website: www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/.

Base

Continued from Page 1

Military and civilians at the base had a total annual payroll of $392.3 million in fiscal year 2019, a slight increase from fiscal year 2018 when the yearly payroll was $361.4 million.

The Air Force invests an extensive amount of money in construction, services and obtaining materials, equipment and supplies, according to Hunt.

He said the total construction for the 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st Missile Wing was $7.7 million. Additionally, he said there was just under $5 1/2 million in services contracts that go toward such things as roads and upkeep on buildings.

Services contracts includes only contracts in the local economic area or contracts re-

be seen that day, we will make it happen. Especially if they’re in a crisis mode, we will definitely make it happen,� he said.

The Minot Vet Center also hosts a special event for Vietnam veterans each year. Now in its ninth year, the Annual Minot Vietnam Veterans Celebration, also open to family members and community people, was held March 29 in the Grand Hotel. March 29 also is National Vietnam Veterans Day. Local veterans’ organizations assist and food and drinks are provided by donations from Minot businesses.

A combat veteran, Gutierrez served in the U.S. Air Force in security forces for 13 years including in Bosnia during the Yugoslav Wars.

While in Ohio he applied for a Veterans Administration job and got it.

The job was as office manager at the Minot Vet Center. Gutierrez was familiar with the Minot area. He served at Minot AFB for five years from 20002005. “It was my second base,� he said. “I really enjoyed it and I believe in the program,� Gutierrez said of his position as Minot Vet Center office manager.

When the outreach position opened at the Minot Vet Center he thought it would be a good fit for him.

Gutierrez advises veterans and

Submitted Photo

Ric Gutierrez, right, and Allison Schuetz, left, of the Minot Vet Center are shown at the Magic City Car and Trade Show held at the State Fair Center in Minot in February.

their family members who are in need of services or have questions about services to visit the Minot Vet Center. “In my opinion, we are ‘the gold mine of the VA.’ We are going to provide counseling care. Ninety percent of our staff are veterans and half of us are combat vets so we understand what the veteran goes through as well as dependents. Our services are 100 percent free – no cost ever,� he said. “Even if you don’t think you are qualified, come in and at least talk to somebody,� Gutierrez said.

If the Minot Vet Center cannot provide the services the veterans and their family members need, he said they will be referred to a local agency.

Free rides for veterans to VA medical appointments

By ELOISE OGDEN

Regional Editor eogden@minotdailynews.com Free transportation on the VA Volunteer Transportation Network (VTN) is available for veterans for appointments to the Veterans Administration Medical and Regional Center in Fargo.

The Fargo VA is in partnership with the Disabled American Veterans to provide the service to veterans. “The VTN provided access to medical appointments for 1,373 veterans in fiscal year 2019, said Ross Tweten, public affairs officer for the Fargo VA Health Care System in Fargo. “We would love for more veterans seeking care at the Fargo VA to take advantage of this free service. We have plenty of capacity to offer this service to many more veterans. There is plenty of room.�

To schedule a ride on a van to a Fargo VA Health Care System appointment, veterans should call their local county Veterans Service officer.

Routes operating in North Dakota are: – Stanley/Minot Route 857-6492 – Pembina County Route 7808296 – Wahpeton Route 642-787 – Bismarck Route 222-6698

quiring the use of locally supplied goods and services, according to the economic impact analysis.

Materials, equipment and supplies including for the commissary, Base Exchange, health (Tri-Care, government cost only), education (impact aid and tuition assistance), temporary duty, government purchase card (local area) and Balfour Beatty privatized housing totaled $47.9 million.

How does this play out in the Minot economy?

An estimated 2,104 indirect jobs were created in the Minot area in fiscal year 2019. The number of indirect jobs is determined based on an average annual pay of $50,336 (of the city of Minot), resulting in an estimated annual dollar value of jobs created at $105.9 million.

The indirect jobs show how

– Golden Valley Route 872-4673 The DAV van schedule for the Stanley/Minot route and more information is available on the Ward County website at www.wardnd.com, then go to Departments, then Veterans Services, then VA Medical Center, Fargo.

General ridership information

the base money ripples through the local economy.

The total annual economic impact estimate as of Sept. 30, 2019, includes annual payroll, annual expenditures and estimated annual dollar value of jobs created for a grand total of $559.3 million.

Hunt said military retirees are not included in the analysis although as of Sept. 20, 2019, there were 1,461 military retirees living in the local area and receiving a yearly retired pay of $33.6 million.

He said military retirees make up about 3 percent of the population in the city of Minot. That number has stayed quite constant over time, he said.

Hunt pointed out the analysis is an estimate and based on assumptions but it is a way for them to measure how the Air Force base interacts with the city in terms of dollars, etc.

includes riders must be able to enter and exit the van without assistance. The VTN vans are not wheelchair accessible. Rides are always first-come, first-serve and based on availability Monday-Friday.

The free transportation for veterans is also offered in several areas in Minnesota.

Submitted Art

Anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer driver for the VA Volunteer Transportation Network can call 239-3700, Ext. 3395 or email VHAFARVOL@va.gov.

For more information about free rides for veterans to VA Medical appointments call your local Veterans Service office.

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Saturday, April 4, 2020

Page 3

Minot Daily News • PROGRESS: Military

Unique military installation LEFT: Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett, speaks with airmen at Minot Air Force Base during her visit to the base on March 5, shown in this photo by Airman 1st Class Josh Strickland.

Minot AFB site of numerous high-level visitors

BELOW: Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett poses with Senior Airman DuBois Toy, 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle mechanic, during her visit to Minot Air Force Base on March 5, shown in this photo by Airman 1st Class Josh Strickland.

By ELOISE OGDEN

Regional Editor eogden@minotdailynews.com MINOT AIR FORCE BASE – Minot Air Force Base is a unique U.S. military installation. It is the Department of Defense’s only dual wing-nuclear capable installation and many distinguished visitors come to the base each year.

This year Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, along with Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer, visited the base on Feb. 12. Hoeven and Cramer invited Esper to the state during Esper’s confirmation process last year. Esper is one of few Defense secretaries to ever visit the base.

The following month, in March, Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett made a visit to the Minot base. Barrett became secretary of the Air Force in 2019. Her visit to the Minot base focused on quality of life and included a tour of base facilities and meeting with military families Esper and Barrett are among distinguished visitors who have been to the Minot base so far this year. Last year, the base had 288 distinguished visitors.

“We had distinguished visitors on the ground for 266 days of our 365 days of the year,” Col. Bradley Cochran, commander of the base’s 5th Bomb Wing, told members of the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Committee at its monthly meeting on Feb. 6.

“It is a huge opportunity for us that we take very seriously to educate senior leaders on what the mission is in both the 91st (Missile Wing) and the 5th (Bomb Wing) – the triad – and how important that is for the strategic stability of the United States and really what we consider the shield, the backbone, of the United States military,” Cochran said, adding, “This is a very strategic base.”

The Navy’s submarinelaunched ballistic missiles are the third leg of the nuclear triad.

Minot AFB is a place where distinguished visitors can see in one stop the operations of

Submitted Photos

LEFT: Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, right, speaks to a large group of military members and also Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer during his visit to Minot Air Force Base in February. Photo from Sen. Cramer’s office.

BELOW: Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, center, is shown with Sen. John Hoeven, left, and Sen. Kevin Cramer during a visit to Minot Air Force Base in February. Photo from Sen. Cramer’s office.

Submitted Photos

both the 91st Missile Wing’s Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles and 5th Bomb Wing’s B-52 bomber.

“That’s what makes this base so powerful and so strategic,” Cochran said.

Distinguished visitors also come to Minot AFB to show their appreciation and recognize airmen.

Since Jan. 1 of this year, distinguished visitors to the

base besides Defense Department Secretary Mark Esper have included Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David Goldfein, U.S. Strategic Command Commander Adm. Charles Richard, Surgeon General of the Air Force Dorothy Hogg and Chief of Chaplains of the Air Force Maj. Gen. Steven Schaick.

“It’s our honor and privilege

to do this and to educate our senior leaders on how important it is,” he said of the distinguished visitors’ visits to Minot Air Force Base.

He said many of the visits include dinners and socials with the local community. On behalf of Col. Glenn Harris, missile wing commander, and himself, Cochran thanked community leaders for their support.

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Page 4

Minot Daily News • PROGRESS: Military

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Commemorative tiles Rugby Legion Post project to honor veterans

the veteran. The cost to sponsor a

By RON MONTONYE Pierce County Veterans Service Officer tile is $200. To order a tile, the sponsor will need to complete an Clarence Larson American Le- application along with submitgion Post #23 of Rugby has ting a check for $200, and a copy begun a new project to honor of the veteran’s official discharge Pierce County veterans. It is certificate (DD 214). The DD 214 called the Veterans Commemo- needs only to be a copy. This discharge paper is different than a rative Ceiling Tile project.

The plan is to replace the ex- veteran’s Honorable Discharge isting false ceiling tiles in the Certificate as it contains much American Legion meeting room, more additional information, located in the basement of Me- which will be used for the morial Hall, with new commem- needed tile information. Using orative tiles, each honoring an the DD 214 will ensure the tile individual veteran of Pierce information is accurate as to the veteran’s military service.

County.

To qualify for a tile, the vetThe veteran information will be graphically installed on a new eran must have been honorably 2 foot by 4 foot tile. The military discharged and must have, or information will include the vet- had, a connection to Pierce eran’s name, branch of service County. This would include a (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force connection through birth, being and Coast Guard), years of serv- raised in Pierce County, was inice, rank at the time of discharge, ducted into the service while a the war period they served, the resident of Pierce County, or is, unit the veteran was attached to, or at one time was, a resident of and medals received. It will also Pierce County. The veteran can include, by insignia, if the vet- be living or deceased. eran is or was a member of the This is an on-going project.

American Legion or Veteran of There is no deadline on when to Foreign Wars. apply.

Each tile will be sponsored by Sponsors can contact Ron family members or friend(s) of Montonye for an application,

Submitted Photo

This photo shows the veteran information that will go on a Veterans Commemorative Ceiling Tile, a project of the Clarence Larson American Legion Post #23 of Rugby. The tiles will be placed in the American Legion meeting room in Rugby. and the form requesting the veteran’s DD214 from the Military Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, if they do not have it.

These two forms can also be found on the following three Facebook sites: Rugby American

Legion Post 23, Daryls-Refrigeration, and Daryl Kuhnhenn Memorial Ride. Contact Montonye at 701-776-5358 for any questions.

Clarence Larson American Legion Post #23, and the local Sons

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of the American Legion Chapter hope this project will be a success as it is just another permanent way to express appreciation and gratitude for the sacrifice made by local veterans, both past and present.

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Page 5

Minot Daily News • PROGRESS: Military

‘Supporting Those Who Served’ ND Military Outreach Program connects veterans, families with resources

By ELOISE OGDEN

Eloise Ogden/MDN

From the left, Dawn Anderson, The Wellington executive director; Darcie Handt, now former executive director of ND Cares; Nikki Frohlich and Kelli Weiand, N.D. Military Outreach Program outreach specialists; Ric Gutierrez, ND Cares Committee member; and Andy Heitkamp, director of the Military Resource Center at Minot State University, are shown on Feb. 11 Kelli Weiand, military out- at The Wellington in Minot. The Wellington became a ND Cares partner that day.

Regional Editor eogden@minotdailynews.com

reach specialist, with the North Dakota Military Outreach Program, travels across the northern half of North Dakota to meet with veterans and their families to assist them with resources.

Based at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Minot, Weiand is one of two military outreach specialists for the N.D. Military Outreach Program.

Nikki Frohlich, based in Bismarck, covers the southern half of the state.

The N.D. Military Outreach Program is a state program designed to assist military veterans, past and present service members, and their families in finding resources, services and benefits to meet their needs.

Weiand said the intent of the program is to go out into communities and connect with veteran service members and their family members, and find out what their needs are and try to connect them with resources, whether it be locally, statewide or even national.

“We do a lot of traveling, we attend a lot of events. We try to get into rural areas and find people who aren’t connected with resources,” Weiand said.

“We help with any issue.

We try to connect them with the VA (Veterans Administration) if needed to get benefits and file a claim,” she added.

She said they also work to connect military veterans and their families with information and resources in other areas such as financial, employment, etc.

“We go out and find what the needs are and try to connect them with the right person that can help them,” she said.

From 2000 to present, Weiand has had 9,666 contacts as a military outreach specialist. The top 10 issues have included ID cards (drivers license V), homeless housing VA benefits, mental health, financial, Tricare, suicide and medical.

Weiand said the main way the program reaches contacts is through community outreach or traveling in the designated area and meeting individuals. She said the second major way to contact veterans and their families is through event booths.

“I get a lot of clients from simply going out and hanging flyers in rural communities so when I travel I try to stop at gas stations or malls or clinics or wherever I can put up some information,” she said.

The N.D. Military Outreach Program has been in existence for a number of years. Formerly the program was under the umbrella of the National Guard.

When then Gov. Jack Dalrymple signed an executive order establishing the ND Cares Coalition in January 2015, the N.D. Military Outreach Program moved under ND Cares which supports N.D. service members, veterans, families and survivors.

“It is another way we can support communities because under ND Cares our communities are set up doing different events and helping veterans in the community. We are a link between ND Cares and the communities to try to add additional support,” Weiand said.

There is no cost for assistance from the North Dakota Military Outreach Program.

Another part of the military outreach specialists’ work is setting up community events.

This fall will be the ninth annual Veterans Stand Down

Business Initiative The Wellington becomes ND Cares partner

By ELOISE OGDEN

Regional Editor eogden@minotdailynews.com

Eloise Ogden/MDN

Sgt. Tara Loomer, a member of the North Dakota Army National Guard, poses with two residents of The Wellington in Minot, Ray Curtis, left, and Gerald Donelenko, after presenting them with ND Cares coins on Feb. 11.

Curtis, a World War II veteran, was celebrating his 103rd birthday that day.

Eloise Ogden/MDN

Coins like these from ND Cares were given to residents of The Wellington in Minot.

Eloise Ogden/MDN

Ray Sharkey, right, a resident of The Wellington in Minot, accepts a ND Cares coin from Tech.

Sgt. Keith Hess on Feb. 11. Hess is a recruiter with the North Dakota Air National Guard’s 219th Security Forces Squadron. held at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Minot.

The Veterans Stand Down has grown extensively over the years along with its support through service organizations and sponsors, Weiand said.

She said the event started with about 70 veterans attending and has grown to 192 veterans/service members along with guests at the 2019 event.

Veterans/service members with service in Army, Navy, Marines

and Air Force attended, ranging from service during the 1940s to current and included 173 men and 19 women, and 100 individuals who served in a combat zone. There were 47 booths at the 2019 event.

Stand Down Planning Committee members include: – Kelli Weiand, N.D. Military Outreach – Gary Siewert, Family Assistance Center N.D. National Guard

– Ric Gutierrez, Minot Vet Center – Andy Heitkamp, Minot State University Veterans director – Mac McLeod, Minot Area Homeless Coalition – DiNell Hall, VA HUD/VASH – Orleen Orem, Community Action SSVF – Dale Braun, retired Ward County Veterans Service officer The next Stand Down will again be held in October.

“I just feel really lucky because in Minot we have a very strong group of individuals that work very well together.

We all collaborate together so well to help our veterans. Honestly, they come first,” Weiand said.

ND Cares Coalition’s purpose is to resolve barriers or gaps in services to make sure those serving and those who have served, their families, and survivors receive the care and assistance they need.

One of ND Cares’ goals is partnering with many businesses in North Dakota.

On Feb. 11, The Wellington assisted living facility in Minot officially became a partner with the ND Cares Coalition.

Dawn Anderson, The Wellington executive director, signed the statement of support that day establishing the facility “as a link in the statewide network dedicated to educating residents about potential needs and challenges faced by those who have served and to honor current and former military members,” according to ND Cares information.

“We want everyone to know that North Dakota is a welcoming place for our military, whether you served in a war, during peacetime, or are currently serving.

To do that, ND Cares relies on the participation of our communities and their commitment to military outreach,” said Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general, in a prepared statement.

“We look forward to partnering with The Wellington to continue to strengthen an accessible network of support for our service members, veterans, families and survivors.”

Other ND Cares’ partners in Minot include High Country Coca-Cola and Kalix.

When businesses become ND Cares partners, it means they have an interest in supporting local veterans and families, and offer support through their business, said Kelli Weiand, Minot, an outreach specialist with the North Dakota Military Outreach Program. For example, she said a breakfast for veterans is held monthly at The Wellington along with other programs.

The N.D. Outreach Program is under ND Cares.

These businesses “celebrate what the veteran community is and to be there and offer support,” Weiand said.

There is no cost for a business to become a ND Cares partner.

For more information about ND Cares contact Joe Faller, Bismarck, at ndcares@nd.gov or 3332015.

This map shows the coverage area for North Dakota Military Outreach Program specialists.

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Page 6

Minot Daily News • PROGRESS: Military

Saturday, April 4, 2020

New helicopters ahead for Minot AFB, other missile bases MH-139A Grey Wolf unveiled

By ELOISE OGDEN

Regional Editor eogden@minotdailynews.com MINOT AIR FORCE BASE – Minot Air Force Base and other intercontinental ballistic missile bases are getting closer to getting new MH139A helicopters.

The MH-139A helicopter is replacing the Vietnam-era UH-1N Hueys that provide security and support for the intercontinental ballistic missile fields in North Dakota and other states. The new helicopters with their new livery were unveiled and their name announced at Duke Field, Fla., this past December.

Gen. Timothy Ray, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, announced the MH-139A helicopter has been named the “Grey Wolf,” according to Global Strike Command. The name Grey Wolf is derived from the wild species that roams the northern tier of North America, which also encompasses the ICBM bases in Air Force Global Strike Command. The Air Force will procure up to 84 MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters, training devices and associated support equipment from Boeing.

Besides Minot AFB, F.E.

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TOP RIGHT: The MH-139A Grey Wolf was unveiled and named during a ceremony at Duke Field, Fla., in December, shown in this Air Force photo. Minot AFB and other intercontinental ballistic missile bases will be getting the new helicopter in the future. The MH-139A replaces the Vietnam-era UH-1N Hueys.

MAIN: The new MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters will provide security and support for the nation’s intercontinental ballistic missile fields which span North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado and Nebraska. Other mission capabilities include civil search and rescue, airlift support, National Capital Region missions, as well as survival school and test support.

Warren AFB in Wyoming and Malmstrom AFB in Montana will be getting the new helicopters.

Currently the design of the new Helicopter Operations and Tactical Response Force Facility to be constructed at the Minot base is at 95 per-

cent completion, with the 100 percent design completion to come next, according to Minot AFB Public Affairs.

The contract has not been awarded yet so an exact price hasn’t been offered, but it is possible it will be awarded in summer 2020. Since this

project hasn’t been awarded yet, there also isn’t a set date for groundbreaking just yet.

Based off the 95 percent design is the size of the facility which relates to cost. Currently, the three-bay base bid will result in a 127,000square-foot facility (rounding

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to 127,000). There is a bid option for a fourth bay that will increase the square footage of the entire facility to 133,000 square feet. The entire facility will consist of cold storage bays along with maintenance bays and alert hangars, Cushing said.

Minot AFB currently has eight UH-1N Hueys. The Air Force plans for the MH-139 to reach its initial operating capability in 2023. Minot AFB is expected to begin receiving 11 MH-139s in that timeframe, according to Sen. John Hoeven’s office.

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Minot Daily News • PROGRESS: Military

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Weapons for the future New missile system, new bomber ahead

By ELOISE OGDEN

Regional Editor eogden@minotdailynews.com The Air Force continues its plans for two next generation weapons systems – the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent to replace the nation’s Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system and the new B-21 Raider bomber program.

Minot Air Force Base is the only dual wing, nuclearSubmitted Art capable base with Minuteman III ICBMs in the Minot This is an artist rendering of a B-21 Raider concept in a hangar at Dyess Air Force Base. Dyess Air Force Base is one of the missile field and B-52 bases expected to host the new bomber. Photo from Northrop Grumman. bombers. determine IOC. Bombers of the Malmstrom AFB, Mont., The B-21 program is exefuture and F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., cuting in Engineering and also have Minuteman III The Air Force is committed Manufacturing Development ICBMs. Barksdale AFB, La., to the bombers of the future – (EMD) phase.

The weaponalso has B-52 bombers. the B-21 and the B-52H to The B-21 Raider is the Air meet the changing needs of na- system Critical Design Review tional security. In order to keep (CDR) event was successfully Force’s first new bomber in the B-52H in the fight through completed Nov. 28-30 2018. more than 30 years when the 2050, we have been investing The first software build that B-2A Spirit was unveiled. It in multiple improvements to represents basic capabilities is named after “Doolittle’s ensure continued readiness in and has already begun the Raiders” the B-25 Mitchell today’s combat environment. process for the second and bombers that bombed Tokyo Final retirement of the B-1B third builds. B-21 is using in 1942. and B-2 is conditionally based “Agile” software development Linda Frost, deputy for on the delivery of operational tools and methodology to acMedia Operations at Air B-21s and should permit a lim- complish weapon system softForce Global Strike Comware development, ited number of overlap. mand at Barksdale Air Force integration, and testing. The The B-21 is being designed Base, La., provided the folprogram is continually assessbased on firm requirements lowing update about the with existing and mature tech- ing internal and external agile GBSD program and the B-21: nology balanced with afford- development methodologies to ability to allow for future identify new tools and best New missile system Eloise Ogden/MDN adaptable capabilities. Lessons practices to improve the softGround Based Strategic A missile alert facility (MAF) is shown in the Minot missile field. The Ground learned from previous pro- ware development pipeline.

Deterrent (GBSD) will reThe Secretary of the Air grams were used and all eleplace the Minuteman III Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) is being planned and will replace the ments of life cycle costs were Force announced on March ICBM with an initial capabil- nation’s Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system in the future. considered for affordability. 27, 2019, that the preferred ity of 2029. Until full capaThe acquisition strategy in- main operating base locations bility is achieved in the ity gaps. GBSD is an afford- tary utility and lifecycle cost achieved on Aug. 23, 2016. centivizes industry partners to are Ellsworth AFB, S.D., – Technology Maturation achieve cost, schedule and Whiteman AFB, Mo., and mid-2030s, we must take ac- able strategic system. There savings.

The GBSD program is and Risk Reduction (TMRR) performance objectives. tions to ensure Minuteman is a great opportunity to Dyess AFB, Texas. This basing III remains a viable deterrent. lower lifecycle costs beyond fully funded at $8 billion for contracts were awarded on The Air Force is committed decision minimizes impact to Aug. 21, 2017.

GBSD is not just a new current estimates through FY19-23. to building a minimum of 100 operations and communities, – Milestone B is projected B-21s with an average cost per maximizes re-use of existing Here’s the Development missile but optimal, fully in- implementation of modern for the fourth quarter of fis- aircraft of $550 million in 2010 infrastructure, and minimizes tegrated launch, flight and in- designs and more efficient Timeline: – Office of Secretary of cal year 2020. This will rep- dollars or about $639 million cost to base B-21s. The final frastructure systems with operations, maintenance and Defense/Acquisition, Tech- resent the completion of in 2019 dollars. Initial capabil- basing decision is expected in modern command and con- security concepts.

GBSD will use refur- nology and Logistics ap- technology maturation and ity to be fielded in mid-2020s; 2021, following compliance trol features. Life extensions the GBSD risk reduction activities and nuclear certification within with the National Environon the Minuteman III will bished existing MM III infra- proved cost more than a full system structure (e.g., Launch Acquisition Strategy in July initiates the engineering and two years of initial operating mental Policy Act (NEPA) and manufacturing development capability (IOC). Air Force other regulatory and planning replacement, and would not Control Centers, support in- 2016.

– Milestone A was phase address warfighting capabil- frastructure) based on miliGlobal Strike Command will processes.

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Minot Daily News • PROGRESS: Military

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Saturday, April 4, 2020