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Minot Honored as Great American Defense Community Kicks Off North Dakota State Fair

Posted: Jul 23 2025

The opening night of the North Dakota State Fair was filled with music, excitement, and an extra dose of hometown pride as Minot was recognized as a 2025 Great American Defense Community on Friday, July 18. The honor, presented by the Association of Defense Communities (ADC), celebrates Minot’s unwavering support for Minot Air Force Base, its mission, and most importantly the personnel who live and work there.

A short ceremony took place at the North Dakota State Fair Grandstand just before multi-platinum country music star Bailey Zimmerman took the stage. A B-52 flyover, courtesy of the 5th Bomb Wing, soared above a standing crowd as North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong, leadership from the Minot Area Chamber EDC, Minot Air Force Base, the City of Minot, and a delegation from ADC joined Zimmerman on stage to highlight the community's military commitment.

“This recognition reinforces what we’ve long known - Minot’s commitment to Minot Air Force Base is second to none. From housing and education to civic pride and daily support, this community leads by example,” said Governor Armstrong. “North Dakota is proud to stand behind our servicemembers while continuing to ensure they feel at home as North Dakota strives to be the most military friendly state in the nation.”

Prior to the presentation, the ADC delegation had the opportunity to discover the magic of the Minot area, including an in-depth tour of Minot Air Force Base, where they learned about the critical missions of the 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st Missile Wing. They also experienced Minot’s vibrant downtown, visited the Magic City Discovery Center—a project made possible in part through a Department of Defense grant. They also stopped at Minot North High School and went on an outing to the Scandinavian Heritage Park.

“Minot didn’t just meet the expectations of what it means to be a Great American Defense Community—they raised the bar,” said Tom Ford, ADC’s Board President. “From the moment we arrived, we felt the warmth and pride that make Minot such a special place. The passion, partnership, and pride on display here are exactly what this program was created to honor.”

“This recognition is not just a milestone—it’s a reflection of the deep bond between Minot and our military community,” said Ryan Ackerman, MACEDC Board Chair. “Minot has always stood beside Minot Air Force Base. It’s who we are. As we just passed the 70th anniversary of the base breaking ground, this is proof of a continued testament to showing our support for the next 70 years of Minot Air Force Base’s mission.”

Launched in 2016, the Great American Defense Communities program honors communities nationwide that go above and beyond to support installations across all branches of the United States military. Minot joins a distinguished group of just 50 communities selected over the last decade for this honor, and will continue to be spotlighted by ADC throughout the year, with plans for further recognition at the ADC Innovation Forum in Monterey, California this October. To learn more about ADC, visit defensecommunities.org.

A B-52 Stratofortress Flies over the North Dakota State Fair Grandstand as Minot was recognized as a 2025 Great American Defense Community on Friday, July 18.

Minot was recognized as a 2025 Great American Defense Community on Friday, July 18.