The holidays have arrived, which means family, friends, and of course- delicious food! Holiday baking is often a staple of family gatherings during this time of the year, but many military personnel on Minot Air Force Base (AFB) are away from home and sharing their favorite holiday treats with loved ones.
Minot Area Chamber EDC is gearing up to help spread cheer to the airmen and families on Minot AFB with the annual Team Minot Cookie Drive. Keli Rosselli-Sullivan, Workforce Development | Military Liaison is excited for this annual collection of cookies event. “It feels good to be able to give back to our airmen. We want them to know our community cares. Team Minot is part of our community, and that’s one of many ways that we show our appreciation to them,” said Rosselli-Sullivan.
The collected cookies are distributed to first term airmen between the ages of 18-20 who live in the dorms at Minot AFB. These personnel are required to live in the dorms, and it could be the first time they have been away from family for the holidays. Baking cookies is just one small way the Minot area can show its appreciation to the men and women serving our country.
“While the act of delivering a cookie may seem like a small gesture, it’s the love and appreciation that comes with that cookie that warms the entire base this holiday season. Many thanks to our community volunteers, military spouses and First Sergeants for making this holiday magic happen,” said Col. Jesse Lamarand, 5th Bomb Wing commander.
Additionally, the baked goods have been brought to the airmen stationed at 91st Missile Wing Missile Alert Facilities across western North Dakota. Airmen deploy for a week at a time to keep minuteman missiles on alert and defend the nation with a combat-ready nuclear force.
“This is not normal. Cookies from our community is above and beyond a level of Magic City support that is not seen at any other installation. It’s a wonderful gesture. This beautiful Minot tradition is a perfect reminder of how lucky we are to be serving our nation in such a special place,” said Col. Jimmy Schlabach, 91st Missile Wing commander.
“Minot Air Force Base is such a crucial part of our community,” said Cassidy Hjelmstad, Minot Area Chamber EDC 2024 Board Chair. “They’re our friends and neighbors, and many of them are thousands of miles away from home. It’s important that we continue to be welcoming and exemplify the true magic of the Minot area, and what better time to do so than during the holidays. We want them to know that we’re thankful for everything that they do, and we’re glad to have them here.”
For anyone wanting to join in on the fun, drop-off days will be December 16 and 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Minot Area Chamber EDC office, 1020 20th Avenue SW. Cookies must be placed in disposable packaging and include a numbered count. If you have access to Minot Air Force Base, you can also drop your treats off at the Jimmy Doolittle Center located at 174 Summit Drive December 16 and 17. Last year the community delivered over 11,000 cookies to our military personnel, so help us beat our record in 2024!
Send an email to keli@minotchamberedc.com or give our office a call at 701-852-6000 with any questions.