42nd annual Sportsmen's Feed "superb show of community support"

  • Published
  • By Maj. Elizabeth Ortiz
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Hundreds of Team Minot members packed the Jimmy Doolittle Center for the Sportsmen's Feed here Jan. 21, marking a special event in its 42nd year.

This year's gathering drew more than 260 people for an assortment of wild-game appetizers and entrees, games and tournaments like bingo and darts, and big-screen viewing of the National Football Conference and American Football Conference championship games.

"This is another superb show of community support," said Col. Eldon Woodie, 5th Bomb Wing commander. "The continuity is impressive."

Sponsored by the Minot Chamber of Commerce, the chamber's Military Affairs Committee and the Minot AFB First Sergeants Council, the menu included venison sausage, elk meatballs, breaded walleye, creamed ring-neck pheasant, bison, mallard duck and breaded fowl gizzards.

"The food is great," said Airman 1st Class Alex Martinez, a member of the 91st Maintenance Operations Squadron and first-time Sportsmen's Feed attendee.
In the spirit of the event's intent, Airman Martinez appreciated his commander purchasing tickets for him and his wife. (Every ticket purchased for the event entitled a selected Airman to free admission.)

"I didn't know he (91st MOS commander) was going to do that for me," Airman Martinez added. "I really appreciate it."

Aside from Team Minot, this year's event even extended to a Navy E-6B aircrew diverted here due to inclement weather in Oklahoma City. When the crew called the JDC to see what time Sunday brunch started, they were invited to Sportsmen's Feed right on the spot and spent the afternoon eating wild game, playing bingo and darts and watching football.

"North Dakota hospitality is incomparable," one crewmember said. "It's been great."
About 100 people remained well into the evening for the AFC championship game between the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots.

"It looks like everyone has had a good time," said John MacMartin, president of the Minot Chamber of Commerce. "It's all about sharing traditions, good food and some sport."

The Sportsmen's Feed grew out of two avid local hunters' desire to show their appreciation to enlisted Airmen. More than 40 years later, the idea has remained the same: food, friendship and football.

"In my four years, this is the best one (Sportsmen's Feed) I've attended," said Master Sgt. Ronald Tolzin, 5th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant.