Building comradery one month at a time Published March 31, 2017 By Airman 1st Class Alyssa M. Akers Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Food, drinks and activities recently brought dozens of Airmen together to promote teamwork, comradery and morale. The First Friday event strives to do just that and more! Leadership at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., created an event for every first Friday of the month to increase base personnel’s social fitness, one of the pillars of Comprehensive Airman Fitness. Each month, one of the base groups is designated to host the event at the Jimmy Doolittle Center. This includes choosing a theme and coordinating with base agencies to ensure a successful event. “The wing has a schedule, but they do not tell us how we need to plan it,” said Master Sgt. Tiffany Steele, 5th Maintenance Group aerospace ground equipment flight chief, also March’s First Friday event coordinator. “The 5th MXG commander chose who was going to lead it.” March’s First Friday event was dual-themed and hosted by the 5th MXG. The theme was St. Patrick’s Day as well as the base’s deployment celebration for the 23rd Bomb Squadron. March’s event was free for everyone in attendance to support recent deployers. The 5th Force Support Squadron rounded up the money needed to cover the costs. During the event, food was served from 4-6 p.m. A costume contest and many games were held throughout the event. “We had three individuals dressed up very festive,” said Steele. “We called the contest Lucky Leprechauns.” March’s First Friday lasted until 11 p.m. due to people enjoying the night, added Steele. “It’s not mandatory fun,” said Tech. Sgt. Jason Witkowiak, 5th MXG AGE craftsman and assistant coordinator to Steele. “You never know what the night will turn into or how much fun you’ll have.” “I haven’t been to one except this past one, but I’m going to go to all of them now,” said Steele. “Come out and have fun with the rest of us!” The next First Friday event, themed “International,” is scheduled to occur 4-9 p.m. April 7. For more information on April’s First Friday, please contact the JDC at (701) 723-3731.