Minot AFB hosts annual Thanksgiving Day of Love Published Nov. 29, 2017 By Airman 1st Class Alyssa M. Akers Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The 48th annual Thanksgiving Day of Love for Minot Air Force Base and the community was celebrated Nov. 23 where approximately 190 seniors were escorted to the Jimmy Doolittle Center for a Thanksgiving meal served by Minot AFB Airmen. The Day of Love began in 1969 under the innovation and leadership of Mr. Claude “Bud” Ebert, well known throughout the Air Force-wide Morale, Welfare and Recreation Programs community for his dedication to the programs during this era. The “Day of Love” was an expression used to promote the relationship between Airmen and senior citizens who share the absence of extended family to celebrate this holiday. “A close relationship has been formed between the Commission on Aging and the base for the past several years,” said Susan Wagers, 5th Force Support Squadron special programs coordinator. “Many seniors mark their calendars year after year, anxiously awaiting the hospitality of the base and sharing their military background and stories with today’s Airmen.” During the event, Col. Matthew Brooks, 5th Bomb Wing commander, and Col. Cathy Barrington, 91st Operations Group commander, accepted a plaque in representation of Team Minot’s role in preserving the United States’ freedom. Additionally, the eldest man, born in 1923 and the eldest woman, born in 1926, were crowned as king and queen of the event. During the event, 75 base volunteers assisted by driving buses, escorting seniors, serving meals and helping in the kitchen. “It was an honor to volunteer for this event,” said Senior Airman Malcolm Ford, 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operations controller and Day of Love volunteer. “I felt exceptionally thankful to have family and friends to spend Thanksgiving with.”