Minot Airmen and community prepare for day of love

  • Published
  • By Kiley Swopes
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Airmen and their families prepare to serve up a traditional holiday meal to members of the Minot community at the annual Thanksgiving Day of Love scheduled to be held Nov. 22 at the Jimmy Doolittle Center.

The Thanksgiving Day of Love began in 1969 under Claude "Bud" Ebert, who was known Air Force-wide for his dedication to the Air Force recreation programs during that era.

"The "Day of Love" was an expression used to promote the relationship between Airmen and senior citizens who may share the absence of extended family to celebrate this important holiday," said Mary Brown, 5th Force Support Squadron deputy commander.

Nearly 200 senior citizens from the local area share a holiday meal with base volunteers on this day.

"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 young Airmen," Brown stated.

Bringing members of the Minot community together with Air Force personnel is truly a learning experience and pays tribute to the generations that have previously served, Brown stated.

"Whether directly or indirectly involved with the military, the senior citizens attending this Thanksgiving event share personal stories of their younger days when they or their family members, too, served their country," Brown said.

Airmen are encouraged to give back to the community and share their day with others who may not have family close by, Brown said.

"There are Airmen that have come and gone from Minot Air Force Base but remain in touch this time of year," Brown stated. "They are thrilled this program continues and always wish they were here to volunteer."

Those who would like to volunteer for the event as an escort, bus driver or for tear-down and set up, can contact Jill Fischer (Monday - Friday) anytime from 7:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at 723-4513 or via email at jill.fischer.1@us.af.mil.