Minot servicemembers embrace Scandinavian heritage Published Oct. 7, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Stratton Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT, N.D. -- Minot servicemembers showed support for the region's 32nd annual Norsk Hostfest at the N.D. State Fairgrounds by volunteering their time Sept. 29 to Oct. 3 here. "Every time I interact with the local residents here in North Dakota, I am amazed at how North Dakotans have accepted Minot Airmen as 'one of their own,'" said Master Sgt. Scott Shaver, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron heat, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration section chief. "I think this is important to us as it presents center stage volunteering for great events and highlights MAFB's Warriors as benevolent ambassadors in blue and showcases our high degree of professionalism, courtesy, and respect for diverse cultural environments and customs." Regardless where they are, Minot Airmen continue to impress base leadership with a continued commitment to Air Force core values of integrity, commitment to service and excellence. Minot Airmen volunteers were the driving force for this year's Hostfest and "helped increase the amount of volunteers for the festival and promoted our continued good standing with the local community," said Airman 1st Class Samuel Easterling, 5th Munitions Squadron storage crew member. Hostfest featured many big name music artists from around the country, including Reba McEntire and Clint Black. The event has grown from a small festival dedicated to the heritage of Scandinavian countries to a huge annual event, drawing thousands of visitors from around the country and around the world. The event gave Minot Airmen an opportunity to experience the Norse culture firsthand while volunteering their time in support of Team Minot. Events such as these continue the growing friendship between the base and its surrounding communities. "I first became interested in the event when I learned a large part of the community and businesses are affected by the event," said Tech. Sgt. Jason Ellingsworth, 5th Communications Squadron network control center plans and programs noncommissioned officer-in-charge. "I wanted to do my part to help and hopefully learn something in the process." This commitment to the Team Minot concept has become a mainstay here as each new Airman is ushered into the "Nodak" way of life. Volunteering is a great way for Airmen to get involved in the community and learn more about the culture they are here to support. "Perhaps most importantly, it's full of people with a sincere interest in keeping alive the Scandinavian culture," said a Minot Daily spokesperson. "This includes hundreds of volunteers who come year after year simply to volunteer their time at the festival. Without volunteers, the Hostfest could not, and would not, survive." As a special thank you to U.S. servicemembers, military members and their families were invited to enjoy Hostfest for free admission on Oct. 3. If there ever was a better way of thanking the base volunteers for their hard work all week, this military appreciation day sure sent the right message. The Team Minot concept is a continued exchange of knowledge, stories, services and comradery among all who claim Minot as their home. "Growing up in Maryland, we didn't have such a unique opportunity to experience the Norse culture in such a way," said Airman 1st Class Aaron-Forrest Wainwright, 5th Bomb Wing photographer. "It was really great taking photographs of the local and national artists up close." This was the region's largest Scandinavian culture "get-together," pulling folks from as far away as Wisconsin and Colorado. The event gives Minot the attention it deserves year after year. It also gives the Warbirds and Rough Riders of Minot AFB an opportunity to meet new people of differing backgrounds showcasing a medley of Scandinavian cultures ... all captured in one annual celebration. "It builds camaraderie between Airmen in a 'non-working' environment and affords supervisors an opportunity to volunteer, mentor, and spend quality time with their Airmen in an off-duty atmosphere." Sergeant Shaver said. "It is events such as Hostfest and the constant warm reception that leads me to believe Minot is the best kept secret in the Air Force."