Minot Recognized as 2025 Great American Defense Community

U.S. Air Force Col. Jimmy Schlabach, 91st Missile Wing commander, gives remarks during the Great American Defense Communities (GADC) recognition ceremony at the North Dakota State Fair, Minot, North Dakota, July 18, 2025. The GADC program was developed to recognize and celebrate communities demonstrating an exceptional commitment to improving the lives of service members, veterans and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle Wilson)

Minot Recognized as a 2025 Great American Defense Community

Members of the Association of Defense Communities and Minot Area Chamber Economic Development Corporation pose for a photo in front of a B-52H Stratofortress at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 17, 2025. The city of Minot has been named one of three 2025 Great American Defense Communities for its lengthy support of Minot AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Wesley Davies)

Minot Recognized as a 2025 Great American Defense Community

Members of the Association of Defense Communities (ADC) and Minot Area Chamber Economic Development Corporation are shown the layout of a Missile Alert Facility at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 17, 2025. The ADC was given a tour of Minot AFB facilities to gain a better understanding of the global deterrence mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Wesley Davies)

Minot Recognized as a 2025 Great American Defense Community

Members of the Association of Defense Communities (ADC) and Minot Area Chamber Economic Development Corporation receive a tour of a missile alert training facility at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 17, 2025. The ADC members were given a tour to give a better idea of the global deterrence mission that the city of Minot helps support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Wesley Davies)

Minot Recognized as 2025 Great American Defense Community

U.S. Air Force Col. Jesse Lamarand, 5th Bomb Wing commander, addresses the crowd during the Great American Defense Communities (GADC) recognition ceremony at the North Dakota State Fair, Minot, North Dakota, July 18, 2025. The GADC program was developed to recognize and celebrate communities demonstrating an exceptional commitment to improving the lives of service members, veterans and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle Wilson)

Minot Recognized as 2025 Great American Defense Community

Published July 24, 2025
By Senior Airman Kendra A. Ransum
5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --

Minot, a northern North Dakota city with deep military roots, has been named a 2025 Great American Defense Community (GADC), one of just three U.S. communities to receive the national recognition this year.

The Association of Defense Communities (ADC) announced the honorees during the Defense Communities National Summit in Washington, D.C., recognizing Minot for its decades of sustained support to Minot Air Force Base, home to both the 91st Missile Wing and the 5th Bomb Wing. The two other recipients are the Greater Buckley Region in Colorado, supporting Buckley Space Force Base, and Yuma, Arizona, recognized for its support of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma.

“We’re excited to welcome Minot, North Dakota as a 2025 Great American Defense community,” said ADC President Karen Holt. “We are especially honored to recognize Minot’s unwavering commitment in educating stakeholders on nuclear deterrence and national security.”

The GADC program was launched in 2016 to recognize and celebrate communities and regions that support military installations for their exceptional commitment to improving quality of life for the military.

“North Dakota is committed to being the most military-friendly state in the nation, and this recognition of Minot as a Great American Defense Community is proof of that commitment,” Gov. Kelly Armstrong said. “The dedicated airmen of the 91st Missile Wing and 5th Bomb Wing, along with the support personnel from the North Dakota Air National Guard’s 219th Security Forces Squadron, play a crucial role in safeguarding our nation and are an incredibly important part of the Minot community."

Minot’s recognized efforts have included major public educational initiatives in recent years. In 2024, Minot hosted two nuclear triad symposiums—one locally and one in Washington, D.C. —to raise public awareness on modernizing the triad and the vital role of strategic deterrence.

"Minot has always been a proud military community, and being named a Great American Defense Community is a testament to the deep connection between the Minot area and Minot Air Force Base,” said Ryan Ackerman, Minot Area Chamber Economic Development Corporation board chair. “This recognition highlights what we in Minot have always known—our community and the base share an unbreakable bond. We are honored to support them in every way possible."

Task Force 21 (TF 21) continues to educate North Dakotans and national policymakers alike about issues tied to Minot Air Force Base and the defense sector. Leaders from TF 21 have regularly met with officials in Washington to emphasize the strategic relevance of the base and the need to support airmen and their families.

"Minot Air Force Base is not just a military installation—it’s a driving force in our community,” expressed Pete Hankla, TF 21 Chair. “With a $651 million economic impact, its presence strengthens our local businesses, schools, and workforce, while its mission strengthens our national security. This recognition as a Great American Defense Community is proof of that commitment."

The communities selected for the GADC program undergo a competitive nomination process, evaluated on their efforts in areas such as education, workforce development, housing, and community-military partnerships. Over the past decade, 50 communities across the country have been recognized across all branches of the military.

More information about the GADC program and its other recipients is available at defensecommunities.org