Minot Air Force Base celebrates the opening of the Airmen Ministry Center

Members of Minot leadership and the Chapel Team cut a ribbon during the opening ceremony for the Airmen Ministry Center at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 8, 2025. The Airmen Ministry Center is a space designed to foster connection, relaxation and camaraderie among Airmen of all ranks. (U.S. Air Force photo By Airman 1st Class Wesley Davies)

Minot Air Force Base celebrates the opening of the Airmen Ministry Center

U.S. Air Force Col. Thomas Taylor, 5th Bomb Wing deputy commander, and Senior Airman Keolani Tran Copas, a religious affairs Airman, play a video game after the opening ceremony for the Airmen Ministry Center at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 8, 2025. The Airmen Ministry Center was created to provide a welcoming environment where Airmen can unwind, connect and engage in activities they enjoy regardless of their position or rank. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Wesley Davies)

Minot Air Force Base celebrates the opening of the Airmen Ministry Center

U.S. Air Force Col. Jesse Lamarand, 5th Bomb Wing commander, gives remarks during the opening ceremony for the Airmen Ministry Center at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 8, 2025. The Airmen Ministry Center was created to provide a welcoming environment where Airmen can unwind, connect and engage in activities they enjoy regardless of their position or rank. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Wesley Davies)

Minot Air Force Base celebrates the opening of the Airmen Ministry Center

Published Aug. 8, 2025
By Airman 1st Class Wesley Davies
5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. – Minot Air Force Base celebrated the grand opening of its new Airmen Ministry Center, a space designed to foster connection, relaxation and camaraderie among Airmen of all ranks. After a year and a half of dedicated planning, coordination and preparation, the center is now open and ready to serve as a hub for recreation and relaxation.

The Airmen Ministry Center was created to provide a welcoming environment where Airmen can unwind, connect and engage in activities they enjoy regardless of their position or rank. Overseen initially by the Minot AFB Chapel Team, the long-term vision is for the center to be operated by volunteers through the HOPE Program, encouraging peer leadership and sustained community involvement.

“The Airmen Ministry Center is a place of connection for Airmen to go where they can relax and connect with people,” said Senior Airman Keolani Tran Copas, a religious affairs Airman. “It’s a place where you can go and play games, relax after work or build connections.”

Inside the center, visitors will find a variety of amenities aimed at promoting relaxation and entertainment. Including an area to watch games or movies, a space with gaming computers and an area for tabletop board games. There are also spaces for eating and lounging designed to encourage casual conversation and connection.

The facility was brought to life through months of collaboration to ensure the space met the needs of the Airmen while also upholding the standards of the base. Rules have been put in place to maintain the integrity of the center, including a strict no-alcohol policy, an emphasis on mutual respect across all ranks, and expectations for cleanliness.

Whether watching a movie, playing a video game, or gathering around a table for cards and conversation, Airmen now have a space to relax, recharge and build the connections that strengthen their community. By offering a safe and inclusive environment, the Airmen Ministry Center aims to become a cornerstone of support and morale on Minot AFB.