Community Programming and Partnership office Published Jan. 11, 2016 By Senior Airman Sahara L. Fales Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota is one of 19 bases that is now the home to a Community Programming and Partnership Office. The USAF Manpower, Personnel and Services Center in San Antonio pushed out a test for the bases to try out the program, which was implemented in April of 2015. The purpose of the program is to bring military members, families and communities together by building cohesion through programming. They hope that integrating both on and off the installation will foster pride in both the community and the Air Force. DoD Morale, Welfare and Recreation research results identified unit participation as an extremely important mechanism to retain, prepare and unite service members. "The goal is build a better community and name for Minot Air Force Base," said Alicia Thornton-Murray, 5th Force Support Squadron community service flight commander. "Our office wants to show our military members that Minot Air Force Base is a unique destination and you can enjoy what this great state has to offer." Through the use of surveying they have noted the requests of MAFB Airmen and are beginning to meet those requests. "We have been given a lot of excellent feedback on what our Minot family wants and needs to help improve quality of life," said Thornton-Murray. "We have begun booking trips and partnering with local businesses to bring discounted tickets and events to our base personnel. We will continue to partner with local community and businesses to provide top-notch programs." She thinks that the program will be successful as long as they continue to receive feedback and support from Airmen. The 5th FSS will be opening an Information, Tickets and Tours office which is slated for 2016. For more information find them on Facebook at Minot AFB Community Partnership and Programming Office.