Prairie Warrior Auction

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT, N.D. --  Team Minot, a partnership between Minot Air Force Base and the city of Minot, is sponsoring the 28th Annual Prairie Warrior Auction, slated for Saturday, March 22, 2014, at the Holiday Inn in downtown Minot.

Through donations from downtown businesses, private donors, and the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing, the auctions generates profits that are used to provide funds for the base, wings, and squadrons, promoting morale and welfare events throughout the year.

"This auction is an important tool," said Betty Fedorchak, Auction Chairman. "This is our way to show support for our troops at Minot Air Force Base."

Popular donations from previous auctions have been sports memorabilia, themed gift baskets, and handcrafted items, said John MacMartin, President of the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce.

"We've had a lot of sports collectibles, like a signed baseball or a football," he said. "We've also had a lot of themed gift baskets, like a movie night basket, or all the ingredients for a barbeque."

In the past, proceeds were divided between the two wings, explained MacMartin. Once an item is paid for, the buyer's wing is credited for the amount spent. Then using a formula based on the attendance, donations, and purchases throughout the auction, the profits are divided between the Bomb and Missile Wings.

"Most of the profits go straight to the units," said 1st Lt. Lorraine Rodriguez, the Treasurer for the Prairie Warrior Association. "The rest is put towards events such as the Air Force Ball and the Annual Awards banquets, at the request of the units."

It is important for the community to give back to the base, just as the base gives to the community, explained MacMartin, and the Auction is a great way to give to the base.

"For some activities, for squadrons, it can be hard to find dollars," MacMartin said. "This is our way to help find dollars."