An age-old tradition continues Published Jan. 28, 2014 By Kiley Swopes Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Venison, duck, walleye, elk are just a few dishes Airmen and community members had the chance to try during the 49th Annual Team Minot Sportsmen's Feed held here, Jan. 19. The event brought together base personnel of all ranks along with local community members. "The event started when the base opened back in the fifties," said Gary Brevig, head chef. "The commanders would get together with the community to hunt and then together they would cook their game with their families." In addition to great food, attendees had an opportunity to participate in games, such as corn hole and bingo, as well as an abundance of door prize give-a-ways. "We've been doing this for more than for more than 40 years, and it has evolved from an all hunters environment to a family event," said retired Chief Master Sgt. Bob Herrington, former Numbered Air Force command chief. Throughout the years, the tradition continues but has expanded to incorporate more of the Airmen here at Minot Air Force Base. "Every ticket we sell we give a free ticket to an Airman," said Brevig. "Every year, over 200 free tickets are handed out to the Airmen. This year 250 tickets were distributed." In addition to food and prizes, the NFL conference playoff games also drew attendance. The games were displayed on two projectors, as well as one all the televisions in the lounge areas making the perfect setting for all the football fans. Despite the outcomes of the games, the main focus of this age-old tradition was the camaraderie shared between the two communities. "The purpose of the Sportsmen's Feed is to continue to bring the community and Minot Air Force Base together," said Herrington. "All of our senior officers and chamber members are serving along-side one another."