NDSF celebrates military members and families Published July 29, 2016 By Senior Airman Apryl Hall Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT, N.D. -- Military members and their families enjoyed free food and fun during Military Appreciation Day at the North Dakota State Fair, July 26, 2016.The event, which has been going on for years, features discounted entry fees, free rides and a free beef picnic sponsored by the North Dakota Beef Commission, among other agricultural groups in the state.“The military does so much for us every day, and we just don’t say thank you enough,” said Nancy Jo Bateman, executive director of the N.D. Beef Commission. “As beef producers, we know what it’s like to work hard to be free, to do what we like to do, and they help that happen.”Airmen from Minot Air Force Base, who were given an alternate duty location to attend the event, were happy to be able to get out and enjoy the fair.“I think this is great!” said Airman 1st Class Brennan Walley, 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance technician. “I’m a fan of food, so they put this on and I can’t say thank you enough!”In addition to appreciating the sponsors who put on the Military Appreciation Day, Walley took note of all the patriotic fair-goers and performers throughout the week.“We were here the other night volunteering, and every one of the performers said, ‘Hey, shout out to our military, shout out to our first responders, we really appreciation all you do.’ I think that’s great.”On behalf of the men and women of Minot AFB, 5th Bomb Wing Ccommander Col. Matthew Brooks spoke at the beef picnic, and thanked the sponsors and the community for their unwavering support.“What a tremendous opportunity for our military members and our families from Minot Air Force Base to come down to the state fair and to spend some time in the community,” Brooks said. “It’s a tremendous opportunity for us to enjoy the fair.”