An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

International ball builds fellowship at Minot

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica McConnell
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT, N.D. --  Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen from Minot Air Force Base, members of Team Minot, members of Canadian military forces and civilians came together during the 23rd annual International Military Ball at the Holiday Inn here April 16.

More than 260 guests arrived for a night of fine dining, meeting new people, listening to great music, and an all around good time.

"The purpose of the International Military Ball was to celebrate our friendship with the community and our Canadian neighbors," said 1st Lt. Tara Vanderport, 5th Medical Operations Squadron registered nurse. "Events like these celebrate our Air Force heritage, our relationship with the local community, and our international friends."

The evening kicked off with a menu of gourmet food, something April Spicciati, 91st Missile Wing chief of protocol, said guests raved about. The five-course meal included a lobster and crab bisque Americana, beef tenderloin tournedos on crostini, and a delectable dessert of chocolate petifor, miniature cheesecake and dipped strawberries, just to name a few.

The affair's fine dining was only the tip of the iceberg of how much effort was put into the production of this elaborate event.

"We don't have many events like this in our community and it takes months of planning for the committee to get things ready," said Lieutenant Vanderport. "People look forward to this event all year."

Although the event boasted great food, it wasn't the only thing on the itinerary the guests had to look forward to.

"One of the highlights of the event included having Senator Randy Burckhard as the grand marshal of the event and Col. Christopher Coffelt, 91st Missile Wing vice commander, serve as the master of ceremony," said Lieutenant Vanderport. "Other highlights included the 26th Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery Pipes and Drums group performance and a special 86th birthday surprise for a special Canadian guest."

Ms. Spicciati said the United States Air Force Heartland of America band, Night Wing, also played dance music late into the night.

"This is a popular tradition for our local community, the Minot Air Force Base community, and our Canadian dignitaries," she continued. "We offered a tour on Saturday, which included a viewing of a B-52 and the Minuteman III Launch Facility trainer with a security forces static display to our Canadian dignitaries who attended the ball."

And the fun didn't stop after the ball. Ms. Spicciati said guests were treated to brunch at the Jimmy Doolittle Center on base Sunday morning.

"The brunch culminated a weekend shared together with our Canadian military and civilian friends," she said. "It was an event that will be sure to leave a lasting impression forever."