Minot flood fight 2011

MINOT, N.D. – Approximately 10 feet of water flooded nearly 20 percent of the neighborhood throughout the city, leaving more than 4,000 homes inundated by the flooding here, June 25. With the Souris River expected to crest, city officials scramble to implement a recovery strategy hoping to endure the high water preventing the loss of thousands of homes already damaged by flooding. At 8 feet above the major flood stage, the water appears to be leveling off. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jesse Lopez)

Global Strike Airmen affected by flood, evacuated

MINOT, N.D.-- Members of Team Minot work together to prepare sandbags for the incoming floods here June 1. In preparation for possible flooding, the city of Minot, with assistance from Airmen from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota National Guard as well as many other organizations, are setting up secondary dikes along the river. The Souris River threatens to break the levies already in place, thousands of Minot citizens, including military members, their families and DoD civilians, have been forced to evacuate the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Aaron-Forrest Wainwright)

True wingmen: Minot Airmen earn Humanitarian Service Medal

Published Aug. 6, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Joseph Raatz
Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Airmen at Minot Air Force Base, N.D. are eligible to receive recognition for their role in the relief and recovery efforts related to the historic flooding that devastated the area two years ago.

On June 3, the Secretary of the Air Force approved the Humanitarian Service Medal for more than 5,600 members of the 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st Missile Wing for humanitarian relief efforts to the civilian community in the wake of the severe flooding in the area of Minot, Burlington and Velva, N.D.

The Souris River broke records in June 2011, cresting at more than 1,560 feet above sea level. This massive surge damaged more than 4,000 homes and displaced approximately 11,000 people including more than 1,100 Airmen and their families.

Airmen at Minot immediately responded to the disaster, building sandbag levees and helping to evacuate those affected. Many personnel quartered on the base opened their homes to Airmen and their families who were displaced by the flooding.

The Humanitarian Service Medal is authorized to U.S. military personnel providing humanitarian and disaster relief assistance during the period of May 10 to Nov. 21, 2011. Personnel must have been assigned to the immediate area of operation, which is determined to be in the areas of Minot, Burlington, and Velva, N.D. To qualify, personnel must have provided at least one day of direct support in the above designated area.

Personnel records will be automatically updated. If any eligible Airmen doesn't see the update in their records, they may take documentation proving their eligibility to their local military personnel flight.

The Humanitarian Service Medal was created by Executive Order 11965, Jan. 19, 1977. It was established to honor personnel of the Armed Forces of the United States who distinguished themselves by meritorious direct participation in a significant military act or operation of a humanitarian nature, or have rendered a service to mankind.

Air Force medals

Minot flood fight 2011

Global Strike Airmen affected by flood, evacuated