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Distinguished US Air Force award

Mark Jantzer receives special honor

Eloise Ogden/MDN Mark Jantzer, left, was presented the Secretary of the Air Force Distinguished Public Service Award by Col. Daniel Hoadley, commander of the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base. The award was presented at the Minot Area Chamber EDC’s Military Affairs Committee meeting on Thursday in Minot.

Mark Jantzer has served in the Air and Space Force Civic Leader Program for 12 years. He’s been an active member of the program and is now transitioning to an emeritus status.

On Thursday, Jantzer was honored for “exceptionally distinguished public service” to the U.S. Air Force when he was presented the Secretary of the Air Force Distinguished Public Service Award. The award was presented to Jantzer by Col. Daniel Hoadley, commander of the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, during the Minot Area Chamber EDC’s Military Affairs Committee meeting on Thursday in Minot.

The award is the highest award to be presented to a non-government employee civilian.

According to the award, Jantzer “served as a Department of the Air Force advocate, connecting his regional and professional communities to the Air and Space Force through his expertise in military operations and civilian socioeconomic issues. He conscientiously advised senior Air and Space Force leaders on the development of national and international military programs as well as facilitated cooperation between civilian communities and Department of the Air Force entities to ensure each program’s success. He openly communicated information about Air and Space Force missions and requirements to the American public, increasing awareness and understanding among local, regional, national and international audiences. Mr. Jantzer’s concern for Airmen, Guardians and their families, as well as his desire to facilitate communities’ service to those service members, was essential to his stewardship of an enduring relationship between the Department of the Air Force and the Nation. The distinctive accomplishments of Mr. Jantzer reflects the highest credit upon himself and the Department of the Air Force.”

The award is signed by Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. and Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman.

Jantzer, a member of the Minot City Council, is chairman of Task Force 21 and honorary commander of the 91st Operations Group at Minot AFB. Task Force 21 is an organization of the Minot Area Chamber EDC that educates the local community, North Dakota officials, members of Congress and the public on national security issues, particularly ones that affect Minot Air Force Base, the U.S. Air Force and the nuclear deterrent.

“It’s really an honor to be recognized. I really didn’t expect this,” said Jantzer after receiving the award. In his comments he recognized and thanked those who helped make it possible for him to take part in the Air and Space Force Civic Leader Program during the past 12 years, including his wife, Mary.

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