The Minot Area Chamber EDC held a dedication and ribbon cutting for the Military Welcome Center, with U.S. Sen. John Hoeven presenting a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of the occasion.

The comfortable hangout, equipped with snacks and television, will offer a cozy welcome to military newcomers arriving with mental images of Minot as cold and isolated.

“This right here says, from the time you step into Minot Air Force Base, from the time you step into the city of Minot, from the time you step into the state of North Dakota, you have a family. This is a symbolism of family,” Sharp said.

“Sometimes it’s not about what you see,” he added. “It’s about how they make you feel.”

Jill Schramm/MDN A welcome center for military members, veterans, military retirees and their families officially opened on the second floor of the Minot airport terminal Tuesday, Feb. 17. The space is available to enjoy before and after flights.

Hoeven said Sharp’s concept for the center was a great idea that will be enjoyed by military personnel for years to come.

“This epitomizes the magic of Minot,” he said. “It’s the people – the people and the great ideas.”

The center came together through the cooperation of the base and community. Minot Area Chamber EDC sponsored the center with generous support from several local businesses. The center will be open during regular airport hours of operation for active-duty service members, veterans, retirees and their families to enjoy before and after flights.

“We are so proud of the initiative and the efforts of all these people,” said Jarid Lundeen, MACEDC Board chair. “It’s a beautiful center.”

“This might have started off as my idea, but at the end of the day, behind the scenes, there were a lot of people who put in a lot of work,” Sharp said. “I definitely want to thank the Chamber of Commerce, for there was no ‘no.’ They willingly put all their energy and effort into trying to make this happen for our airmen, for our retired, for our vets.”

Jill Schramm/MDN Sen. John Hoeven, center, presents a flag to Chief Master Sgt. Wayne Sharp, right, on Tuesday, Feb. 17. At left, Minot Mayor Mark Jantzer holds a certificate verifying the flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol at the request of Hoeven in honor of the creation of the Military Welcome Center at Minot International Airport.