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Sen. Conrad speaks to base at AFA picnic

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, ND --  U.S. Senator Kent Conrad (N.D.) wowed spectators and thanked military members for their service during a visit to Grand Forks Air Force Base Monday for the Air Force Association summer picnic. 

More than 250 active duty members, retired members, civilian workers, veterans and local community leaders came out to enjoy a meal and the senator's remarks, especially those comparing himself to basketball legend, Bill Bradley. 

"We played basketball at the same arena, but I made all of my free throw attempts, whereas Bill missed one of his," said the Senator. 

"The only difference was that he was playing in the 1964 Olympics and I was playing for the Armed Forces Championships," he added smiling. 

Although the event was marked with much laughter and applause for those present, it was also a time for the senator to comment on the future of the base and the strong community tie that the base enjoys with the city of Grand Forks. He also spoke of the time of transition that the Air Force and the base are going through at this moment, noting that even though there have been tough times, the base is still a shining example of military excellence. 

"I see a bright future for this base and this community," said Sen. Conrad. "It all due to the outstanding military men and women of this base, community leaders who are active in their support of the base, as well as strong leadership from the wing commander." 

The summer picnic was sponsored by the Red River Valley Chapter of the Air Force Association, a non-profit group dedicated to educating people about the Air Force and its mission. Chapter president, Senior Master Sgt. Dan Becker along with the senator recognized the 906th Air Refueling Squadron for their receiving the David C. Schilling Award for "The most Significant Contribution in the Field of Flight," along with a scholarship award in the amount of $2,500 to Mrs. Angela Bell, spouse of Maj. Anthony Bell, 319 ARW Judge Advocate office.

(Senior Master Sgt. Dan Becker, 319th Force Support Squadron, contributed to this article)