Grand Forks AFB continues support, donates homes Published Feb. 17, 2005 GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The base plans to donate more than 20 housing units to North Dakota Native American tribes this summer as part of the decade-old Operation Walking Shield program.Grand Forks AFB has previously supported the program, donating more than 460 excess housing units to 11 tribes in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.Current plans call for the donation of eight duplexes and four single-family homes to North Dakota's Turtle Mountain and Fort Berthold tribes between early June and mid-July.The houses average 1,300 square feet and have three or four bedrooms. In addition, the base plans to donate more houses to the program in the near future.According to Chris Powell, who leads the base's efforts on Walking Shield, the introduction of new Air Force-size standards would've meant costly upgrades to existing housing.He also said it became more economical to build new homes, which provided the opportunity to offer existing ones to Walking Shield."It's a win-win situation," said Mr. Powell. "We're able to help the Native American community with houses that are in very good condition, while at the same time saving taxpayer money. Also avoiding demolition means we don't add to area landfills."Operation Walking Shield, established in 1994, is a collaborative effort between 35 tribes and seven government agencies, including the Department of Defense. Its primary aim is to improve the quality of life for Native American tribes through infrastructure development, community development, medical and dental care, and humanitarian aid.Were grateful to have an opportunity to help improve the quality of life of the Native American community, while at the same time maintain a history of good stewardship of the environment and tax dollars, said Mr. Powell. Air Mobility Command News Service is a service of the Internal Division Office of Public Affairs 503 Ward Drive, Room 214 Scott Air Force Base, Illinois 62225-5335 618-229-7821