What are you supporting when you bid on an item at the upcoming Prairie Warrior Auction?

TSgt Andrea Butler put it like this: "You're letting the men and women of Team Minot know that they're cared for and appreciated."

TSgt. Butler the President of the Vulgar Vultures Association Booster Club — a group that helps fund morale-boosting activities for the 740th Missile Squadron at Minot Air Force Base.

"We want to bring our unit closer together," she explained. "We come from all over, so some may not have family or a large circle of friends in Minot. The events we host help our members widen their circle and meet new people."

Proceeds from the Prairie Warrior Auction will go back to the Prairie Warrior Association, which helps squadrons pay for the events, meals, and gifts that go a long way to improving the day-to-day life for Team Minot — from ordering in lunch to holiday parties; from trips to Lake Metigoshe in the summer to skiing and curling in the winter.

"We raise money so members don't have to spend their own money on these things," TSgt. Butler said.

"I'm proud that the Minot Area Chamber EDC has made it a priority to support our military community," said Keli Rosselli-Sullivan, Military Liaison for MACEDC. "The Prairie Warrior Auction is one of our most exciting events. The more we can do to make Minot feel like home for our men and women in uniform, the better."

The Prairie Warrior Auction is open to the public to attend — and new this year, thanks to support from Verendrye Electric Cooperative, military members who show an active ID card at the door will get in at no cost.

"Verendrye Electric Cooperative has been attached to the Military since 1955," said Randy Hauck, General Manager of Verendrye Electric Cooperative. "When Minot Air Force Base was built, we had a contract to supply electrons. We feel a strong attachment to the mission of the base, and we're glad to support this event."

"We're also grateful to our generation cooperative, Basin Electric, which agreed to match our donation to the Prairie Warrior Auction," Hauck continued.

This year's selection of live and silent auction items includes some major potential prizes, including vacation packages, golf memberships, outings and adventures, and big-ticket items like mowers, grills, and recliners.

We look forward to seeing you at the Prairie Warrior Auction! Learn more and RSVP ahead of time by clicking this link.