Meeting Notice > Content: Submission #107

Educational Component of Event On June 4, 2025, the FMWF Chamber will host its annual Military Appreciation Night at the RedHawks event. The event will begin at 5:30 pm with pre-game activities, and the game is scheduled to start at 7:15 pm, all taking place at Newman Outdoor Field in North Fargo. This special evening is dedicated to recognizing the service, sacrifice, and commitment of our military members and their families, with a night full of community, celebration, and gratitude. The Chamber, along with business and community sponsors, provides over 1500 complimentary tickets to military members, veterans, and their families for an evening of appreciation. The Chamber strategically uses funding from the North Dakota Base Retention Grant to support this event, to enhance our region's military excellence. These funds are critical to allowing The Chamber to continue its critical work in military affairs.

This event will provide attendees and legislators with the opportunity to see how The Chamber is strategically utilizing these state funds to support our local military units and foster an environment that appreciates and celebrates our local military units. Elected officials will gain a deeper understanding of not only the military activities of the FMWF Chamber but will also gain key insight from local military leaders and personnel regarding the missions of local military units, alongside the opportunities and challenges they face. Additionally, there will be a number of organizations stationed throughout the concourse of the stadium and the family Funzone to provide attendees with an opportunity to learn more about the non-profit and military organizations throughout the region that support the military. These organizations throughout the facility include Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, American Red Cross, Army and Air ROTC, Fargo VA, Fargo Vet Center, Honor Flight, ND National Guard, and Cass County Veteran Service. Additionally, elected officials are encouraged to engage in informal, one-on-one conversations with other attendees (military and non-military) to foster meaningful conversations and long-lasting relationships. Lastly, the event will also feature verbal remarks/ presentation from the North Dakota Adjutant General, a MN National Guard Representative, and the Chamber Quilt of Valor, video testimonials from sponsors and deployed military personnel, and printed copies May issue of The Chamber's Bridge Magazine available for attendees to review, which showcases great information regarding the region's military presence and excellence (Please see link below to Bidge).

Overall, the purpose of inviting legislators to attend the event is to provide elected officials with the unique opportunity to:
- Understand the regional military activities hosted by The Chamber and other organizations (such as this event).
- Acknowledge the military and family support organizations that exist throughout the region.
- Gain a deeper understanding of regional military units and their missions.
- Recognize the importance of funding key state-wide military initiatives (such as the Base Retention Grant).
- Build deeper connections between elected officials and military leaders.