Ambassador for the base, supporter of the Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda Callahan
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Grand Forks AFB has many different personalities associated with it. From commanders to airmen, people with many different backgrounds call GFAFB home. Often over-looked or unknown members of the GFAFB family are our honorary commanders and base ambassadors; citizens of the Grand Cities who support the base and have a part to play in our base's structure.

As an Arvilla, N.D., native, Jim Bradshaw is familiar with the role the base plays in the local area. Mr. Bradshaw is the 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron's honorary commander and the base's sixth ambassador. He is owner of Strata Corporation, a cradle to grave construction company.

"[Strata is] vertically integrated," he added. "We mine the raw materials that go into concrete. We also have concrete plants, and we supply it to the construction companies that actually build the roadways, runways, etc..."

His grandfather started Bradshaw Gravel Company in 1910. His parents purchased the company in 1943, and Mr. Bradshaw took over in 1962.

"From about 1966 on, we became involved in a number of acquisitions," he explained. "And we had kept all the individual names. It became so confusing that we felt it was best to put them all under one roof, thus the name 'strata,' which means layers."

In addition to being a savvy businessman, Mr. Bradshaw has become quite familiar with the people and events here on base. He became heavily involved with the base in 2006 and was invited to attend the Air War College National Security Forum at Maxwell AFB, Ala., which provides an opportunity for an open and candid exchange of views on current and future security issues among the approximately 130 invited guests, Air War College students, senior military and civilian leaders.

"I was honored to be selected to attend," he said. "I don't think I'd ever been amongst a group of people that were as skilled, motivated and just plain intellectually sharp.
I'll tell you what, I had a tremendous comfort level in what I saw there for the future of America. We have some very intelligent and brave people who are willing to perform as future leaders in the military."

Since becoming the 319 LRS honorary commander, Mr. Bradshaw has also attended to a number of squadron, group and base events, such as changes of commands, holiday parties and the annual honorary commander induction ceremonies.

"As an honorary [commander], I attend a lot of that specific squadron's events when I can and when I'm asked."

Being an honorary commander and an ambassador is humbling to Mr. Bradshaw.

"It's the greatest honor and privilege I've ever had in my life," he said. "I sincerely mean that."

As an ambassador, Mr. Bradshaw creates a bridge between the local community and the base. He helps wing leadership tell the stories of the Warriors of the North, and provides undying support for the mission.

"To me, being an ambassador is being a friend of the wing, and that means in good times or tougher times," he added. "I have an obligation do whatever my commander, being base commander, would ever ask of me."

Recently, the commander asked him and two other honorary commanders to attend the Air Mobility Command Rodeo competition, held at McChord AFB, Wash.

During the week, the civic leaders participated in or watched several competitions and demonstrations.

One such demonstration was put on by security forces and logistics personnel, all Operation Iraqi Freedom and/or Enduring Freedom veterans. The convoy exhibit authenticated the challenges SFS, LRS and other Airmen endure while deployed for convoy duty.

"I knew that LRS had people in there [war], but it was very sobering," Mr. Bradshaw said. "It showed me the importance of having those folks well-trained and be able to react in the appropriate manner to the situation. I wasn't aware that, contrary to what some might think, LRS is subject to combat conditions."

Mr. Bradshaw's awe of our personnel doesn't stop there. He views his trip to McChord as one of his most memorable experiences.

"You can't put in to words the commitment and dedication these Airmen showed," he added. "America should be proud."

Mr. Bradshaw told the Rodeo team he thanks God everyday for what they do, and he'll never stop telling everyone he sees about the men and women of the 319th.

"I'm so honored, as a civilian, to be a part of Grand Forks AFB," he added. "I'm deeply grateful to be amongst the great Warriors that defend our country. That applies to every single person on base. All I can say is 'thank you.'"