Appearing in the Grand Forks Herald
Grand Forks Herald: February 6, 2016
Bruce Gjovig of Grand Forks received the four-year appointment, beginning this year, by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III. Welsh appoints Air Force civic leaders with the goal of better communication with the civilian community on major Air Force issues and initiatives.
Gjovig serves on the Grand Forks Base Retention Impact Committee, which has worked on major initiatives such as Grand Sky and developing an Arctic Mission to provide domain awareness across the U.S. and Canadian Arctic.
Gjovig joins about 35 other community leaders who advise, communicate and advocate for Air Force issues nationwide.
“It is a significant honor. It is incredibly humbling. I am so honored the Air Force has a strong interest In innovation that my background stands for,” Gjovig said in the release. “I will be working directly with the chief of staff of the Air Force and senior command officers. While we are exchanging ideas, this service will broaden my knowledge base of the Air Force and the Department of Defense to help our community support the men and women in our Air Force, and our national security.”
Barry Wilfahrt, president of the Chamber of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks, and meber of BRIC, said Gjovig is the third civic leader from Grand Forks to receive the prestigious appointment. Previously, Marijo Shide and John Marshall received appointments.
“To have three community leaders appointed to this prestigious group speaks to the community support that Grand Forks gives to the Grand Forks Air Force Base and to our men and women who serve,” Wilfahrt said.
Similar to business, the Air Force innovates to help maintain a competitive edge, Gjovig said.
“Our relationship with the military community is critical, and it’s not just for moral or financial support,” Gjovig said. “We want our Air Force to know we are there for them in the same way we know the Air Force is there for us and our nation’s freedom.”