When a region is faced with economic hardship, a person expects United States senators, representatives, governors, mayors, and any other person in a position of political power and influence to stand up and make a fuss.

Clearly, this was the case on Thursday in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Testifying before the Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) were: Minnesotas senators, Mark Dayton (D) and Norm Coleman (R); Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty; North Dakota Senators Kent Conrad (D) and Byron Dorgan (D); North Dakota Representative Earl Pomeroy (D); and North Dakota Governor John Hoeven. In addition to these representatives, also testifying were Grand Forks Mayor Mike Brown; East Grand Forks Mayor Lynn Stauss; local base retention committee leader John Marshall; former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ronald Fogelman; Grand Forks City Council President Hal Gershman; Fargo Mayor Bruce Furness; Fargo base retention leader Dick Walstad; retired adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard Maj. Gen. Alex Macdonald; current adjutant general of the Guard, Maj. Gen. Mike Haugen; adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard, Maj. Gen. Larry Shellito; retired adjutant general of the Minnesota Guard Brig. Gen. Ray Klosowski, and Duluth Mayor Herb Bergson.

This is an impressive group to be sure.

I could not have been more proud as each person testified before the commission. Each one gave compelling reasons for changing the BRAC’S mind, including national security, maximum operating efficiency, and good old fashioned patriotism. However, I was most impressed by those not seen.

Specifically, I was most impressed with five fabulous individuals: Mark Jones, Valerie Gravseth, Heidi Koaus, all who serve as assistants to Senator Mark Dayton. The other two members of the fabulous five are Dave Boe, an assistant to Congressman James Oberstar, and General Ray Klosowski (Ret.), who have worked tirelessly on behalf of the 148th Fighter Wing. Each and every one of these people put in long hard hours preparing for the BRAC hearings. Ray Klosowski, even though retired, pulled an all-nighter. These five individuals deserve our appreciation and respect. All worked behind the scenes on behalf of the 148th Fighter Wing.

Dignitaries will show up when the stakes are high. However, it is not without the work of people like the fabulous five, who work behind the scenes, accounting for every last detail, to ensure that these dignitaries are prepared and able to deliver for their constituents.