A few years ago, the North Dakota Air National Gaurd (one of the best safety records in the military) was stripped of their Fighter Mission for a more civil mission. We lost our F-16's (some of the best pilots were right here in Fargo) and replaced them with simple Leer Jets for taxi'ing military officials around the country. We apparently are supposed to get a fleet of C17 Globemasters in 2012, but I haven't heard much from that. All I know is we currently control remotely the UAV's stationed at GFAFB.

Work with the military and lobby to gain a new fighter mission, with newer equipment... F18 Hornets, F22 Raptors, F35 Joint Strike Fighter, whatever... it's a shame to see such talent wasted. It would also be a boon to the local economy.