About Us

Task Force 21 (TF 21) is an activity of the Minot Area Chamber EDC that educates the local community, North Dakota officials, members of Congress and the public on national security issues, particularly ones that affect Minot Air Force Base, the U.S. Air Force, and our nuclear deterrent.

How It All Started

Founded in the late 1990s, TF21 was born from the success of its predecessor, Task Force 96, which ensured Minot AFB retained both of its wings during the 1995 BRAC process. Carrying that legacy forward, TF21 exists to shape and sustain national defense policy that directly impacts the mission sets and infrastructure at Minot AFB, from nuclear deterrence to global strike readiness. TF21 has played a pivotal role in nearly every major military construction (MILCON) initiative on base for more than two decades.

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Dedicated Members

Comprising up to 12 dedicated volunteer members, TF21 maintains ongoing relationships with North Dakota’s Congressional Delegation, senior Department of Defense officials, Air Force leadership, and defense industry partners. These efforts are supported by the State of North Dakota and the City of Minot, ensuring strong civic backing and continued momentum.

The Minot Area Chamber EDC Board

TF21 is governed by the Minot Area Chamber EDC Board of Directors and is fueled by a passion for mission success. TF21 membership includes top civic and business leaders, the Mayor of Minot, and MACEDC leadership. Our members serve three-year renewable terms, dedicating significant time and effort to advocate for both mission-critical projects and quality-of-life enhancements for service members and their families.

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Advocacy, Education and Engagement for Lasting Impact

TF21 also serves as the gateway to key military civic leader programs, such as those under the U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff and Air Force Global Strike Command, as well as the North Dakota Military Commission. When leadership opportunities arise within these bodies, TF21 recommends strong candidates and provides continued support and guidance.

Education, advocacy, and engagement are at the heart of everything we do. Whether attending change of command ceremonies, meeting with Air Force leaders and defense officials, or initiating high-level briefings and site visits, TF21 champions Minot’s strategic value and strengthens our community’s voice in the defense conversation.

Above all, Task Force 21 remains nonpartisan and mission-focused. We believe that enduring support for our military transcends political divisions, and we are committed to working with all leaders who share our dedication to national security, the Airmen of Minot AFB, and the future of deterrence in the 21st century.

View Current Events Meet The Team

Meet The Team

Pete Hankla's Headshot

Pete Hankla

Task Force 21 Chair
  • Air Force Global Strike Command Civic Leader
  • North Dakota Military Commission Executive Committee
  • Bomber Constituency Group
  • Honorary Commander for 5BW/CD
Jason Zimmerman's Headshot

Jason Zimmerman

Task Force 21 Vice Chair
  • Task Force 21 Sentinel Working Group
  • Honorary Commander for 5MXG/CC
Brekka Kramer's Headshot

Brekka Kramer

Minot Area Chamber EDC President | CEO
  • U.S. Department of the Air Force Air and Space Forces Civic Leader
  • Air Force Global Strike Command Civic Leader
  • North Dakota Military Commission Executive Committee
  • Strategic Deterrent Coalition Board of Directors
  • State of North Dakota Advisor for the Association of Defense Communities
  • Task Force 21 Sentinel Working Group
  • Honorary Commander for 5BW/DS
Mark J. Jantzer's Headshot

Mark J. Jantzer

Minot Mayor
  • U.S. Department of the Air Force Air and Space Forces Civic Leader (Emeritus)
  • Air Force Global Strike Command Civic Leader (Emeritus)
  • Task Force 21 Sentinel Working Group
  • Strategic Deterrent Coalition Board of Directors
  • Honorary Commander for 91OG/CC
Ryan Ackerman's Headshot

Ryan Ackerman

2025 Minot Area Chamber EDC Board Chair
  • Honorary Commander for 91MW/CC
Randy Burckhard's Headshot

Randy Burckhard

  • Air Force Global Strike Command Civic Leader
  • Honorary Commander for 91MW/CD
Bruce I. Christianson's Headshot

Bruce I. Christianson

  • Air Force Global Strike Command Civic Leader
  • Bomber Constituency Group
  • Strategic Deterrent Coalition Board Secretary
  • Honorary Commander for 5OG/CC
Cassidy Hjelmstad's Headshot

Cassidy Hjelmstad

  • Task Force 21 Sentinel Working Group Chair
  • Honorary Commander for 740MS/CC
Jessica Klein's Headshot

Jessica Klein

  • National Defense Industrial Association Northern Tier Chapter Board of Directors
  • Honorary Commander for 5BW/JA
Jonn Knecht's Headshot

Jonn Knecht

  • Bomber Constituency Group
  • Honorary Commander for 5BW/CCC
Keli Rosselli-Sullivan's Headshot

Keli Rosselli-Sullivan

Minot Area Chamber EDC Military Liaison
  • Task Force 21 Support
  • Honorary Commander for 741MS/CC