Air Force continues support, donates homes Published Feb. 24, 2005 By Capt. Michael Meridith 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFPN) -- Base officials here plan to donate more than 20 housing units to American Indian tribes in North Dakota this summer as part of the decade-old Operation Walking Shield program.So far, more than 460 excess housing units here have been donated to 11 tribes in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.Current plans call for the donation of eight duplexes and four single-family homes to North Dakota's Turtle Mountain and Fort Berthold tribes between early June and mid-July.The houses average 1,300 square feet and have three or four bedrooms. In addition, base officials said they plan to donate more houses in the near future.Chris Powell, who leads the base's Walking Shield efforts, said the introduction of new Air Force size standards would have meant costly upgrades to existing housing. He said it became more economical to build new homes. This provided the opportunity to offer existing ones to Walking Shield."We're able to help the Native American community with houses that are in very good condition, while at the same time saving taxpayer money," Mr. Powell said. "Also avoiding demolition means we don't add to area landfills."Operation Walking Shield, established in 1994, is a collaborative effort between 35 tribes and seven government agencies, including the Department of Defense. Its primary aim is to improve the quality of life for American Indian tribes through infrastructure development, community development, medical and dental care, and humanitarian aid."We're grateful to have an opportunity to help improve the quality of life of the Native American community, while at the same time maintain a history of good stewardship of the environment and tax dollars," Mr. Powell said.