148th Fighter Wing Names New Command Chief

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Jodi L. Kiminski
  • 148FW Public Affairs
DULUTH, Minn. --  The 148th Fighter Wing said goodbye to its former command chief master sergeant and welcomed her replacement during a Transfer of Authority ceremony held at the Duluth Air National Guard Base today. Chief Master Sgt. Michael D. Layman assumed command of the unit's highest enlisted position from outgoing Command Chief Jodi L. Stauber, who will soon retire after more than 20 years of service.

Col. Frank Stokes, Commander, 148th Fighter Wing, recognized Stauber's accomplishments as command chief, calling attention to her dedication to making the Wing a better place. "Jodi's influence on this base has been exemplary," said Stokes. "She was often behind the scenes and had this ability to be everywhere at once, yet she always made time for her family."

Stauber, a native of Duluth, Minn., assumed the position of command chief in 2007 becoming the unit's first female senior enlisted advisor. She served in several supervisory positions within the 148th FW since beginning her military career in 1986 and was instrumental in numerous events and activities both on and off base.

During the ceremony, Stauber thanked the many mentors, coworkers, and supervisors she came into contact with throughout her military career. "When I look back to when I graduated from Denfeld High School, I never dreamed that I'd be where I am today," said Stauber. "I could have never done so much or gotten so far without the love and support of all the people around me. Bulldogs...I love you and I am going to dearly, dearly miss being your command chief."

Newly appointed Command Chief Master Sgt. Layman thanked Stauber for her guidance and for laying the foundation for him to follow. "Thank you Jodi for leading the way," said Layman. "And to all the previous command chiefs who have done so much for this wing. Thank you Col. Stokes for having the confidence in me to select me for such an important position."

Layman, a native of Aurora, Minn., began his military career in 1977, enlisting in the Air Force as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist. He entered the Air National Guard in October of 1986 as a Phase Inspection Mechanic and currently serves as the Quality Assurance Superintendent.

As the command chief, Layman will assume the duties of being the senior enlisted member of the 148th FW. He will be the principle advisor to the wing commander on the enlisted force, as well as serve as a mentor and guide for the more than 1,000 Airmen in the unit.