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State assigns first woman to serve as command chief

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Claire Behney
  • 193rd SOW Public Affairs
Annville, Pa. --  During a change of responsibility ceremony Dec. 17 at the national guard's state headquarters here at Fort Indiantown Gap, Chief Master Sgt. Regina Stoltzfus accepted responsibly as the state's ninth command chief master sergeant. Stoltzfus is the first woman to serve in the position and will be responsible for all Pennsylvania Air National Guard enlisted personnel.

Stoltzfus serves as the liaison between enlisted personnel, the adjutant general and the assistant adjutant general for the PA ANG. As leader of the PA ANG enlisted force, she directly - and indirectly - advises leaders and all Airmen on mission effectiveness, professional development, military readiness and more.

"This job is about making sure we take care of the warfighter," said Stoltzfus. "We must learn the stories of our Airmen. I think that's the key to sustaining them and making it better ... That's what I'm here to do."

Stoltzfus has more than 30 years of military service, previously serving the Airmen of the 193rd Special Operations Wing as wing command chief master sergeant. She was the first female assigned to that position as well. 

Stoltzfus said she recognizes the tedious balance citizen Airmen face, offering insight to PA ANG Airmen based on her career experiences.

"Adversity is good; it's a time to reflect and decide if you're on the right path ... We all fall down. Just ensure you're being graceful. Brush yourself off and learn from it," she said during the change of responsibility ceremony.

Stoltzfus' influence, ambition and desire to mentor Airmen continue to get recognized by state leaders.

"Chief Stoltzfus has climbed through the ranks, taking on leadership roles and guiding our Airmen throughout her military career," said Col. Mike Regan, Deputy Adjutant General - Air. "We are honored to have her in this position and look forward to her continued guidance of the Airmen of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard."