Chief Master Sergeant Lisa Erikson

By Andrea Busche

A32-year career at any one place is an impressive feat in and of itself. But Lisa Erikson’s story is arguably more inspiring.

Erikson, a Chief Master Sergeant for the 148th Fighter Wing–Minnesota National Guard, has served over three decades in what most would consider a male-dominated career track. Her military career has brought her all over the world, with positions of increased responsibility.

While Erikson has found great success in her career, she is also a loving wife, mom and grandma. She even finds the time for a few extra-curricular activities, including volunteer work and service to her church.

A chance encounter

Erikson was born and raised in Esko, the youngest of three children. Her dad was a truck driver and her mom worked at Potlatch. Her parents instilled the value of hard work at a young age.

“We were taught a good work ethic our entire lives,” she said. “And we were also taught that family is always at the forefront of your life. Friends will come and go, but your family will always be there.”

After graduating from Esko High School in 1986, Erikson attended college for a time – first at Moorhead State, and later at the University of Wisconsin Superior. After a couple of her friends had talked to an Air Force recruiter, she decided to do the same. Shortly thereafter, she decided to enlist and left for boot camp at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, in April 1988.

While she was committed to her military service, Erikson didn’t expect to make it her career.

“At that time, I intended to serve four years, but it didn’t exactly work out that way,” Erikson said with a laugh.

Okinawa, Japan

After graduating from basic training, Erikson attended technical training for 9 ½ weeks, where she learned to be a jet engine mechanic.

“This was a very non-traditional career for women at that time,” she said.

Erikson’s first set of orders sent her to Okinawa, Japan, where her colleagues made her feel right at home.

“They quickly took me in as their little sister. They took very good care of me, and the other women, too.”

While in Japan, Erikson met her first husband, Bob, who was also serving in the Air Force. The two married and had two sons while stationed in Okinawa – Jason, who is now 31, and Jon, 29. The family spent a total of three years in Japan, after which they were transferred to McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Wash., where they spent one year.

Many life changes

Both Bob and Lisa decided to end their military service at this point, and moved to Duluth after Bob got a civilian job there. Lisa also got a job –at USG Interiors in Cloquet – and while she enjoyed her job, she still felt the pull of the military.

“I met a friend, Jodi Stauber, who was in the Air National Guard,” she said. “And I missed wearing the uniform, along with the camaraderie. So, I decided to join the 148th Fighter Wing.”

The next several years included a flurry of big life events for Erikson. Her first marriage ended, and she later met and married her current husband, Jeff Erikson, who at the time owned Pike Lake Liquor. Jeff and Lisa adopted a third child, daughter Ellie, in 2002.

Several promotions

All the while, her military career was flourishing. Erickson was promoted to personnel flight systems manager in 2001, where she was happy to have the support of many other female staff members.

“We were all working moms,” she said. “We always had each other’s backs, and we were the support structure for each other.”

Subsequent roles included recruiting office supervisor, medical superintendent, and today’s role, chief

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“My sons were both older teens, and it was so fun to watch them enlist in the Air National Guard. I was able to enlist my kids and their friends. I was proud to look parents in the eye and say, ‘I will look after your kids, and we’ll do right by them.’”

Erikson is also proud of the fact that under her supervision, the 148 th recruiting arm hit their highest “end strength” ever – at 111% enlistment.

In 2012, Erikson was deployed to Afghanistan. Interestingly, while there, she was able to witness her granddaughter, Georgia, being born – via FaceTime.

Off-duty

The Eriksons live in the Caribou Lake area, and enjoy hunting, skiing and golf. Their adult sons are both married, and they have three grandchildren.

Their daughter, Ellie, plans to attend the Aveda Institute in the fall, using her mother’s well-deserved GI Bill benefits. Ellie is also considering a career in the military.

Erikson plans to eventually return to college, too. Throughout her military career, she attended the Community College of the Air Force, where she earned three associate’s degrees. She is currently just one art class shy of earning her bachelor’s degree.

Despite a full and busy life, Erikson sits on a national board called the Enlisted Field Advisory Board, along with 14 other Air National Guard Command Chiefs. The team works collaboratively to resolve issues that affect our Airmen.

Erikson also volunteers every year with the ALS Blizzard Tour, along with her husband, Jeff, who is on their advisory board. The Eriksons have also held positions with the church council at Peace in Christ Church in Hermantown, where Erikson sings in the choir. Erikson is also a 2009 graduate of Leadership Duluth.

Advice for others

Erikson currently has 32 years of service with the United States military, and plans to remain there until her retirement. When it comes to a career in the military, Erikson is happy to promote the path to others.

“Take the leap of faith. You’ll never regret it. The friends you’ll make and the experiences you’ll have will be very meaningful and fulfilling. Commit and work hard, and anything is possible.” D