Military service built confidence, helped discover her voice

By Andrea Busche

Many local residents at least know of Jodi Stauber. She was a prominent fixture in her husband Pete Stauber’s 2018 political campaign, along with the couple’s children. Ultimately, Pete Stauber was elected, reelected in 2020, and is serving his second term in Congress as the representative from Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District.

But many don’t know Jodi Stauber’s own personal story, which includes many years of service in the Air National Guard’s 148th Fighter Wing. She describes her younger self as “not a very confident young lady,” but with time, she blossomed.

“Joining the military was my first, best adult decision,” she said. “It took me places and taught me things about myself and the world. I found my voice and my confidence in the military.”

Childhood

Jodi Stauber, the middle child of Lola and Denny McCauley, was sandwiched between two brothers, and raised in Duluth’s Fond du Lac neighborhood. Her dad worked for the Laborers’ Union, and her mom was a dialysis nurse at Miller Dwan.

“We spent our childhood outdoors in the mud, playing baseball and skating,” Stauber said. “We were surrounded by woods. It was a very good place to grow up.”

It was during middle school that she decided to serve in the military. “When I was in ninth grade, the military semitrucks came to our school, displaying a huge American flag. The patriotism in my heart soared. I just knew I wanted to serve.”

After graduating from Denfeld High School in 1986, she enlisted with the Air National Guard, and shortly thereafter left for basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. “I was not a very confident young lady, so I don’t know how I got myself on that plane, but today I’m proud of her,” she noted, speaking of her younger self. “She’s brave.”

Military service

Over the years, Stauber held all enlisted military ranks, progressing from airman to non-commissioned officer to senior non-commissioned officer. Upon her retirement in 2010, she held the title command chief, the highest-ranking enlisted member in a unit.

“I had the opportunity to be an officer, but I didn’t want to,” she said. “Chiefs are more connected to the enlisted ranks, who, in my opinion, are the heart and soul of the unit.”

Throughout her career, Stauber worked in military personnel flight, which is an approximate equivalent to human resources. During normal times, she handled promotions, awards, retirements and enlistments. During wartime, she handled the accountability of personnel in the field.

In 2009, Stauber deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, leaving behind her husband and children. “I did it voluntarily for the experience, and for the sake of being a leader,” she said.

Despite having a full-time career, husband, and four kids, Stauber also pursued higher education. She earned a bachelor’s degree, and later, a master’s degree, in organizational management – both from Concordia University.

Special recognitions

During her military service, Stauber received two meritorious service medals, and was named Senior NonCommissioned Officer of the Year. Stauber’s service to her country is also on display as part of a special exhibit at Veterans Memorial Hall, located inside the Duluth Depot.

Jay Hagen, VMH Program manager said, “Our mission at the St. Louis County Historical Society is to ‘collect, preserve and disseminate' the history of St. Louis County, Minnesota. As a program of the Society, the Veterans Memorial Hall maintains and operates both a museum gallery at The Depot, as well as online, at vets-hall.org, to honor the men and women from St. Louis County who have served the country.”

Jodi Stauber is honored twice within the VMH program.

“Her story is part of the Global War on Terrorism exhibit with the VMH gallery, which presents the global war on terrorism precipitated by 9/11,” Hagen said. “She is also spotlighted in our Salute to Servicewomen traveling exhibits. Jodi and Pete Stauber have been strong advocates for military causes and of the Society as a whole, and we welcome any opportunity to give back to them and honor them for their service to our country.”

Jodi’s oral history is stored on the VMH website, and can be accessed here: vets-hall.org/stories/global-warterror/jodi-stauber

Jodi Stauber served with the 148th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard and was part of the 447th Air Expeditionary Group at Sather Air Base, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Next steps

After her 2010 retirement from the Air National Guard, Stauber became very active in Duluth’s anti-abortion community, a cause she is passionate about. Together with several others, she opened the Women’s Care Center in Duluth, and served as its first director.

She also worked for a time at the Yellow Ribbon Program, which helps military personnel and their families deploy, and subsequently reintegrate after a deployment. Additionally, Stauber worked for Duluth’s Environmental Protection Agency lab.

Today, Stauber is enjoying retirement. She spends her days raising her family, and helping to support her husband’s career.

Family and personal life

The Staubers, who were married in 1996, have four children: Levi (21), Luke (20), Isaac (19), and Addilyn (15). They are also foster parents, currently caring for their second infant. Foster care is of particular importance to the Staubers, due to their religious beliefs.

“Foster care, to me, is 100% pro-life,” Stauber said. “The little boy we have now; his life has value. Everybody has value.

It’s really important to us to live our beliefs.”

The family also has two dogs, Suzie and Griffin. The Staubers make their home in Hermantown, with Pete Stauber frequently traveling to and from Washington, D.C.

In her spare time, Jodi Stauber enjoys gardening, hiking, reading and considers herself a student of the Catholic faith. “My favorite topics of conversation are my son Isaac, who has Down syndrome, and faith and spirituality. So many people think babies with Down (syndrome) should be aborted, but I want people to know what a beautiful blessing from God Isaac is.”

Together, the Stauber family enjoys watching hockey, doing woodworking projects, and enjoying time at their cabin. When asked about her goals and dreams for the future, Stauber immediately mentions her family.

“I want to make sure I’m raising good citizens,” she noted.

Advice

Jodi Stauber would recommend a career of military service to anyone.

“It was the best decision I made, but it wasn’t easy,” she said. “Our country needs you – we need good leaders. There are a lot of people who will help you if you’ll reach out your hand and let us grab it.” D