Photo By Staff Sgt. Ivy Thomas | U.S. Air National Guard Col. Erika Boenisch renders her first salute as commander of...... read more read more
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RICKENBACKER AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ohio -- U.S. Air National Guard Col. Erika Boenisch assumed command of the 121st Air Refueling Wing Maintenance Group from Col. Lance Kollstedt during a change of command ceremony at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio, January 10, 2026.
Col. Andrew Powers, 121 ARW commander, presided over the ceremony, delivering his remarks on the experiences and accomplishments of both Boenisch and Kollstedt.
“Col. Boenisch, as you’ve undoubtedly already learned, you're inheriting a strong, capable group with a proud heritage and a storied past serving our state and nation, “ said Powers. “To the Airmen of the 121 ARW Maintenance Group, you are gaining an eminently qualified commander who knows the Air Force system and how to work within it, and more importantly, you’re getting one of your own.”
Boenisch enlisted in the Ohio Air National Guard in August 2001 as a hydraulics specialist at the 121st Air Refueling Wing, where she later commissioned in 2007.
”I raised my right hand and enlisted in this unit as a hydraulics mechanic. I didn’t join because I wanted to do aircraft maintenance, I did it because I wanted to serve my country,” said Boenish.
Along her journey, she has held command at flight, squadron, and group levels, including 121 ARW Public Affairs chief, 165th Airlift Wing Maintenance Operations Flight commander, National Guard Bureau Office of the Chief Aide-De-Camp, Special Assistant for Outreach and Strategic Engagements for the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Director’s Action Group Deputy Chief for the Office of the Director of the Air National Guard.
Boenisch has now returned to the 121 ARW, where her journey first started.
”This unit shaped me, and I am committed to honoring that legacy while preparing us for the future, “ said Boenisch.
”Kenny and John, welcome to Ohio,” Boenisch said to her family. “You’ve heard me talk about growing up here for years, and now we get to call it home, and that's exactly what it feels like today – coming home.”
“Colonel Kollstedt, what you and our maintenance group have accomplished over these last years is nothing short of amazing,” said Powers.
Kollstedt was selected to be the 121 ARW deputy commander.
| Date Taken: | 12.31.1969 |
| Date Posted: | 01.13.2026 10:46 |
| Story ID: | 556008 |
| Location: | COLUMBUS, OHIO, US |
| Web Views: | 7 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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