U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Dickerson assumed responsibility as command chief of the 158th Fighter Wing during a ceremony at Vermont Air National Guard Base on Aug. 7, 2026.

“Standing before you as your new command chief is truly humbling and the honor of a lifetime,” Dickerson said. “I do not take this responsibility lightly. I promise to listen to you, to advocate for you, and to champion your ideas. The future belongs to those who take ownership of it. The tools are yours. The mission is yours. The future is yours to shape.”

Dickerson enlisted in 2001 and transferred to the Vermont Air National Guard in 2008. He brings more than two decades of experience to the role.

The ceremony marked the formal transfer of responsibility. Outgoing command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Jeffery Steadman, presented the 158th Fighter Wing guidon to Col. Michael J. Blair, the wing commander, who then passed it to Dickerson.

“Chief Steadman’s untiring devotion to the Vermont Air National Guard, the Air Force, and the United States of America is truly humbling,” Blair said. “I have genuinely enjoyed working with him and appreciate his steadfast loyalty to the Airmen of the 158th and the mission.”

Following Blair’s remarks, Steadman addressed the formation of Airmen standing in ranks, offering his final words as command chief.

“To the Airmen of the 158th, both here and downrange, thank you for your dedication, your excellence, and for always putting Vermonters ahead,” Steadman said. “It has been the honor of my career to serve as your command chief. Keep looking out for each other and keep leading the way.”

Steadman served as command chief for more than two years and has over 29 years of service with the Vermont Air National Guard.