Col. Daniel P. Statz is deputy commander of the 115th Fighter Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard at Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin. As deputy commander, he assists the commander in organizing, training, and equipping the force, ensuring that mission objectives, policies, and operational directives are effectively executed. The 115th Fighter Wing operates the F-35A Lightning II as its primary weapons system and is home to over 1,100 personnel in direct support of federal global missions. Additionally, the 115th Fighter Wing provides mission ready Airman and equipment to support local communities during gubernatorial directed domestic operations.
The colonel began his military career in November 1992 when he enlisted at the 115th Fighter Wing as an avionics specialist. He obtained his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison then earned his commission as a distinguished graduate through the Academy of Military Science in April 2003. Col. Statz has 32 years of military service. Significant positions held include 115th Fighter Wing vice commander (acting), chief of future operations – J35, base civil engineer, United States Property and Fiscal Office assistant for real property, emergency operations center director, crisis action team director, and unit conversion office leader, 115th Maintenance Operations Flight commander, 128th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, 115th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, and 115th Maintenance Squadron commander. Prior to his current position, the colonel was the 115th Mission Support Group commander.
Since 1992, Col. Statz has served in the NORTHERN WATCH, SOUTHERN WATCH, NOBILE EAGLE, IRAQI FREEDOM, and ENDURING FREEDOM campaigns.
EDUCATION
1992 Associates Degree in Aircraft Electronics, Blackhawk Technical School, Janesville, Wis.
1993 Basic Military Training, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
1993 Apprentice F-16 Avionic Communication, Navigation, and Penetration Aids School, Lowry AFB, Colo.
1999 USAF Honor Guard Protocol, Honors, and Ceremonies, Bolling AFB, Washington, D.C.
1999 F-16 Avionics Systems Craftsman School, Sheppard AFB, Texas
2002 Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison
2003 Academy of Military Science, McGhee Tyson AFB, Tenn.
2003 Aircraft Maintenance Officer Course (Accelerated), Sheppard AFB, Texas
2004 Aircraft Mishap Investigation Course, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico
2007 USAF Incident Management Course, Air University, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2011 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2011 Combat Wing Maintenance Officer Course, Langley AFB, Va.
2012 NJB Director of Military Support Course, Arlington, Va.
2013 The DoD Defense Support of Civil Authorities Course, NORAD-USNORTHCOM, Colorado Springs, Colo.
2015 Air Force Civil Engineer Basic Course, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
2017 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2021 United States Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Penn.
2021 Masters of Strategic Studies, United States Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Penn.
ASSIGNMENTS
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November 1992 – April 2003, Avionics Journeyman, 115th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Truax Field, Wis.
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April 2003 – December 2006, Deputy Commander, 115th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Truax Field, Wis.
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December 2006 – July 2007, Commander, 115th Maintenance Operations Flight, Truax Field, Wis.
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July 2007 – August 2009, Vice Commander, 115th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Truax Field, Wis.
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August 2009 – December 2010, Executive Officer, 115th Maintenance Group, Truax Field, Wis.
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December 2010 – May 2012, Office in Charge, 115h Equipment Maintenance Flight, Truax Field, Wis.
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May 2012 - August 2013, Commander, 128th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, General Mitchell Field, Wis.
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August 2013 – June 2014, Deputy Commander, 115th Civil Engineering Squadron, Truax Field, Wis.
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June 2014 – May 2017, Commander, 115th Civil Engineering Squadron, Truax Field, Wis.
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May 2017 – January 2022, Deputy Commander, 115th Mission Support Group, Truax Field, Wis.
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January 2022 – December 2024, Commander, 115th Mission Support Group, Truax Field, Wis.
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December 2024 – Present, Deputy Commander, 115th Fighter Wing, Truax Field, Wis.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Meritorious Unit Award with oak leaf cluster
Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with seven oak leaf clusters
Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with six oak leaf clusters
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal with Service Star
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border and oak leaf cluster
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with three hourglass devices and “M” device
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS
National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS)
NGAUS Combat Air Forces Task Force
Board of Directors, National Guard Executive Directors Association
Wisconsin National Guard Association
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman Nov. 7, 1992
Airman First Class Dec. 1, 1993
Senior Airman June 1, 1994
Staff Sergeant Dec. 15, 1997
Technical Sergeant April 20, 2001
Second Lieutenant April 18, 2003
First Lieutenant April 18, 2005
Captain April 18, 2007
Major April 28, 2011
Lieutenant Colonel Jan. 24, 2018
Colonel Nov. 30, 2022
(Current as of SEPTEMBER 2025)