Meet the Commander - Lt. Col. Brian Stumpe

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Andrea Valencia
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  This Airman was always fascinated by the intricate way buildings were constructed or the complex solutions to problems with roads and bridges. He had a knack for such engineering feats, so when the opportunity to pursue a career in civil engineering presented itself, it was a perfect fit.

Lt. Col. Brian Stumpe assumed command of the 325th Civil Engineer Squadron from Lt. Col. Douglas Gilpin during a change of command ceremony, June 1.

He joined the U.S. Army after high school following family tradition. Stumpe's father and brother had each spent four years in the Army. Stumpe served four years assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

After separating from the Army, the Illinois native attended Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill., and commissioned through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training program in May 1996.

"The original plan was to work for the Department of Transportation and build highways," Stumpe said. "But I missed something about the military: the espirit de corps, the camaraderie. I went to the ROTC office one day and asked what I needed to do to join the Air Force and the next day I signed the papers."

Stumpe has now completed 20 years of service and still feels privileged to be part of the Air Force. During that time, he has served in a wide range of positions at the installation, major command, and joint command levels, and served on the Air Staff.

"I love to put the uniform on every day; I'm proud of what I do," said Stumpe. "The Air Force is my family."

His advice to new Airmen is based around three ideas: attitude, direction and teamwork.

"You have to show up to work every day with a smile on your face even if you don't feel like smiling. You also need to make sure you know where you fit into the picture," said Stumpe. "Realize this is more than a team, it's your family."

When not at work, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Sunny.

"We're excited about Florida with the boating and fishing and other outdoor activities," he said.

The couple also has two daughters: Crystal and Heather.

His proudest moment in the Air Force to date was giving the Oath of Enlistment to his daughter, Crystal, now a senior airman stationed at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.

"I feel honored and privileged to take command," said Stumpe. "I always strived to be a civil engineer commander, but I never took it for granted that I would make it this far."