MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan. -- The 35th Fighter Wing (FW) held a Town Hall to address recent policy changes and new executive orders to provide transparency to Team Misawa. U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Davidson, 35th FW Commander, opened the session by emphasizing that despite ongoing changes, the unit's core mission remains unchanged: Protect, Defend and Deter, and if called upon, win.
Panel members joined Col. Davidson in answering questions and providing insight on changes. Leadership is committed to transparent communication, forwarding unresolved questions to higher headquarters and offering support.
Panel Members:
- Master Sgt. Klinton Cooper, 35th FW Equal Opportunity representative
- Maj. Amina Lynch, 35th Force Support Squadron director of operations
- 2nd Lt. Ericka Woolever, 35th FW Public Affairs officer
- Lt. Col. Ryan Reed, 35th FW Judge Advocate
- Maj. David Parks, Mental Health Element chief
- Capt. Sergio Ramos, 35th FW installation chaplain
- Mr. Henry LeFebre, Sollars Elementary principal
Topics discussed:
- Executive orders and memorandum updates
- Human capital impacts
- Return to in-person work
- Restoring America’s fighting force (DEI actions specifically tailored to DoD)
- Eradicating radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing
- Hiring freeze
- Reforming to federal hiring process and restoring merit to government services
- Implementing DOGE workforce optimization initiative
- Prioritizing military excellence and readiness
- Cultural observance guidance
- Deferred Resignation Program (DRP)
- DoD guidance for civilian employees on OPM’s what did you do last week?
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Digital content refresher
- Resources
- Legal updates
- Navigating change
- Emergency Evacuation Program (EEP)
Leadership Emphasis:
Col. Davidson stressed several key points:
- The importance of maintaining mission focus
- Continuing to care for and support team members
- Treating each other with dignity and respect
- Staying true to core values, Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do
"While change can be difficult, certain things remain constant through it all. We care about each other. We take care of each other. We're a team,” said Col. Davidson. “We have to stay true to our core values. We're the 35th Fighter Wing. We have a war fighting, lethal-ready mission that we have to stay focused on.”
While change can be difficult, certain things remain constant through it all. We care about each other. We take care of each other. We're a team. We have to stay true to our core values. We're the 35th Fighter Wing. We have a war fighting, lethal-ready mission that we have to stay focused on.Col. Davidson
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