Misawa AB commander named honorary city mayor

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA CITY, Japan --  For a few brief hours March 23, the 35th Fighter Wing commander served as honorary Misawa City mayor.

Col. David Stilwell was appointed mayor for a day by Misawa City Mayor Kazumasa Taneichi. Additionally, his wife, Jan Stilwell, was appointed ambassador to Misawa City and was presented with business cards and a staff identification card.

"I would never have the chance to do something like this in the states, so it's even more exciting to be able to do it here in Japan," said Colonel Stilwell.

Upon his arrival at City Hall, Colonel Stilwell was welcomed by the entire city staff. One of his first duties as mayor was to review and approve staff reports from the construction and American village promotion departments. Next, he toured City Hall and met with senior staff in their work centers. As honorary mayor, Colonel Stilwell also attended a senior staff meeting where he was presented with updates on the relocation of Misawa Municipal Hospital and the Sister City Exchange Program.

The mayor for a day event will be followed up by commander for a day. Colonel Stilwell has invited Mayor Taneichi to serve as Misawa Air Base commander for one day later this summer.

"Anytime we get together and talk it's always good," Colonel Stilwell told city staff members. "I understand some of the mayor's problems a little better now. Hopefully when we do commander for a day I can show him some of the issues we deal with."

The Misawa City mayor traditionally invites departing wing commanders to serve as mayor for a day. The opportunity is designed to further mutual understanding and goodwill partnerships between Misawa City and Misawa Air Base.