in the end, “the stories I get to tell are my accomplishments,”
explained Drawdy. He feels fortunate to have the opportunity to
work in a unique environment that positively impacts his fellow
Airmen as well as their families .
On the other side of the Public Affairs building, Ms.
Sayaka Higa, a Senior Community Relations Specialist, is hard
at work communicating and strengthening the partnerships
between Kadena Air Base and the Okinawa Defense Bureau,
the local Japanese government. She communicates with the
local government almost daily, coordinating and disseminating
upcoming events. Kadena Air Base borders Chatan Town,
Kadena Town and Okinawa City which all have different
leadership and Ms. Higa keeps all of them in the loop when
[We] provide advice to Commanders
to maintain and continue
building community relationships.
Communication is the key to
success!
there are events or exercises going on that may impact
the local communities. Her role is essential to keep these
communication channels open to avoid misunderstandings
with our host nation. “[We] provide advice to Commanders
to maintain and continue building community relationships.
Communication is the key to success!”
One such instance was when the Mayor of Kadena
Town, Mr. Hiroshi Toyama, attended a KC-135 fl ight that was
doing air-to-air refueling with an F-35. This visit took much
coordination from Ms. Higa and was a big show of support from
the local government, which strengthens our local ties. The
Community Relations team is also responsible for organizing
different volunteer opportunities for both the local and military
community here. For example, she coordinates military
members who teach English off-base as well as enlisting help
for events such as the upcoming Dragon Boat Races. Ms.
Higa added that one of the most rewarding parts of her job
is bringing the two communities together to experience the
differences in cultures.
Flip open an issue of Samurai Gate, you may be surprised
who you fi nd being recognized! If you would like to submit
someone for recognition, email 18wg.paphotosupport@kadena.
af.mil.
FOR OPEN POSITIONS, PLEASE VISIT NAFJOBS.ORG AND USAJOBS.GOV
VENTURE 25