Woodward led an investigation into a sexual misconduct scandal involving military training instructors and recruits at the Air Force’s enlisted boot camp at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
Lt. Col. John Dorrian, an Air Force spokesman, said Woodward’s new office assignment has been reorganized, given more resources and will report directly to Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Larry Spencer.
Dayton lawyer Merle Wilberding, who represented the family of slain Marine Maria Lauderbach of Vandalia, said he was “very hopeful” the appointment was a major indication top Air Force leaders want to impose effective change, but well-intentioned officers’ past efforts have not been successful in changing the culture.
“Whether or not it’s at the Department of Defense level or the Air Force, the important part is that the boots on the ground have to change the culture,” he said.
U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, has introduced a series of bills to combat the problem of sexual assault within ranks. His spokesman, Thomas Crosson, said in an email late Friday the appointment was “an encouraging step.”
“However, the Air Force has a long ways to go toward fixing the epidemic of military sexual assault,” Crosson wrote. “Ensuring that leadership at the top is committed to changing the culture of the Air Force sends a message throughout the ranks that sexual assault will not be tolerated.”
About the Author