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NCOs to sponsor first term Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Danielle Johnson
  • 305th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  Effective immediately, non-commissioned officers and their civilian equivalents within a unit will be appointed as sponsors for incoming first-term Airmen.

"Developing and caring for our Airmen are top Air Force priorities," Lt. Gen. Christopher Kelly, Air Mobility Command vice commander, said in a policy letter dated April 8. "As fellow Airmen, we must do whatever it takes to ensure we meet the needs of our first-term Airmen and help them become mission-ready at the earliest possible time."

"Dedicated sponsors help with (the transition to a new base) and NCOs are best suited to serve as positive role models," the general said. "The need to select the right sponsor is necessitated by the fact that sponsorship is a 24/7 commitment."

A sponsor is responsible for providing information to an incoming Airman and facilitating the Airman's move to the base. Sponsors should ensure the incoming Airman, and the Airman's family, have housing and other necessities such as child care and pet accommodations upon arrival to the base.

"Sponsorship is important because people like to feel welcome and have information and resources from their new assignment," said Diane Faturos, Airman & Family Readiness Center community readiness technician. "They like to have a personal touch and feel like a part of their new base."

Sponsorship often covers a wide range of areas, so sponsors must be familiar with the services available for incoming Airmen. To help ensure all sponsors are knowledgeable, the Airman and Family Readiness Center provides monthly training for all first-time sponsors and those who have not actively sponsored within the past year. The center also provides individual and small group training when needed. 

Some resources that are helpful for incoming Airmen include the "Plan My Move" function of www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil, www.militaryonesource.com, www.airforcecrossroads.com. Airmen PCSing to McGuire AFB can find information on the local area from the base public Web site www.mcguire.af.mil, and from sites such as www.state.nj.us and www.co.burlington.nj.us.

Sponsorship training will be held at the A&FRC June 16 and July 28, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. For more information or to register for the training, contact Ms. Faturos at (609) 754-3154.