Sponsorship training helps create first impression

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Sponsors often create the first impression of a new base. A poor sponsor can make a nice assignment look like a mundane mission.

Sponsors are one of the first contacts Airmen have with a new base and are critical to assisting families with everything from temporary lodging and schools to spouse employment opportunities and a permanent home.

Once Airmen are assigned as a sponsor, a good first step is to go online and complete the sponsorship training. The training website provides a wealth of information to properly welcome incoming Airmen to Eielson Air Force Base.

In addition to standardized training, the Airman and Family Readiness Center staff is available to provide individual or unit-wide training here on Eielson.

After learning to be a good sponsor, the next step is communication.

"While incoming Airman should ask plenty of questions and tell the situation, the sponsor should make sure they are routed all the way into Fairbanks and take care of the details," said John McCarthy, 354th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness community readiness consultant.

By giving incoming Airmen the right view of Eielson, it gives them a chance to fully enjoy the base and properly acclimate to the local community.

The program is more than a luxury. A good sponsor is beneficial to incoming Airmen because they make the difference in how quickly new Airmen properly acclimate and settle into their new assignment. Sponsors are also there as the local area experts who can better solve any issues with their arrival.

"The best sponsor I've seen was involved enough in the Airman's arrival that he was able to catch an error before the Airman reached Anchorage," said Mr. McCarthy.

Every Airman's situation is different which is why good communication is key to success. Continuous communication also helps to establish a relationship. That is significant because the sponsor is the first person who the Airman and their family will possibly know at their new destination.

For assistance or more information about being a sponsor call the AFRC at 377-2178. To access the Sponsorship training website go to http://apps.mhf.dod.mil/esat.