How to be a good sponsor

Published March 9, 2017
By Senior Airman Kristoffer Kaubisch
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- You’ve been assigned as a sponsor, but aren’t sure what to expect or the proper steps to take.
Sponsor responsibilities are official duties; it’s also an opportunity to shape someone’s perception of their new base and the Air Force.

Here are tips to help make your sponsorship go smoothly during an Airman’s transition.

Goals when helping a newcomer
• Ensure they feel like members of Team Minot before their arrival
• Ensure them and their families have a positive first impression
• Ensure they are mission ready

Once appointed as a sponsor, you should make contact with the newcomer within three duty days. Communication is the most critical step in the sponsorship process.

Tips when making Initial Contact “The Telephone Call”
• Ensure you call within the first 3 days of being notified of your
sponsorship. Continue to call until you reach the individual
• Be honest; constructive and positive
• Introduce yourself by making the newcomer feel welcomed
• It isn’t enough to say, “Let me know what you need.” Be
PROACTIVE!
• Find out their needs and tailor your assistance to them
• Ask the newcomer to keep you informed of any changes in plans
• Provide them with your contact information along with their
supervisor, first sergeant, commander and support staff
information

What you should ask when making initial contact
• Departure date
• Anticipated arrival date
• Mode of transportation to incoming base
• If doing recruiter’s assistance program, what is the address
• Marital status
• Whether they are living on or off base
• Is assistance with transportation required?

Don’t despair if this is your first time as a sponsor; there’s plenty of help available. Just remember, be an active, responsive sponsor. If you don’t know how to respond to a particular issue, get help from your supervisor, first sergeant, commander or the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

Keep in mind that a sponsor can be like being a friend. To understand your basic responsibility as a sponsor, simply think of the kind of help you would want if you were making a move.