Sponsorship a key part of Air Force culture

Published Sept. 15, 2008
By Brandice Armstrong
72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Senior Airman David Honey said he did not want history to repeat itself. When the 32nd Combat Communications Squadron network infrastructure technician arrived at Tinker in May, he said he was overwhelmed by the installation and Oklahoma's capital city. The Missouri native said he did not want that to happen to his unit's newest member, Airman 1st Class Benjamin Bowles. Airman Bowles is also a 32nd CCS network infrastructure technician.

"I just told him what I'd want to know," said Airman Honey.

Since arriving at Tinker Aug. 31, Airman Bowles, a Kansan, said his fears have been put to ease. Initially, he worried about where he'd spend his first night, since he, and his wife Georgia, had Belle, their cat, in tow. Since setting up shop at the temporary lodging facility, the Bowles' are becoming familiar with the installation. They have also begun looking for a more permanent residence near the University of Oklahoma in Norman, where Mrs. Bowles will start school in January.

"The Air Force sponsorship program is very important in that it sets the stage for newcomers," said Chief Master Sgt. Eric Harmon, 72nd Air Base Wing Command chief.

"There's nothing like going to a place where you have a lot of built-up anxiety. To ease those reservations, it's important that supervisors really build that relationship."

Senior Master Sgt. David Richerson, 32nd CCS first sergeant, agreed.

"Having a sponsor do what a sponsor should do is invaluable," he said.

The sergeant said in his 22-year Air Force career, he's changed stations six times, and has had a sponsor for each move. Additionally, he said he's sponsored incoming Airmen at various assignments at least half-a-dozen times.

"By having a supervisor pick up a newcomer and show him around, give impressions and guidance, he will probably start the new person off on the right foot, versus having a peer showing him the party places," Sergeant Richerson said.

Sergeant Richerson said in the past five months approximately 20 newcomers have joined the 32nd CCS unit. Furthermore, he said most Airmen, regardless of rank, could use the sponsorship program.

"Sponsorship is even about the 20-year master sergeant who is [changing stations] for the 10th time," the sergeant said. "He needs to know different things than the first-term Airman, such as housing and schools. Supervisors know that information."
Sponsorship, in addition to benefiting a newcomer, can also help an existing unit to build camaraderie and heighten morale by smoothing the transition, Sergeant Richerson said.

Chief Harmon agreed.

"When supervisors find out they are receiving new members, and they take on the sponsorship role, they must not take it lightly," the chief said. "It is a great opportunity to break the ice with newcomers, establish rapport, and remove barriers, so you can set them up for success."