Sponsorship

To help prepare sponsors for success, the Sponsorship Program provides training and access to important information and resources that can help newcomers master their move. The Sponsorship Program helps sponsors fulfill their responsibilities, which may include:

• Contacting the service member and family with an introductory email
• Staying in contact with the service member throughout the moving process
• Sending information about the new community and duty assignment, responding to questions and providing information about resources
• Confirming transportation and lodging arrangements
• Helping with post office arrangements
• Meeting service members and family members upon arrival
• Going with service members to unit check-in point
• Introducing service members to the Military and Family Support Center and loan closet, if it’s available
• Familiarizing service members and families with the installation and key locations, like the commissary

Note: Responsibilities may vary based on service-specific policies and guidance. Make sure to check with your service branch for sponsor training requirements.

Overall, the Sponsorship Program aims to:

• Provide newcomers with a sense of belonging
• Ease the transition for inbound service members or civilians and their family members
• Increase productivity of service members and loved ones
• Help newcomers make informed decisions
• Cultivate new friendships
• Improve morale

For more information on the Sponsorship Program, contact your installation Military and Family Support Center.

Sponsorship is also available for youth. Installation youth sponsorship programs help military-connected youth make a successful transition to a new community. Primarily directed to preteen and teenaged youth, installation youth programs/centers provide information and materials on programs and services available at their new location. Where available, youth can exchange emails, talk on the phone or chat online with other youth. The youth program staff at your new installation can offer more information on installation youth sponsorship programs.

You can also contact your installation School Liaison Program office for information about school-based youth sponsorship programs such as Anchored4Life and Student2Student. These peer-to-peer programs help your student adjust to and navigate their new school.

If your child would like to become a youth sponsor, contact your installation School Liaison Program or youth program/center.

The sponsorship program is a great way to gather information about your new location. All inbound personnel will be assigned a sponsor after receiving orders. Advise your sponsor of the date, time and number of your arrival flight. It's very important to have your sponsor meet you at the airport. Your sponsor can be a huge asset by sending you information on Ankara, your duty section, the local community, things to do and places to go. If you want to exchange dollars for Turkish lira, after clearing customs you can exchange your money at the airport. Get your dollars exchanged in small denominations, as getting change can be a challenge. It is appropriate to tip the taxi driver for helping you with your luggage, approximately 5 Turkish lira.

Send your orders to your sponsor when you are 90 days out so that he/she can set up a mail account for you at your new assignment.

If you have not been assigned a sponsor please contact the 717 ABS Commander Support Staff at DSN 314-672-7170