Sponsorship

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.

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.

A sponsor at Aviano is vital to a smooth transition. If you have not been contacted by a sponsor, reach out to your gaining unit (see the Major Units tab) or call the Aviano M&FRC at Commercial 011‑39‑0434‑30‑5407 or DSN 314‑632‑5407. Stay in close contact with your sponsor; they are your link to house hunting, transportation, and early logistics. Your sponsor should meet you at Marco Polo Airport (or coordinate alternate transportation), assist with unit check‑in, and help you get settled. They can arrange a P.O. Box, Temporary Lodging Facility (TLF) or dormitory reservations in advance, and ensure you get to and from Wyvern Welcome and base in‑processing during your first week.

If you arrive without a sponsor (not recommended), report to the Military Personnel Section immediately and attend the first available Wyvern Welcome to complete the necessary paperwork and procedures.

Helpful notes:

• Sponsors can set up your P.O. Box prior to arrival with a copy of your orders. The Post Office may temporarily run out of boxes, so start early.
• Work with your sponsor to secure temporary lodging as soon as possible, especially during PCS season.