Fort Riley  Base Essentials

Installation youth sponsorship programs facilitate the integration of military connected youth to new surroundings during moves. Primarily directed to preteen and teenaged youth, installation youth programs give youth 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 the youth sponsorship program. Families with children may also want to visit Military Kids Connect, an online community for military children and youth. The site offers games, videos and links to teen-led installation tours.

Sponsorship 

If you are an Advanced Individual Training soldier and have not spoken with your sponsor via phone call, text or email, please contact the 1ID Sponsorship NCO at 785-340-2874 or Mr. Bartlett at 785-239-5739. We will ensure you get in contact with your sponsor immediately.  

If you would like to request a sponsor, complete the DA Form 5434 Sponsorship Request Form and email to usarmy.riley.1-ID.MBX.1ID-sponsorship@mail.mil/.

A sponsor is assigned by a newcomer's gaining unit and helps the newcomer before, during and after a move. Units try to match sponsors and service members by rank and family status. We also recognize that the service member isn’t the only one affected by a move, so spouses can also receive training to become a sponsor.

To help prepare sponsors for success, the sponsorship program provides training and access to important information and resources. The sponsorship program helps sponsors fulfill their duties including:

·       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.

Overall, the sponsorship program aims to do the following:

·       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.

The youth sponsorship program is available to youth family members of active duty, retired and reserve military, as well as youth dependents of DOD civilians. The youth sponsorship program has active volunteers at the school-age centers and youth center to welcome incoming youth and assist with their transition to Fort Riley.

Participation in the youth sponsorship program as a volunteer or a new member of the Fort Riley community will:

• Promote youth awareness and involvement in the Fort Riley community.
• Encourage new friendships.
• Gain information about area schools.
• Enhance youth responsibility and independence.

If you have any questions regarding youth sponsorship at Fort Riley, contact school support services at 785-240-3261 or 785-239-1648.

If you do not have a sponsor, having issues gaining a sponsor, or an AIT soldier who is having issues contacting a sponsor, contact the 1ID Sponsorship NCO Sgt. 1st Class Garcia at 785-340-2873 or 785-240-4912.

Army spouses requesting a sponsor can contact the Fort Riley Relocation Office at 785-239-5739 or request one through our Facebook page "Moving to Fort Riley." They will provide the spouse with a digital welcome letter with several attachments full of information about Fort Riley. They can also get you linked in with your unit Soldier Family Readiness Group Leader or with our Spouse-to-Spouse program for spouses helping spouses relocate.  

·       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.

Overall, the sponsorship program aims to do the following:

·       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.

The Fort Riley Welcome Social provides the opportunity for new service members and families to ask questions and receive information directly from Fort Riley services experts and connect with other new families, all while enjoying a free dinner. Attendees include education services, employment readiness, child and youth services, housing (on-post and off-post), religious services, financial support and Army Emergency Relief information, sponsorship NCO's, plus many more, all there to assist you upon arrival with information to make your move into the Fort Riley Community a smooth and stress-free event.