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.

Sponsors are assigned by the Command Support Section of your gaining unit. Your sponsor is probably the most important person at Kirtland Air Force Base in assisting with preparations for your move. They can help you locate temporary housing, permanent housing and assist with in-processing. Your sponsor should send you pertinent information about the base and local communities including the base guide, base newspaper, housing information, maps and their phone number and address. If you have not heard from your sponsor within 30 days of your reporting date, contact your unit or the Military Personnel Section Customer Service at DSN 312-246-2354 or 505-846-2354.

Another great tool available to service members undergoing a permanent change of station is Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 or https://www.militaryonesource.mil/. Military OneSource can help make your move easier with helpful tips, resources and hands-on information. Assistance is available for every stage of your PCS, whether you're traveling solo or taking your family with you, helping to make the move as smooth and seamless as possible.