U.S. Army Garrison White Sands Missile Range  Base Essentials

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.

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.

SPONSORS ARE AVAILABLE.

If arrangements are made in advance your sponsor may be able to meet you when you arrive at the airport or bus depot.

If you do not have a sponsor, one will be assigned by your new unit to assist you during in-processing and while getting settled at White Sands Missile Range. If arrangements are made in advance your sponsor may be able to meet you when you arrive at the airport or bus depot.

If your sponsor cannot meet you and you arrive in El Paso by plane report to the Military Desk at 915-726-6912 or the USO Lounge at 915-212-7379 for assistance with transportation to White Sands Missile Range. If you arrive by bus in Las Cruces the depot attendant will assist you.

If you need information on obtaining a sponsor please contact your unit or the Army Community Service Relocation Readiness Program Manager at 575-678-6767 or DSN 258-6767.

If you do not have a sponsor one will be assigned by your new unit to assist you during in-processing and while getting settled at White Sands Missile Range. Identification cards are processed for military and family members and retired personnel by the Public Service Commission by appointment only. Make sure you have arranged for all mail to be forwarded to your new duty station address.

WELCOME TO WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE