Kadena sponsor program eases newcomers' transitions to base

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Justin Veazie
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  It is the middle of winter and 48 degrees outside, you just got off a 14-hour plane ride and land in a country that is foreign to you. You and your family are standing outside waiting for someone to pick you up, but they never arrive. Then, all eyes look to that active duty member who brought them there.

To prevent events like this one, the Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) has a relocation program in place to help.

The sponsorship program is one of the many ways that Team Kadena takes care of its members.

"It's not rocket science! You want to treat others the same way you would want to be treated as a newcomer," said Risa Shimizu-Bonilla, 18th Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant.

There are steps that must be taken before, during, and after the arrival of personnel. Before the in-bounds arrive, the sponsor must attend sponsor training at the A&FRC and complete the Electronic Application and Training (eSAT) application. They must then contact the newcomer via phone, email or good, old-fashioned post.

When the new team member arrives, the sponsor should meet them personally and help them get settled into their new home or temporary lodging. Take the time to introduce them to their respective duty location, commander, supervisor, key personnel and fellow co-workers. Familiarizing them with the base and some of the off-base locations may take some extra time, but this little extra step can make all the difference for a smoother transition.

Sponsors should familiarize newcomers with their in-processing and check-in procedures. Some universal places all newcomers have to go are Military Personnel Squadron, Finance, Newcomer's Orientation, housing briefings as well as registering the newcomer's common access card into the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS).

The faster someone feels at home, settled and comfortable, the faster they can become a productive member of the team, said Risa.

"Better adjustment equates being more focused on the mission quicker," said Cecily A. Gaudinski, 18th Force Support Squadron community readiness technician.

Another way for sponsors to get new folks more integrated to the shop and extended military family, is to arrange a social gathering with co-workers and their families so that newcomers and their families can meet with them as well.

Transportation is one of the key aspects of most overseas assignments. Making sure members gets from here to there can be difficult starting off but soon they will gain confidence and be on their own. Offer assistance with a vehicle purchase and registration. As soon as the newcomer is mobile they can start doing some exploring of their own familiarize themselves with the area, not to mention driving on the opposite side of the road.

Know the needs of your in-bound. If the newcomer has a family the sponsor might want to ensure the family has contact information for schools, medical care, child care, and other known resources.

Classes for training are held every first Thursday of the month from 9 a.m. to approximately 10:15 at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

For any questions or concerns please call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 634-3366.