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325th OSS receives recognition for sponsorship program

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 325th Fighter Wing recently announced the 325th Operations Support Squadron as the recipient of the Team Tyndall Sponsorship Program of the Quarter Award for the second quarter. 

Mrs. Joni Bryan, 325th OSS commander's secretary, has been running the program for the last year and a half and knows that each Airman arriving to Tyndall may have different circumstances.

"Hopefully, the program establishes open two-way communication between the sponsor and the newcomer to ensure a smooth transition, and a successful move to Tyndall," said Mrs. Bryan. "We want Airmen and their families to feel welcome by addressing any concerns or needs they have, and by showing them what Tyndall and the surrounding area has to offer."

According to U.S. Air Force officials, the sponsorship program is part of the Air Force Individualized Newcomer Treatment and Orientation program, or INTRO, which is designed to facilitate permanent change of station moves for Airmen and their families.

"What makes the sponsorship program so successful at the OSS, is being consistent with the entire process; from the initial notification of the inbound Airmen, the efforts of the sponsors, to the personalization of the commander's welcome," said Mrs. Bryan. "On a daily basis, I check for inbound personnel, inform the appropriate flight commander of the newcomer, and request a sponsor. Once I receive a sponsor's name, I'll notify them to pick up a sponsor package."

"At that time, I'll review the contents of the folder with the sponsor and ensure that they have had training," she said. "Prior to the Airmen arriving, sponsors mail an information package, included in their sponsor folder, to the newcomer."

The 325th OSS receives on average, four to six Airmen a month.

Airman 1st Class Tyler Harlow, 325th OSS air traffic controller, is a recent addition to the squadron. He said he found the program to be very rewarding and essential to his transition from technical school to his first duty station.

"My sponsor, Senior Airman Kyle Margeson, was extremely helpful," said Airman Harlow. "Before, I even arrived at Tyndall, he was constantly available to talk to on the phone and then once I arrived, he gave me a tour of the base and where I would be working and also helped me set up my dorm room."

Sponsors are the backbone of the program and provide a valuable service to inbound Airmen. Sponsors can provide inbound Airmen with insight about the community, base mission, local schools, housing, area recreational facilities and spouse employment, Air Force officials said. The 325th FW recognizes a squadron each quarter which demonstrates these qualities at a level of excellence in their sponsor program.