Travis sponsors – prepare yourselves for PCS season

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Carol Johnson
  • 60th AMW interim command chief
I’m not sure how often you and your families have moved during your careers, but I have nine times. And I’m sure most of you would agree a great sponsor can make or break your move! 

My hat goes off to all of you who have been sponsors here. Each week I speak to at the newcomer’s orientation briefing and one of the first questions I ask is “how was your move?” I ask if there was something that could have been done better. My primary purpose is to identify deficiencies that may exist in our Air Force and/or Travis processes. 

To my surprise most have had a relatively “smooth move.” There are still some small areas we can improve on locally, but none to do with the sponsorship program. Sponsors are doing a great job in making sure our new personnel get here with little to no glitches. 

Sponsors make the difference during this stressful time. By providing as much data as possible they help facilitate decision-making. The sponsorship package is just one means they get information to families. But did you know the Airmen and Family Readiness Center also have numerous videos giving great visuals of different military locations. 

The Air Force Crossroads (www.afcross roads.com) is also an excellent source for information. Some of the less obvious data provided are: 

- Kid stuff 

- Family separations (return/reunion) 

- Parent support groups 

- Elder care (organizations/resources) 

- Spouse networks 

- Self-storage warehouses 

- Insurance needs (auto/renters) 

- Fun and leisure (puzzles/games) 

- Flea market information 

- Other contact information 

A link to register for “gimail” is also available. Members of all military services can use “gimail” to access email. The registration process is pretty simple, enrollment in DEERS is all that is required. Open to active duty, Reserve, Air National Guard, retirees and civil service employees. 

The data provided by our sponsors is valued information. But it doesn’t stop there. I recently found out two of Travis’ finest provided “outstanding” sponsorship by going beyond the minimum requirements. And I want to publicly thank Staff Sgt. Kateri Warner, 60th Contracting Squadron, and Senior Airman Douglas Spencer, 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron, for caring enough to go the extra mile to welcome two new personnel. One personally cleaned the dorm room the night before and the other stocked the room with snacks. Way to go and thank you for what you did to ensure our newest members were welcomed properly! 

It’s important the sponsorship program gets support at every level and sponsors are given the necessary time to help our transitioning members. Don’t forget how you felt the last time you moved. And remember our sponsors are responsible for that very first impression!