Sponsors introduce Airmen to new base, community Published June 7, 2007 By Senior Airman Micky Bazaldua 4th Fighter Wing public affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Sponsors assist with the transition of moving from one base to another. With their help, incoming members of the 4th Fighter Wing can expect to learn all about Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and the local community. As sponsors, military members are required to assist incoming members in making their transition a smooth move, said Lee Wright, the community readiness consultant at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Once a work center is notified of an incoming member, a sponsor within the work center is selected. To help, the Airman and Family Readiness Center offers sponsorship training three times a month on Thursdays. During the training course, Airmen are provided information on what is needed to be a successful and beneficial sponsor. Sponsors will be trained on how to help incoming members get settled in. Making arrangements at lodging or the dormitories and handling new members with pets are some of the situations where sponsors can help. They will also be able to supply the general delivery address for on and off base, a list of phone numbers that will be needed and information about the local area, county and state. Sponsors are provided resources to help answer the incoming member's questions. "Most importantly, we tell them they are the welcoming committee for the 4th Fighter Wing, so make that newcomer feel like a part of Team Seymour as soon as they get their assignment to Seymour Johnson," said Mrs. Wright. The center also provides sponsor packages, which include maps, real estate information, a base guide and many other information brochures about the base and the community. Lists of briefings and programs offered on base are also included. They also offer information on how to receive free child care to ease the stress of moving. Programs such as Right Start, Information Fair, and Spouse Orientation are very beneficial to incoming members and spouses, said Mrs. Wright. For more information, call 722-1123.