An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

HOST program: Extended family for 1st termers

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Woodward
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The Helping Our Servicemembers Transition program, which began more than 11 months ago, held it's first Airmen and family meeting Nov. 5 at the Airmen and Family Readiness Center.

"This is a first at Scott and in the Air Force," said Chief Master Sgt. Jim Suttles, 375th Airlift Wing command chief. "I remember when I was a young Airman at my first duty station and I was scared. I arrived six miles from my base with luggage and the wife of a master sergeant took pity on me and brought me to base. I was still lost though and didn't know anybody. A first assignment can be nerve wrecking, but this program can go a long way in strengthening ties."

The HOST program is different than a sponsor, because while a sponsor shows an Airman around base and the job, the HOST family is designed to be more like an extended family.

Various members of the Metro East community have volunteered to become an extended family for Scott's first-term Airmen. 

"My husband is a retired colonel and we have done something like this at each base," said Deborah Dietrich. "It helps the Airmen get acclimated and move on in their career without feeling alone or isolated. Also we have three kids on active duty and I hope they are getting the same treatment."

HOST families can experience what it is like to be in the military for Airmen of today. For those who are or have been in the military, they are given a chance to help improve the Airmen's career based on their previous experiences. Civic and business leaders also provide life knowledge from their pasts.

"Our military experiences have not always been great and we want this Airman to have a positive first assignment," said Cari Scharffer, personal chef and wife of Master Sgt. Jim Schaeffer, 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center, aerial port function manager. "I would like to have dinner with our Airman, invite him to family functions and try new things."

First-term Airmen involved in the HOST program also benefit from being able to interact with people in the community.

"This is a great program for the community to experience the Air Force story, their career, promotions and deployments," said Master Sgt. Daryl Minor, HOST program manager.

Airmen signed up for the HOST program through the First-Term Airmen Center and families signed up through their Chambers of Commerce.

"Airmen and families are screened and matched through similar interests such as hometowns, hobbies and jobs" said Master Sgt. Scott Greene, HOST assistant program manager.

The community is interested in supporting the troops and the Airmen enjoying giving back to the community; the HOST program is a win-win situation for both parties.

"The HOST program allows retirees, active duty, civic and business leaders to take care of our nation's treasure which is our young Airman," said Chief Suttles. "Life-long relationships will be built, role models will be established and the community can serve the military in a slightly different way."

For more information about the HOST Program, please contact Sergeant Minor at 229-5659 or Daryl.Minor@scott.af.mil or Sergeant Greene at 256-8537 or at Wayne.Greene-02@scott.af.mil.