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.

Another Air Force first begins at Scott

  • Published
  • By Airman Amber Kelly-Woodward
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  



When most first term Airmen arrive to their first duty station, it's their first time away from home. Not to mention, it's their first time not being in a training environment in the Air Force. Although it is an exciting time, this transition can also be scary. 

Scott Air Force Base has devised a plan that will make this transition easier.
The Helping Our Servicemembers Transition Family Sponsor Program is an Air Force first that allows civic and community leaders to sponsor first-term Airmen, said Tech. Sgt. Scott Greene, Scott FTAC instructor and HOST assistant program manager. 

Any first-term Airman can volunteer to participate. Members of the community can also volunteer through their chamber of commerce. Program managers here match up Airmen with families. 

The goal of the program is to help the Airmen better acclimate to their new community. The program also provides an opportunity for members of the community to show their appreciation for servicemembers. Lastly, the program builds community ties.
For example, if a member of security forces was sponsored by a family who worked with local police stations, they would both be able to learn about each other's jobs, said Master Sgt. Daryl Minor, HOST program manager. This would be beneficial since their stations would have to communicate anyway. 

"The HOST program is about helping our servicemembers transition, hence the name, said Col. Al Hunt, 375th Airlift Wing commander. "We are fully committed to success and have partnered with the local communities to launch this unique program. It's another great example of how Joint Total Force Scott personnel have combined efforts to support our troops." 

The HOST Program will eventually be open to the entire Metro East area. Families who wish to sponsor Airmen would go through a screening process. The program managers would try to match Airmen with community members of similar interests. The families would essentially become an extended family to the Airmen. 

Personally I feel great to be apart of program that has so much potential, said Sergeant
Greene. 

"I feel fortunate to be apart of something that can affect future leaders; make a difference in so many Airmen's lives whether they serve four years or 20," said Sergeant Minor. 
"This program will be around for along time and I'm in the grassroots." 

"Together we're building great Airmen and communities," said Chief Master Sgt. Jim Suttles, 375th Airlift Wing command chief. 

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