Adopt an Airman: Get the Feeling of Home, Away from Home

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ramon A. Adelan
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs

It’s your first permanent change of station, and the changing environments from Basic Military Training, technical school and now your first duty station can be challenging. You may have a million questions. Or may be looking for some sort of interaction beyond anything mission related, more of a home-away-from-home.

The Beale Military Liaison Counsel (BMLC) has partnered with Recce Town to assist with battling these challenges through the Adopt an Airman program.

“The Adopt an Airman Program is an opportunity for willing Airmen to be paired with a host family, either civilian families in the community or military families,” said Sammie Null, BMLC board member. “This may be an Airman’s first time away from home, and they don’t necessarily have that comfort of home. This can give them an opportunity to find a safe, welcoming environment with a sense of home.”

The Adopt an Airman program is designed to provide Airmen with an avenue to form new friendships in the local community and gather support beyond the formal work environment. Potential host families are vetted to ensure an Airman’s experience is positive during their time with them.

“Interaction between Airmen and families are all individualized based on what the families can offer,” Null said. “Host families are encouraged to treat Airmen, not as a guest but as a family member.”

Activities from host families can vary from inviting Airmen to their home for cookouts, to showing them what the local area has to offer and what they can experience in Northern California.

“The BMLC’s main priority is to make a difference for Beale,” Null said. “Adopt an Airman is just a portion of what we provide to the base. It’s a partnership that’s been created with the base to learn and understand what Airmen want and need. Our members find ways to fulfill those wants and needs any which way we can.”

The BMLC maintains dialogue with Air Force and Space Force leaders, elected officials and relevant community organizations to ensure Beale remains viable.