BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — Barksdale Air Force Base has reintroduced its Adopt an Airman program, an initiative designed to provide first-term Airmen with community support and a connection to local families as they transition into their first duty station.
The program offers a support system for Airmen who may be away from home for the first time and adjusting to a new environment. It pairs participants with volunteer families in the Shreveport-Bossier area.
“If an Airman isn’t doing well in their personal life, that’s going to affect their performance,” said Master Sgt. Jasmine Tanner, Military and Family Readiness Center readiness noncommissioned officer. “When they have that extra support system, it helps them come into work more rejuvenated and focused to complete their part of the mission.”
Airmen are introduced to the program during the First Term Enlisted Course, a mandatory week-long orientation. Those who choose to participate complete contact cards with personal interests and background information, which MFRC staff use to match them with available families. Supervisors may also nominate Airmen for participation.
“Connection is what this is all about,” said Kem Smelser, Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council committee chair. “We want the Airmen to feel welcome in this area and welcome as a new part of our family.”
Participants said the program helps build stability and a sense of belonging.
“We’re better equipped for the day knowing that there’s something here to become close to,” said Senior Airman Janelee Roches, 2nd Comptroller Squadron commander’s support staff force management technician. “At the end of the day, being with them makes you feel at home again.”
Roches said the support has been meaningful. “When I met my adopted family, it just made me so grateful that I have people here willing to take me in as their own,” she said. “At no point do I ever feel like I’m being left out of things.”
Base officials said the program aligns with the 2nd Bomb Wing’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Airmen resilience and support those contributing to the base’s strategic deterrence mission.