The Military Affairs Council and Barksdale Air Force Base are happy to introduce the ADOPT AN AIRMAN PROGRAM (Roots for Boots) here in Shreveport-Bossier. This Barksdale Airmen Sponsor Program (BASP) offers select community leaders a unique and rewarding opportunity to provide Airmen a home-away-from home during their first assignment in the military. It also offers community leaders the opportunity to enter Barksdale Air Force Base and meet first-hand our fine young Air Force men and women and, the air and space leaders of tomorrow. The BASP is designed to provide Airmen with an avenue to form friendships and gather support beyond the formal work environment. If you can remember leaving behind the comfort and security of your parents’ home, then you will understand the needs of the young men and women in the BASP. Rigorous military standards can tax even the best of spirits, producing feelings of great stress to make the grade in some Airmen, and in others, moments of loneliness, homesickness and doubt. The official relationship lasts for the duration of time that the Airman is assigned to Barksdale AFB, or when one of the two parties decides to terminate the relationship. The goal of the program is to have individuals from the community serve as the Airman’s mentor, friend, and advisor, providing a caring environment to relax away from the pressures of work and future deployments. Participants are also in the position to serve as a positive adult role model helping Airmen understand their role as a career Air Force Airman and reinforcing positive social values. This rewarding program currently exists at other military installations and has been highly successful. The BASP will be run by the Military Affairs Council (MAC) of Shreveport-Bossier. The MAC is a 501c3 non-profit with a history of service and ties to Barksdale AFB. We, through the BASP, will attempt to match host families with Airmen who share the same basic characteristics. Airmen can request “by name” host families. If you have the desire and commitment to make a difference in a young Airman’s life, this is the program for you! Kem Smelser will serve as the Committee Chair/Program Manager for the Barksdale Sponsor Program. If you interested in being involved in the program or have questions, contact him at kem_smelser@yahoo.com or 318 208-2386.