'Knights' accept sponsor program award

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Ava Margerison
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The spokespersons for the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Sponsor Program accepted the Air Education and Training Command International Student Support Award on behalf of the sponsor program.

During a night of highlighting individual award winners at the 80th Flying Training Wing Annual Award Banquet Feb. 8, 2014 here, Lady Dee Ann Martin and Sir Noros Martin, knighted for their support by the Order of Orange Nassau from Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands a few years ago, stole the show as they accepted the great honor for the sponsor program.

The ENJJPT sponsor program's primary purpose is to "promote understanding, foster relationships and develop friendships between all the participants of the ENJJPT program at Sheppard AFB by acquainting these participants with our community."

"It's recognizing the entire ENJJPT country sponsor program," Lady Dee Ann said. "Recognizing a lot of people who have given so much of their time and their heart to making people feel a sense of home when they come here to live."

The AETC International Student Support Award recognizes those who support the international training and education mission by sharing their homes, families and times to international families during their tour in the U.S. This award highlights the best community relationships and sponsorship programs.

"These people build relationships through their sponsors more than you can imagine," she said. "We've built so many wonderful, wonderful relationships."

The Martins have been a part of the sponsor program since the beginning, participating as active members hosting numerous families for more than 30 years.

"It's to give some Texas flavor and local flavor to the people," she said. "Were here to help keep their families stable and happy getting them involved in the community. People fit in all different ways."

While there have been different types of sponsor programs at Sheppard, the ENJJPT program has been an official organization since 1981 with Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States participation.