Be Their Home Away from Home

Cheyenne has always had deep roots in military support. That commitment began in 1867, when both the city and Fort D.A. Russell (now F.E. Warren Air Force Base) were founded side by side. More than 150 years later, the community continues to honor that legacy through the Adopt an Airman program.

Coordinated by a subcommittee of the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee in partnership with the 90th Missile Wing, the program pairs local community members with first-term Airmen stationed at F.E. Warren AFB.

And at its heart, it’s simple:
Be their home away from home.

It's important to note that program participants do not live with their host families. Instead, the Adopt an Airman program is designed to create a natural, welcoming connection between first-term Airmen and members of the Cheyenne community.

Many of these Airmen are away from home for the first time, navigating the demands of military life while adjusting to a new town, new routines, and new responsibilities. Some arrive newly married, and their spouses are adapting right alongside them. It can be an exciting but challenging chapter — and that’s where the program makes a meaningful difference.

Hosts simply fold an Airman into the activities they already enjoy. That might mean:

• Inviting them to a weekly family dinner
• Spending a Saturday exploring Curt Gowdy
• Sharing a home-cooked meal, a game night, or a lazy Sunday watching football
• Introducing them to favorite local spots or community events

There’s no schedule to follow and no expectation to plan special outings — though hosts are welcome to if they wish. The goal is simply to build a connection, create a sense of belonging, and help these young service members feel at home here in Cheyenne.

How Matching Works

Airmen and community hosts each complete a short application and questionnaire, helping the committee pair people with shared interests, backgrounds, or hobbies. Some participants even request each other by name.

Before a match is finalized, a committee member conducts a short phone call to help ensure it’s the right fit. Once matched, hosts and Airmen connect on their own timeline, building the relationship in whatever way feels comfortable.

There’s flexibility every step of the way. If a match isn’t the right fit, the program can easily rematch either party. The goal is always to build positive, supportive connections.

Who Can Participate?

• Airmen: First-term Airmen stationed at F.E. Warren AFB
• Hosts: Individuals, couples, or families in Cheyenne and surrounding areas
• Veterans, retirees, and Guard members can apply as hosts, though currently serving active-duty members at F.E. Warren cannot (to avoid supervisory overlaps)

Want to Get Involved?

Whether you’re interested in becoming a host or simply helping the program grow, there are many ways to support Adopt an Airman:

• Encourage friends or neighbors to apply
• Invite the committee to speak at your workplace or club
• Display a program poster
• Donate to support program events through the Cheyenne Chamber Foundation

Applications for both Airmen and hosts are available through the program, and questions can be directed to adoptanairmanWYO@gmail.com.

At #1 Properties, we’re all about home and there’s nothing more “Cheyenne” than opening ours to the Airmen who serve at F.E. Warren. This program embodies the community we love.

#1 Properties: Helping Cheyenne find home and build community since 1984.