Sponsorship rules to live by Published Feb. 4, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Ashlin Federick 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Dover Air Force Base, Del. -- As military members Airmen must follow many rules and regulations especially in regards to commercial sponsorship. Anne Brock, 436th Force Support Squadron commercial sponsorship coordinator, acts as a liaison between the base facilities and commercial sponsors who would potentially be able to come to events on base. There are a lot of regulations that Airmen have to follow when it comes to any kind of advertisement for the military. Contracts have to be in place for any commercial places to sponsor on base. The regulations have to be followed to make sure people aren't getting in trouble for what they are doing. "We have to make sure people know that they really aren't allowed to do things such as contacting commercial places on behalf of the Air Force," said Brock. "Most people are saying they only contacted them on behalf of their squadron but they are still in the uniform and representing the United States Air Force." The most common rule that is broken is Airmen approaching commercial places and asking them straight out for any kind of support, donations and sponsorship. It is asking different facilities to just give them stuff. "A lot of places are eager to give and support the military but we have to cover all the regulations and make sure no one is breaking any rules," said Brock. Here are some frequently asked questions about commercial sponsorship. Who can receive commercial sponsorship? Only certain FSS facilities whose activities or events are defined as Non-Appropriated Funds may receive commercial sponsorship on and Air Force installation. How does the sponsorship program work? Commercial firms work with the commercial sponsorship coordinator to make a contract pledging cash and/or in-kind support of an event in return for limited recognition during the event. The contract must be submitted to the FSS commander for approval. Can an organization, other than a 436th FSS facility, bring its own sponsors into a 436th FSS facility? Only 436th FSS Commercial Sponsorship can contract with an organization to allow them access inside a facility. If a potential sponsor approaches me at my facility and wants to sponsor an event, can I accept the offer? If a potential sponsor approaches an Airman at their facility they must refer them to the Commercial Sponsorship Office. An Airman may provide the event information to them if they ask, but AFI34-108, Section 1.4, states that commercial sponsorship is the only position authorized to accept sponsorship on base. "We are just trying to get the word out to make sure people know that they should be checking the regulations before going through with certain things and make sure they realize that there are repercussions for their actions if they don't follow the regulations," said Brock. For more information regarding commercial sponsorship contact Anne Brock at (302) 677-3998.