For four years, they were the escape.
They were the Sunday afternoon couch nap. The home-cooked meal when the mess hall just wouldn't cut it. The quiet house to study in away from the barracks, and the supportive voice on the other end of the phone during the toughest weeks of Plebe or Fourth Class year.
For Service Academy cadets and midshipmen, the Sponsor Family (or Host Family) is an unsung hero of their success. They open their homes and hearts to students they’ve never met, providing a critical "home away from home" that makes the rigors of Academy life survivable. This thoughtful gift works for all Service Academies including the Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy, Air Force Academy, and West Point Military Academy.
As graduation and commissioning approach, many cadets—and especially their parents—struggle with the same question: How do you properly thank a family that has given so much?
A gift card or a bottle of wine, while nice, often feels too transactional for a relationship built on four years of genuine care. You want a gift that lasts. You want a tribute that captures the bond.
Our Personalized Photo Plaque is designed to be that perfect gesture of gratitude.
Why a Photo Plaque is the Ultimate "Thank You"
The Sponsor Family relationship is deeply personal. The best gift is one that captures a memory.
Our handcrafted photo plaques are designed to hold a standard 5x7 photograph. This allows you to frame a cherished picture of the cadet with their host family, a photo from graduation day, or a formal portrait of the new officer in their dress uniform.
But what elevates this beyond a standard picture frame is the customization.
The Service Crest: The plaque features the laser-engraved crest of their branch (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard), connecting the family's support directly to the officer's future service.
The Personalized Note: Three lines of custom engraving allow you to write a permanent message of thanks that won't get lost like a card.
What to Engrave: Ideas for Your Tribute
Stuck on what to say? Here are a few ways to personalize the plaque to make it truly special for a Sponsor Family:
The "Heartfelt" Approach:
The Miller Family
Thank you for being my home away from home.
With Love, ENS Sarah Jenkins '26
The "Parent's Gratitude" Approach:
To the Johnson Family
With deepest gratitude for supporting our son.
The Smith Family
The "Formal" Approach:
With Sincere Appreciation
Presented to the Davis Family
USMA Class of 2026
A Lasting Reminder of Their Impact
Host families rarely do it for the recognition. They do it because they want to support the next generation of leaders.
When they hang this plaque in their home, it serves as a permanent reminder that their generosity mattered. Every time they look at it, they won't just see a photo; they will see the young leader they helped shape, and they will know that their kindness was never taken for granted.
Whether you are a parent looking to honor the people who watched over your child, or a graduating Firstie wanting to leave a piece of your journey behind with the people who helped you complete it, a personalized plaque is the perfect lasting tribute.
Design a Custom Photo Plaque for Your Sponsor Family
To all the Sponsor Families across Annapolis, West Point, Colorado Springs, New London, and Kings Point: Thank you. Your support makes the mission possible.
- The Blades Raised Team
