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Shaw Air Force Base

Topic

Military and Family Support Center

Deployment Support

In this Section:

Military and Family Support CenterDeployment SupportEmploymentFinancial AssistanceFamily Advocacy ProgramLoan ClosetNew Parent Support ProgramRelocation AssistanceService Specific Information

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Contact information for key programs and services at this installation.

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Content Intro

Deployment Support Overview

Deployment can be a challenging phase of the military lifecycle, but it’s important to know that you don’t have to go through it alone. The military provides a variety of resources and support programs — ranging from educational briefings to morale calls — for your loved ones, children and service members to ease the stress of deployment. Military members may be assigned to a specific installation but support may come from local communities, Yellow Ribbon events or the installation itself.

Subtopics

DEPLOYMENT SUPPORT PROGRAMS:

Below is a list of services offered by the Shaw Air Force Base Military and Family Readiness Center in conjunction with the Air & Space Forces Aid Society and other base agencies. To participate in the below programs, families need to call 803-895-1253 unless stated otherwise.

During deployment, out-processing members complete a Personal and Family Readiness Worksheet. The SM&FRC Readiness team utilizes this information to send weekly emails which include information on the services listed below, pertinent base updates/announcements, website resources and information on coping with deployment, sustainment and reunion/reintegration. Bi-annually, we also sponsor a children’s deployment line so your children can experience the deployment process.

Each unit also has a key spouse. Key spouses are informal liaisons between unit spouses and leadership. They are trained volunteers that provide a vital link to families during deployments. Contact your unit or the SM&FRC to get contact information for your squadron.

Services Offered:

  • Give Parents A Break – Four hours of childcare each month at off base facilities paid for by the AFAS. 
  • Deployment/Remote tour related Child Care – Before, during and returning home from a deployment entitles you to 16 free hours of childcare per child. This starts 30 days prior and can be used up to 60 days after/returning home from a deployment.  This is provided through the FCC program and paid for by the AFAS.
  • Remote Tour/Deployed Family Dinners – Monthly, the SM&FRC hosts a themed dinner. We blow up bounce houses, provide free food and enjoy each other’s company. This is a great opportunity to have some fun, let the kids play and make new friends while connecting families to available resources from the Housing Resident Advocate, EFMP, Personal Financial Counseling, etc.
  • Heart Link - A program designed to introduce new spouses to the military lifestyle.
  • Financial – Obtain information and education on just about any financial issue from budgeting, to reading a Leave and Earnings Statement, consumer issues such as car buying and much, much more.
  • Pre-Deployment Briefings are held at the SM&FRC every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. These briefings are mandatory for services members and highly encouraged for spouses. Additionally, individual squadrons often have mass pre-deployment briefings just for their service members and families. Check with your squadron for details.
  • Reintegration briefings are held at the SM&FRC every Tuesday and Friday at 9 a.m. These briefings are mandatory for services members and highly encouraged for spouses. Additionally, individual squadrons often have mass pre-deployment briefings just for their service members and families. Check with your squadron for details.
  • Children's deployment line is offered on a bi-annual basis.