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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 Force 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 the Children’s Development Center 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 child care 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 that are currently going through similar situations.
  • Heart Link - A program designed to introduce new spouses to the military lifestyle.
  • Financial – Obtain information and guidance 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.