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Shaw Air Force Base

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Military and Family Support Center

Military and Family Support Center

In this Section:

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

Main Contact Info

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  • Air Force

    VA Medical Services Coordinator contact/BDD

    Building 1042, (ground floor)

    20th Medical Group

    Ms. Allyson Tjaarad

    COMM phone number for Shaw Air Force Base VA Medical Services Coordinator contact/BDD

    803-767-8370

    COMM phone number for Shaw Air Force Base VA Medical Services Coordinator contact/BDD

    803-895-6748

    Pick up pamphlets at office.
    MAPMap: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=+Building+1042,+(ground+floor),+20th+Medical+Group,+Ms%2E+Allyson+Tjaarad,++

All Contacts

Contact information for key programs and services at this installation.

View all contacts.

Content Intro

Military and Family Support Center Overview

The Military and Family Support Center is one part of a larger network of agencies, programs, services, partnerships and individuals that supports your personal and family readiness. The larger system called the Military Family Readiness System is a web of support for you and your family. The Military and Family Support Center should be one of your first stops once you arrive at a new installation. The programs and services they offer are a key resource for you and your family.

Subtopics

The Air Force Aid Society's Give Parents a Break program provides eligible Air Force and Space Force families with financial assistance for monthly childcare to help relieve the unique stresses of military life, such as deployments, remote tours, and demanding working hours.

Key Program Features:

  • Funding: Eligible families receive $40 per dependent child per month, which is deposited directly into your bank account via Zelle or ACH.
  • Flexibility: Funds can be used for any childcare option you choose, including base Child Development Centers, Family Child Care providers, or vetted civilian sitters.
  • Duration: Assistance is typically available for up to three months.

Eligibility & Referrals

To qualify for the GPAB program, you must be an active-duty Air Force or Space Force member, or an activated Air National Guard/Reserve member (under Title 10, USC). Families must have a referral or certificate of eligibility from one of the following base agencies:

  • Squadron Commander or First Sergeant
  • Chaplain
  • Family Advocacy Program
  • Military & Family Readiness Center
  • Child Development Center or Youth Center

How to Apply

  1. Obtain Referral: Contact one of the approved base agencies listed above to receive a Certificate of Eligibility.
  2. Submit Application: Once you have your certificate, visit the AFAS Member Portal to apply for the program.
  3. Receive Funds: Complete all required application documents in the portal within 30 days of receiving your certificate to receive your funds. 

The Installation Voting Assistance Office is located in the Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) at 524 Stuart Avenue, Bldg 1127 on Shaw Air Force Base. The Voting Assistance Office provides Airmen, Guardians, their family members and all other voting age citizens with information and voting assistance. The Installation Voting Assistance Officer is available to provide voting assistance services.

Hour of Operation: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed on Federal Holidays and 20th Fighter Wing Family Days).

Contact: 803-895–4127 or 803-895–1253 / Email: 20fw.shaw.vote@us.af.mil

The Federal Voting Assistance Program ensures that service members, their eligible family members and overseas U.S. citizens have the tools and resources to register to vote and request an absentee ballot, regardless of their state of residence. The Voting Assistance Guide (VAG) is a reference guide for everything you need to know about absentee voting in all 50 states, the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. The VAG is available online. Select your state to find your local election office’s contact information.

Voting forms are also available online, including the Federal Post Card Application and Write-In Absentee Ballot.

Military and Family Support Centers provide information, education and support programs to help balance the demands of military life. Offerings include:

  • Deployment support to assist you and your family during all phases of the deployment cycle. Learn more about deployment support.
  • Relocation assistance to help you prepare for an upcoming move and get settled into your new location. Learn more about the military Relocation Assistance Program.
  • Confidential counseling provides support for a wide range of issues from marital conflicts and stress management to coping with grief and deployment adjustments. Learn more about confidential counseling.
  • Personal and family life education assists with developing knowledge and skills to help you navigate your mobile military life.
  • Personal financial readiness assists you and your family in building and maintaining your financial readiness.
  • Employment assistance supports military spouse career and education goals, along with employment readiness for service members and other family members. Learn more about how the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program can support military spouses throughout all phases of their career journey.
  • Information and referral can assist you in identifying and clarifying needs and locating and connecting to services and programs available both on and off your installation.
  • Morale, Welfare and Recreation, or MWR, services provide lots of ways for you to connect with friends and others for entertainment, rest and relaxation — all at reduced or no cost. Learn more about MWR programs and services.
  • The Transition Assistance Program provides the information, skills and knowledge necessary for a successful transition from military to civilian life. Learn more about transition assistance programs and resources.

Military and Family Support Centers may provide other programs such as the following:

Exceptional Family Member Program

Family Advocacy Program

New Parent Support Program

Federal Voting Assistance Program

Services may vary by location and installation. Use the Search tool to find contact information for your installation Military and Family Support Center. Just enter your installation name, Zip code or state.

The Weasel Welcome/Right Start Program is a required appointment for active duty personnel, and spouses are encouraged to attend. This briefing is designed to familiarize you and your family with the base and the local Sumter community. Service members should attend this briefing within 14 days of arrival. The program will begin at 7:15 a.m. Seating for the initial welcome by the wing commander/command chief will start promptly at 8 a.m.

Scheduling is handled when the member in-processes by the gaining CSS. Service members are required to wear their uniform of the day.

Child care: The Air Force Aid Society provides for up to 20 hours of free permanent change of station childcare for service members who have recently arrived at Shaw Air Force Base to help you settle in before or after a PCS. Army personnel are highly encouraged to reach out to the family childcare provider on base at 803-895-1212 for childcare assistance.

Military and Family Support Center Associated Links

AF Wounded Warrior Program
Provides benefits and services available to wounded warriors and families.
Military OneSource
Provides access to 24/7 counseling, information and referral for service families.
Military State Policy Source
Seeks to engage and educate state policymakers, not-for-profit associations, concerned business interests, and other state leaders about the needs of military members and their families.