SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 20th Fighter Wing held its first Pre-deployment Family Fair at the community center here May 2. 

The purpose of the fair was to educate deploying Airmen and their families on what to expect during the member's deployment. 

The fair began in the community center ballroom where members and their families were invited to gain information from various base and local agencies. 

The members and families then attended a briefing in the base theater at 3 p.m. Maj. Gen. William Holland, 9th Air Force vice commander and U.S. Central Command Air Forces deputy commander, welcomed families with the first briefing about deployments. 

"Nobody does it better than the United States Air Force," General Holland said to the families. "When they leave, be proud of them." 

The General spoke about how deployments are now the Air Force standard. 

"We have come a long way in embracing that," he said. "The one thing that concerns me the most is that families are taken care of. It's our job to make sure you're okay." 

The members and families were introduced to base leadership, so families would know who to contact if the need arises during their spouses' deployment. Group and squadron leaders encouraged families to feel comfortable to contact them. 

Col. James Post, 20th Fighter Wing commander, spoke to the members and families also. He encouraged the families to think about "what you can do today to avoid a crisis tomorrow." 

Several agencies; such as the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Security Forces, Finance, Family Advocacy and Legal, gave briefings with specialized tips on what the member and family member can do to make the deployment easier. A military and family life consultant also spoke to the group about a program which offers private, undocumented counseling. 

"Our Team Shaw deployers and their ever-important families are now much better equipped with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed," said Lt. Col. Scott Schubkegel, 20th Dental Squadron commander and event liaison. 

The briefing was offered again at 6 p.m. for those who couldn't attend earlier. Free bowling was also available to the members and families. 

"It was great to see the 20th Fighter Wing, 9th Air Force/USAFCENT and the local community come together for this highly successful event," Colonel Schubkegel said. "Through face-to-face meetings between our deployers, their spouses and those who can provide assistance (throughout) the upcoming deployment, our ultimate readiness goal was achieved."