Team Shaw assists special needs Published May 2, 2012 By Airman Daniel B. Blackwell 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- On May 4, Shaw Air Force Base is schedule to hold the Special Needs Air Expo for special needs individuals who cannot deal with large crowds. The company grade officer council undertook managing this event. Many special needs organizations were invited to enjoy the expo. "We've been planning this since February," explained 1st Lt. Joseph Nash, 20th Operations Group executive officer and Company Grade Officer Council member and event coordinator. "It's been a huge group effort and it's finally coming together." Many events are scheduled for those in attendance. A free kids fun zone with a bouncy castle and other games for children to play will be offered free of charge, Friday only. Col. Clay Hall, 20th Fighter Wing commander, will give a personal address at noon before releasing visitors to view the static displays and tour the hangers. The Thunder Bird pilots will also personally meet and greet the guests after they practice their performance for the Air Expo. Volunteers are needed as escorts to ensure those in attendance are able to navigate the base, and view all attractions. No pre-requisites are required to volunteer. In order to volunteer contact 1st Lt. Renea Skelton, 20th Force Support Squadron deputy of sustainment services and Company Grade Officer Council member and event coordinator, at renea.skelton@shaw.af.mil or at (803) 895-8401. "Our goal is to create an intimate friendly setting while accommodating their needs," Nash said. Special needs range from behavioral development to physical and mental handicaps. Ages of special needs individuals in attendance vary, and both children and adults with special needs will be present. The following organizations have committed to attend the Special Needs Air Expo, the Crosswell Home, Babcock Center Inc., Lee County Disabilities and Special Needs Board, New Beginnings Family Services, United Cerebral Palsy as well as the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Crosswell Home, established in 1935 by John K. Crosswell, located in Sumter, S.C., provides homes for children who are unable to live with their families for various reasons. Their program is designed to meet the needs of children with mild behavioral and emotional issues. Babcock Center Inc., founded in 1970, located in West Columbia, S.C., is a private, non-profit provider of residential services for people with life-long disabilities. Their Center is the largest private provider in South Carolina. The Lee County Disabilities and Special Needs Board, founded in 1974, located in Bishopville, S.C., is a privately owned company established for the care of disabled and special needs individuals. New Beginnings Family Services, founded in 2000, located in Columbia, S.C., is a non-profit organization that provides a positive stable environment for special needs children and adults to develop in. United Cerebral Palsy of Columbia, S.C., founded in 1949, provides support services for people with a wide spectrum of disabilities and special needs . The Make-A-Wish Foundation, founded in 1980, is a national organization that grants wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions. Special needs children and adults in attendance will be accompanied by caretakers from their respective organizations. "All these people are just great and fantastic," Skelton said. "They're so appreciative of what we're doing for them." "We stressed getting the word out," Nash explained. "We want people to know we take care and great consideration for those with special needs."