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Deployed family dinners

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Emily Chilson
  • 20 FW Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The deployed family dinner for the month of November, Warrior Care Month, is Nov. 17 at the Palmetto Chapel from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The food for this dinner is provided by the Catholic parish. 

A monthly dinner hosted by the chapel is a small event that makes a big difference in the hearts and minds of not only deployed families, but also their counterparts overseas. 

"It is the opportunity for a good meal, a chance to relax and meet others who are experiencing the same situation," said Maj. Glenn Gresham, senior protestant chaplain for the 20th Fighter Wing. "In addition, usually there are representatives of the various squadrons and wing leadership as well as people from the Airman and Family Readiness Center and other agencies on base who are available to answer questions and help solve issues. 

"We have received many comments from the families who appreciate a night out, a change in their routine and the opportunity to meet and be with other families who are going through the same stresses and strains," Major Gresham said. 

Deployed families are not the only ones who benefit from this event. Although deployed family members are half a world away, they have peace of mind knowing their families are supported by people at their home station. 

"While the Chapel is the primary point of contact, we have had a variety of off base churches and organizations who have volunteered to cook and serve these families whose spouses are either deployed or on a remote assignment," Major. Gresham said. 

With the holiday season in sight, a time that can be significantly more difficult for deployed families, events like this dinner are essential in providing care for deployed warriors and their families.