20th FW to host pre-deployment fair Published April 9, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Holly Brown 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 20th Fighter Wing is hosting a Pre-Deployment Family Fair in the community center area at 3 p.m. May 2. The event is for members deploying in air expeditionary force cycles three and four, and their families. "We're planning an event where spouses and children of our deploying Airmen can acquire helpful information in a comfortable environment," said Col. James Post, 20th FW commander. "This fair will ensure our families know that while their spouses are deployed, there is still a base and local community with great programs in place to support them." "There are two main components to the fair," said Lt. Col. Scott Schubkegel, 20th Dental Squadron commander and event liaison. "There will be deploying Airmen and spouse readiness briefings, and an information fair." The briefings will be held in the base theater at 3 p.m. for all Team Shaw organizations and 6 p.m. for all families and shift workers who cannot attend the afternoon briefing. Deploying members and families will be briefed on the base programs available during the deployment, what to expect on the day of deployment and the day of return, and legal matters to be aware of while the member is deployed. "The briefings will also give the spouses things to keep in mind while the member is deployed; for example, not hanging a yellow ribbon outside your house, which lets people know you're home alone," Colonel Schubkegel said. "They'll also talk about the many ways to stay in close touch with each other while the member is gone." Several agencies from the base and community will attend the fair to provide information on how they assist families of deployed members. Information booths and representatives will be set up in the CAC ballroom from 3 to 5 p.m. The base leadership will also be at the event to provide an "eyes-on" situation for the families, the Colonel said. "The families may feel more comfortable, if they have to call and ask questions, because they've met people face-to-face instead of just seeing a name on a list," said Patti Busser, 20th FW Family Advocacy Outreach manager and event volunteer. "The fair is all about support and letting the families know how to get the support they need," Colonel Schubkegel said. Free childcare is available at the Child Development Center for both briefings, for more information contact the CDC at 895-2247. First sergeants will be handing out tickets for the event. For more information about the event, contact your first sergeant.