JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- The 627th Force Support Squadron’s Military and Family Readiness team recently hosted a Team McChord Deployment Fair. The event invited key support agencies from on- and -off base to provide resources, support systems, and face-to-face subject matter expertise to Airmen and their families.
“Deployments can be stressful, even for the most seasoned families,” said Diana Burr, 627th FSS M&FR community readiness consultant. “Having the chance to speak directly with experts, ask questions, and learn about programs they may not have known existed helps reduce that stress.”
Rather than having to track down information on their own, the event co-located essential resources for families in one place with an open-house approach, the goal being to allow flexibility and convenience for those seeking support.
“For our Airmen, knowing their loved ones are supported allows them to stay focused on the mission,” said Felicia Parreno-Jefferson, 627th FSS Exceptional Family Member Program coordinator. “For families, feeling seen, prepared, and connected makes a tremendous difference in their overall well-being. Ultimately, this fair is about strengthening readiness, building community and ensuring every member of our team has the support network they need before, during, and after a deployment.”
The event included booths and SMEs from the United Service Organization (USO), Military One Source, Blue Star Families, local Chaplains, School and Housing Liaisons, the Red Cross, the United Thru Reading Program, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, and more.
“When we support our families well, we support the mission well,” said Burr. “Our team is here to support the entire deployment cycle, not just the member, but the whole family. At the end of the day, this fair is about readiness, resilience, and community.”