Making decisions about postsecondary education can be tough. But the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Education Fair can help Soldiers and their Families narrow things down.

"It's going to be like a one-stop shopping situation for them," education guidance counselor Jan Muri said of the upcoming event.

The fair, which will take place the next two Thursdays, Sept. 15 and 22 at Stone Education Center, will put all the available options in one room so prospective students can do some comparative shopping.

In addition to five local schools (Pierce College, St. Martin's University, Central Texas University, Troy University and Brandman University) that will be there both days, representatives from at least 39 other schools have already confirmed that they will attend.

Though different schools will be there each day, organizers have made sure they'll have a variety of options available. Technical schools, universities and community colleges will have representatives onsite to answer questions.

Better still, if people still have questions - from anything from tuition assistance to what the best option for them is - education counselors are ready and available just upstairs. The whole idea is to personalize the experience for Soldiers and Family members trying to decide what to do next.

For Muri, this is a critical piece of the puzzle.

"I think when you talk to someone in person it makes a big difference," Muri said.