Families of deployed get pass to play

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  A new Air Force wide PLAYpass Program will provide deployed single Airmen and Air Force families at Barksdale, home of Air Force Global Strike Command, respite from the challenges of deployment.

In continuing efforts to build a resilient force, single Airmen returning from deployment and families of deployed members can receive special discounts and rewards to help make their deployment easier.

The new PLAYpass card replaces the DePLAYment program offered during the Year of the Air Force Family last year. The program has been expanded to provide deployment respite support for not only deployed families but also support for returning single Airmen.

"Basically the Air Force took the inputs from the DePLAYment program that ran through the Year of the Air Force Family," said Kyle Hamaoka, 2nd Force Support Squadron marketing director. "The Air Force listened, they made some adjustments, and now the program is back and it's better than ever. We recognized that the single Airman has needs too. Now, they'll be getting cards upon their return from deployment. They've also got fewer restrictions; the blocks of discounts on each card can be used for any services within 2 FSS."

Some notable locations the passes can be used include but are not limited to: hourly childcare, Outdoor Recreation trips and programs, items at equipment rental, team sports, Youth Center functions, auto hobby maintenance and summer pool passes.

The Airman and Family Readiness Center will distribute PLAYpass cards pre-printed with specific dollar amount coupon blocks that can be applied to the specified programs offered at each participating location. Each card is valued in excess of $500.

"It's like a punch card, and the Airman or family member gets it stamped each time it's used," said Mr. Hamaoka. "For instance, if you wanted to buy a summer pool pass, which is $40, you could get a pool pass, get your card punched and not pay for the pass at all."

Mr. Hamaoka says the program should offer Airmen and families some peace of mind.

"I think it's really a great program," he said. "The deployed Airman can leave knowing that their family members have resources here in the services this base provides. It's just a way to make sure the families here are taken care of and that single Airmen have the means to decompress when they get back from overseas."

Stephanie Reyes, A&FRC chief, says the center has signed up more than 20 families in the last few weeks and she encourages more Airmen and families to come sign up for the program.

"The response we've had so far is great, but it's important that families of deployed individuals and single Airmen stop by and get their passes so they can take advantage of the hundreds of dollars they'll save with the different programs on base," she said.

The PLAYpass cards may be picked up at the A&FRC now through December 2011.

For more information, call 456-8400 and ask for Susan Lear, or check PLAYpass eligibility at www.MyAirForceLife.com.