Airmen, families encouraged to make most of PLAYpass after deployment

  • Published
  • By Karen Abeyasekere
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Airmen who are currently, have been or will soon be deployed are able to enjoy the benefits of PLAYpass until December 2013.

Both single Airmen and those with families can take advantage of discounts at many 100th Force Support Squadron facilities.

PLAYpass is an Air Force program which helps contribute to the quality of life and a resiliency force. It gives Airmen, and families whose current sponsor, is deployed a break upon return from deployment, through learning, recreation and leisure programs.

Cards have a value of $600, broken down into blocks of coupons ranging from $25 to $100. They can be used at the arts and crafts center, the bowling alley, fitness centers for personal training sessions or massages, outdoor recreation, and the community center.

"We highly encourage people to use this - it's one of our most underused benefits," said Master Sgt. Colin Richardson, 100th FSS Airman and Family Readiness Center NCO in-charge.

"It's an extra benefit for our (Airmen); they've earned it by being gone for (several) months and serving their country away from their families," he said. "It's one of the programs the Air Force has to say 'thank you for your service, and thank you to your families back at home station.'"

Airmen can get up to a $100 discount on day trips at information, tickets and tours and outdoor recreation. Discounts can also be used at any U.S. Air Force base with the relevant force support squadron facilities.

It must be noted that Airmen can only get the PLAYpass once per tour at their base; it cannot be given for each deployment, explained Victor Villareal, 100th FSS A&FRC Discovery Center coordinator. He added that military-to-military couples will only receive one PLAYpass between them, rather than one each.

Once registered, the benefits can be redeemed up to 90 days after the Airmen return from deployment, or Dec. 31, 2013 - whichever comes first.

"They can only get one extension (on the time they have to use it), which only applies providing the PLAYpass program is still active, as it's funded from year to year," Villareal said.

Child passes are also available for Airmen with children, which offer discounts and free month-long instructional classes at the youth center, such as karate, gymnastics and dance. They can also be used for up to 10 hours of hourly childcare per child, up to a cost of $5 per hour.

To be eligible for the pass, an active-duty member must be deployed for 30 consecutive days or more.

The PLAYpass card must be presented with a Department of Defense ID card that matches the sponsor's name on the front. It cannot be used for food, beverages or merchandise, and no cash refund is given for any unused portion of a coupon block.

For more information, or to register for a PLAYpass, call the A&FRC at DSN 238-3406 or commercial at 01638-543406.