Airmen, families benefit from PLAYpass changes

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Preston Webb
  • 100 Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Airmen and their families who have been, are currently or will soon be deployed may be able to enjoy the benefits of a PLAYpass.

A PLAYpass provides deployment-affected Airmen and their families with respite through discounted or free Morale, Welfare and Recreation-focused programs.

The back of each PLAYpass is marked with 20 coupons worth $25 each for a total value of $500.

Coupons enable users to take advantage of discounts at many 100th and 48th Force Support Squadron facilities.

Airmen and families may use coupons may be used for many recreational or life-skills classes, tournaments or contests, youth classes and camps, drop-in childcare at the Child Development Center, massages at the fitness centers, or select organized trips through Information, Tickets and Travel. However, PLAYpass coupons cannot be used for food, beverages or merchandise.

Under the former PLAYpass system, each card was allotted a certain amount of coupons to be spent in different categories, such as classes or trips.

"There are no more categories on the card, so you could use $500 on an ITT trip instead of only $100 like you could before," said Karen Anderson, Airman and Family Readiness Center community relations assistant. "I've seen an Airman spend an entire pass in a week."

Any Airman or family of an Airman who served a deployment, temporary duty assignment or remote tour in support of an active operation for 30 days or more and returned on or after Dec. 1, 2010, may be eligible for a PLAYpass.

Families are authorized to pick up a PLAYpass as soon as the deploying Airman leaves, and airmen are authorized to pick up a second pass after they return.

"A singles pass is just for a single Airman, but they may authorize another person to accompany them during the activity. For example, an Airman could take a buddy with them on a trip," Anderson said. "Families essentially get two passes since they are authorized to pick up a pass as soon as their sponsor leaves, and the sponsor may pick up another pass when they return."

There is no set time limit that disqualifies an Airman or dependent from registering for a PLAYpass, but once it's issued, it will expire in 90 days, Anderson said. To register for a PLAYpass, Airmen or their dependents must visit the Airman and Family Readiness center with a valid copy of official orders for the qualifying operation.

For more information, contact the Airman and Family Readiness center at 01638-543406.