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DePLAYment program allows access to free, reduced-cost services

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Kathleen Ferrero
  • Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Wouldn't it be great if, when your spouse deploys, you could get free child care or get yourself or the kids more involved with base programs, without worrying about the cost?

Now, when an Airman deploys, their family can get "dog tag" to use as a base pass for free/ reduced cost services such as free child care, youth sports, classes and more.

The dog tag pass is part of DePLAYment, an Air Force program and Year of the Air Force Family effort to expand on existing deployment support services and honor family members.

"Every Airman should be able to be confident that the Air Force will help take care of their families when they are deployed," said Capt. Joseph Dowell, deputy branch chief of AMC Airman and Family Services.

At a minimum, every eligible family gets one free instructional class; free access to one youth sport; and 10 free hours of child care per child (based on availability).

In addition to the 10 free child care hours, free childcare is available for mandatory deployment meetings, medical appointments and other circumstances.

Families are eligible if member has deployed in support of an active contingency operation between July 1, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2009, or returned on or after July 1, 2009.

Each AMC installation has received "DePLAYment Tag Pass Packs" to give to eligible families. To find out where to pick up your DePLAYment Tag Pass Pack, visit the Web site www.myairforcelife.com/dePLAYment/index.cfm.

The pre-printed numbered code on the back of the tag, called a "tag -code," serves as unique identifier for each family and each family member. These passes are presented when signing up for free or reduced fee programs/classes.

AMC bases have created various opportunities to support families through DePLAYment.
Eligible families at Fairchild Air Force Base can take advantage of free classes through the Arts & Crafts Center; free indoor pool passes; free day trips and 25 percent off personal training at the base fitness center.

Scott AFB is giving away free transportation and admission to events through Information, Tickets & Travel; free bowling nights and free annual youth center memberships.

In total, AMC gave bases more than 1.5 million dollars to fund DePLAYment offerings, according to Captain Dowell.

"The Air Force is a wonderful place to work, live, and play. But we're determined to make it even better," he said.

The DePLAYment program is just one of many services the Air Force provides to Airmen and their family members.

For example, Air Force chaplains offer marriage and family enrichment retreats that focus on families in the deployment cycle. Airman and Family Support Centers host a variety of support events throughout the lifecycle of deployment: pre-deployment, during deployment, post-deployment and re-integration.

Also, the "Key Spouse" program enables Air Force spouses within the deployed member's unit to reach out to one another, keep each other informed and provide assistance when times are tough.

To maintain connections, Hearts Apart and Hearts Apart Jr. programs make available the resources and opportunities for an Airman to visit with his or her family through morale calls and electronic media.

For more information about the DePLAYment Program or other services for families of deployed members, contact your base Airman and Family Readiness Center or visit the Web site www.myairforcelife.com/dePLAYment/index.cfm.