Elmendorf offers low-cost activities to families of deployed servicemembers

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Carbajal
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  With today's Air Force operations tempo, servicemembers frequently endure six- to 12-month deployments. This task can be as difficult for spouses and children as it is the deployer. During the Year of the Air Force Family, force support squadrons are stepping up to help.

Elmendorf's 3rd FSS now offers "DePLAYment Tag Passes" to spouses and children of deployed members. These passes allow them to enjoy on- and off-base activities for free or at reduced prices.

"Tag pass holders can use their tags for cost-free activities such as swim classes at the gym, tubing at the Hillberg Ski Area, family outings to H2Oasis, the Anchorage Zoo, and bowling days at Polar Bowl," said Shena Jones, 3rd FSS marketing and publicity chief.

A tag pass pack contains numbered dog tags that can be removed and placed on a key ring similar to those of civilian frequent shopper programs. The dog tags identify the bearer as eligible for discounts at participating recreation businesses.

This program is not just open to active-duty Airmen here.

"We're opening it up to Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and active-duty Army, Navy or Marines assigned to Elmendorf who deploy for at least 30 days," said Jones. DePLAYment tag holders are also eligible for 10 hours of child care per child during the Year of the Air Force Family, July 2009-2010.

The dePLAYment program is part of the Year of the Air Force Family initiative that recognizes and celebrates the contributions of Airmen and their families by highlighting programs and services that support the Air Force family.

For a calendar of events and more information on getting a DePLAYment Tag Pass Pack, visit http://www.myairforcelife.com/mybase.cfm?baseid=25.