DePLAYment Tags: "Small packages, big rewards"

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Taylor Marr
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Having a family member deployed can put unexpected stress on family members left behind. As part of the Year of the Air Force Family, a new program called DePLAYment tags hopes to alleviate some of that stress by providing free and discounted services on base.

Last year, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz designated July 2009 to July 2010 as the Year of the Air Force Family -- a yearlong focus on Air Force programs highlighting the importance of, and commitment to, the entire Air Force family.

That commitment can be seen by the savings the dePLAYment tags offer. Tag pass holders can use their tags for free and discounted services at many force support facilities including the Alpine Golf Course, bowling center, auto hobby shop, and the community center.

In order to qualify for the program, families must either have a member currently deployed, or deployed between July 1, 2009 and July 31 2010 or have someone who returned from deployment on or after July 1, 2009. The family member must have a copy of their spouse's deployment orders to receive the tags.

"My wife is deployed and I used my DePLAYment tag at the auto hobby shop for a free oil change," said Daniel Santiago, 31st Force Support Squadron computer technician. "It was so simple, I just took my little plastic tag in and they did the rest."

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.

"I have three children and I go a little stir crazy when my husband is away," said Rachael Cossingham, 31st Force Support Squadron community readiness technician. ""It's nice to use the tags for an ITT trip, especially when it is free,"

To register, Airman and their families can stop by the Airman and Family Readiness Center, the Community Center or the Youth Center to sign up for the DePLAYment tags.

"The program will end on July 31, but the fun doesn't stop there," said Darlene Rosario, 31st Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant. "The Airman and Family Readiness Center has received $25,000 to be used throughout the rest of the year for events and additional discounts. Families are making tremendous sacrifices and this is a small token of the Air Force's appreciation."