PLAYpasses offer support to those who deploy and their loved ones

  • Published
  • By Jessica Brown
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Laughlin's Airmen and Family Readiness Center is offering a small token of appreciation for those who have deployed to combat zones, and their families, through a discounts program known as PLAYpass.

"This program is based on discount cards and allows members to participate in certain services or activities for free or at a reduced cost," said Anita Sampson, AFRC community readiness specialist.

The PLAYpass program replaced the similar DePLAY program in March of this year. This new program offers support for not only deployment-affected families, but also for single Airmen who return from deployment.

"After all the sacrifices of Laughlin members and their families, this is a small token of appreciation," said Sampson.

To be eligible for the PLAYpass program, servicemembers or civilians must have deployed for at least 30 days between Dec. 1, 2010 and Dec. 1, 2011 to a combat zone.

Once deployment orders are issued, family members are eligible to receive PLAYpasses, which are good for up to 90 days after issuance. Single Airmen may obtain their passes when they return from their assignments.

The PLAYpasses are the size of a credit card and are available in three categories: family, family youth and single. The family pass is meant for the family to enjoy as a whole. The family youth passes offer the same discounts and services to each child within a family so that they do not have to share with siblings. The single pass allows the servicemember enough points to bring a friend so they do not have to do activities by themselves.

One PLAYpass user, Melissa Kelly, said that the passes were great because she was able to send her son to youth programs for almost nothing.

"This is a good opportunity for them to get out and enjoy some stress-free activities," said Sampson.

The pass can be used for services such as Laughlin's Auto Craft Center, Southwinds Marina at Lake Amistad, Outdoor Recreation activities, massages at Losano Fitness Center, hourly child care and many more.

"I don't see a drawback to this program. People can use these almost anywhere. It's free stuff," said Sampson.

There are no enrollment fees or membership fees to obtain a PLAYpass. The cards cannot be used for cash refunds, food, beverages, gifts or resale.

For more information, contact the Airmen and Family Readiness Center at (830) 298-5620.