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Club benefits members

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jimmie D. Pike
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Air Force Club Card may seem like another card in one's wallet, however, it's often a key to the benefits and traditions that are held within the Air Force.

Member cards come in two forms; the basic club card and the MasterCard. The basic card offers discounts and access to special events on base, while the MasterCard offers the same with the addition of cash back rewards.

"Clubs historically have been a place to vent about the weeks' trials and tribulations, a place for senior leadership to mentor their airmen, and a place to celebrate significant accomplishments in the lives of our airmen such as pilot graduations, Community College of the Air Force graduations, promotions, retirements and many more," said Bruce Hiott, Club XL's manager.

There are many benefits and opportunities that come with being a member. It's a chance to be a part of something that gives back to its members.

"As an Air Force club member, we take that a step further by being a part of something that not everyone can be a part of," said Hiott.

The club is a benefit both financially and socially for those who use the opportunities the membership provides.

"Club card holders get into traditional gatherings, like drop night for the undergraduate pilot training graduates, for free," said Sam Berry, Club XL's operations manager. "In addition, there are other benefits; they get free meals at our social hours, discounts at many places on base, cash back, opportunities for scholarships, and we hold member appreciation events for them."

Here at Laughlin, the card pays for itself by providing discounts at Stripes or Club XL and rewards members with cash back. Any purchases made on base get 2 percent cash back and off-base purchases get 1 percent cash back. As a Club card holder, you are also given certain privileges at clubs on other bases.

"As an Air Force club member you have common privileges at all Air Force clubs worldwide as well as Army, Navy and Marine clubs," said Hiott. "This is quite handy if someone has to TDY for an extended period of time."

When someone is TDY longer than 30 days, there are no dues or interest charges to the card. Deployments do not pose any reason to worry either.

"A program for club members called 'Blue Star Deployment Benefits' gives any Air Force military credit card holder that deploys a 100 percent refund on any interest and fees incurred during their military deployment," said Hiott. "I have always been a club member, and I'm proud to be one."

For more information, visit www.afclubs.net.