Families play with DePLAYment tags

  • Published
  • By Connie Hempel
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Only two months are remaining for family members of deployed personnel to get their free DePLAYment tags. The tags offer holders a discount or free participation to programs and events, and is scheduled to end July 31.

DePLAYment tags were created in January by the Air Force Services Agency as part of the Year of the Air Force Family. The tags are available to family members of deployed Airmen, Marines, Sailors and Soldiers who are on temporary duty for more than 30 days supporting an official operations. They can be used during the sponsor's deployment and up to 90-days after the sponsor's return.

Visually similar to military dog tags, the DePLAYment tag can be put on a key chain like frequent shopper cards received from various retail stores.

So far, Goodfellow has given out more than 200 tags to family members and there's still plenty more available.

"We can get as many as we need," said Joyce Hopper, 17th Training Wing project officer for the Year of the Air Force Family. "We would love to see more people using the program. It's a great chance to get out of the house and do something. Take advantage of it before it ends."

To get a DePLAYment tag, bring a copy of the sponsor's temporary duty orders to the Airman and Family Readiness Flight, Building 145. The process to get a tag takes only five minutes and getting one is well worth it.

"I don't see why anyone wouldn't want to get one," said Mrs. Miranda Davis, 17th Force Support Squadron, who has been using the program for a month. "They have a variety of activities so it seems like there's something for everyone."

Participating in the program also helps families to stay connected and it breaks up the stress that can come with deployments Mrs. Hopper said.

Almost everything that the 17th FSS offers, from trips to services on base, is offered for free or at a discount to tag holders, she explained. For example, the Auto Hobby Shop, Building 109, offers free tire rotation and wheel balancing; the bowling center, Building 800, offers free bowling and shoe rental. There are trips scheduled to Rangers games, Fiesta Texas in San Antonio; plus, there are free passes to the base pool, and lessons in swimming, dance and karate.

Activities and services offered through the DePLAYment tag program can be found in the 17th FSS monthly Goodtimes magazine. Tag holders are also invited to events by email, Mrs. Hopper said.

A bonus to the program here is if someone wants to participate in an activity, but feels it may be too hectic for their children, there are volunteers available to help.

"If someone's not signing up because they think it would be overwhelming, we have volunteers that can help give an extra hand so they can participate," Mrs. Hopper said.