DePLAYment Tag Pass Pack program assists spouses, children of deployed servicemembers

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte Brantley
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  As part of the Year of the Air Force Family initiative, Moody has implemented the 'DePLAYment Tag Pass Pack' program, Dec. 30.

The new program, which fulfills the Airman and family support pillar of the YoAFF initiative, is designed to provide relief and support to the families of deployed servicemembers.

Each DePLAYment pack contains six 'dog tags' that serve as unique identifiers for each family member. When presented with a copy of the deployment orders, the tag allows a family member to take advantage of free or discounted services at on-base agencies.

"We want to let all families know that even though the servicemember is deployed, they have not been forgotten and we are here for them," said Dawn Coleman, 23rd Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Services flight chief. "By offering more services, we can broaden our outreach to these individuals. This is the first time we've ever been able to offer this many benefits for families of our deployed members."

Those eligible for the program are active duty members with a spouse and/or children, as well as Guard or Reserve members who are stationed at an active Air Force base when they are issued deployment orders.

Family programs are scheduled to include free framing of a family photo at the Arts and Crafts Center, minor vehicle maintenance, family golfing days, transportation for local trips and tours, family bowling nights, free or discounted Outdoor Recreation equipment and programs, as well as readings and informational displays at the Base Library.

The most wide-reaching benefits of the pack can be found in child and youth programs and family recreation services.

Child and youth programs will provide one free instructional class, 10 free hours of child care and up to $50 toward a sporting event- each of these are per child of deployed servicemembers.

These provisions allow the children to enjoy an extracurricular activity and the parents also benefit.

"The families participating in these activities are going through the same things and experiencing the same emotions while their loved ones are deployed," said Mrs. Coleman. "By doing things together, the parents can interact and provide support for each other. They can assist each other in finding solutions to problems that might occur and help each other if one is struggling in some aspect."

Having these types of activities available can also help families feel more connected to their Moody community.

"Once a servicemember deploys, their spouse and family often feel as if there's not a connection left to the base, but that's not true," said Brooke Ragan, 23rd FSS marketing director. "They are just as much a part of our Air Force family as the servicemember and we hope they take part in these activities so they can understand our appreciation for them and the sacrifices they are making."

If the servicemember was deployed during the period between July 2009 and July 2010, their deployment orders will be honored. The benefits can be used anytime during the member's deployment and up to three months after their return, allowing the reunited family to experience the benefits.