HomeNews

Eglin offers discounts with DePLAYment program

  • Published
  • By Minty Knighton
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla --  Eglin's Airmen and Family Readiness Center has started a program called the DePLAYment Plan, to help families of deployed military.

The program, a part of the Year of the Air Force Family, allows spouses and guardians to sign up to receive discounts and bonuses from organizations on base.

"The Air Force recognizes that deployment is a natural stressor, so whatever we can do to help is not only beneficial to spouses, but to the families," said Kelly Ewert, program coordinator.

Denise Wolf, spouse of deployed C-130 engine mechanic, Staff Sgt. Craig Wolf, 1st Special Operations Maintenance Squadron, is excited about the program.

"Being by myself, I'm always looking for fun things for me and my boys," said Mrs. Wolf. "I went in the other day to sign my seven year old up for soccer and was told with the card the 45-dollar fee was waived."

Mrs. Wolf also spoke of other discounts she plans to use. In addition to free bowling and passes to Eglin Beach Park, another big help is the 10 hours of free child care.

"In the auto shop they will change your oil and headlights," she added. "That's good, because I don't have someone to do those types of things now."

Maybe the most appealing part of the program, especially to those with young children, is the child care.

"I'm already getting my child ready, so I can sign up for the childcare," said Mrs. Wolf.

The child care is 10 hours total to be used at any time from now until April 30. Interested parents or guardians can show the DePLAYment tag, sign form 1181 "Air Force Youth Force Youth Flight Program Patron Registration" and have proof of current immunizations, including H1N1 Flu shots. Those who have not previously registered children with the Eglin Child Development Center are still welcome to take advantage of the program.

"These programs are a relief for me because I don't have the money to do it all," said Mrs. Wolf.

Ms. Ewert said the program is steadily growing, but welcomes more people to come take advantage.

"It's an easy process," she said. "All we need from the spouse or family member is a copy of the military member's deployment orders. We then provide a pass that the member goes on-line to activate."

"This is such a good program, I've been telling everyone about it," said Ms. Wolf.

The following organizations are participants in the Eglin DePlayment Program. For more information, contact the Eglin Airmen and Family Readiness Center at 882-9060.

Child care & youth activities
Golf course
Bowling center
Arts and crafts center
Auto hobby shop
Outdoor recreation
Information, Tickets & Travel (ITT)
Fitness center