DePLAY tags coming soon

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — The Air Force Services Agency officials will be offering DePLAYment tags to families of deployed members  from this week until July 31, 2010, as part of the Year of the Air Force Family. Eligible members can log on to www.myairforcelife.com to see if their installation is participating and find out where to pick up their tags.

Once registered, the tag-pass holder can use the tags to qualify for free and reduced fee programs, such as free youth classes, instructional classes, sports programs, hourly child care, and family programs for the family left at home during deployment or upon return of the member.

“The tags look like dog tags and can be placed on your key ring, much like the ones used at stores in the United States to indicate a frequent shopper,” said Carol Sudy, Air Force Services Agency marketing specialist. “The pre-printed numbered code on the back of the dog tag serves as a unique identifier for each family member.”

Recently, Air Force Services Agency officials launched MyAirForceLife.com to help Airmen stay connected, informed and engaged in programs as part of the Year of the Air Force Family.

“The theme of our campaign is ‘The Air Force is a great place to live, work and play,’” said Mike Bensen, deputy to the commander of the Air Force Services Agency. “Our focus is to make it even better for our Air Force family. The Web site highlights the core Year of the Air Force Family programs and activities.”

“An Airman’s deployment is really a family’s deployment. Airmen expect us to provide a stable environment for them and their families. And, doing so is part of our heritage and culture,” Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley said during his speech to the Air Force Sergeants Association in August.