DePLAYment tags bond families Published May 4, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- In honor of the Year of the Air Force Family, the Air Force created the DePLAYment program in July 2009 offering special discounts to deployed servicemembers and their families. The program has already made life more enjoyable for almost 90 Sheppard families who have received $10,000 in fun through the Airman and Family Readiness Center so far. "DePLAYment is a way for the Air Force to give back to the families of deployers," said Tech Sgt. Richard Cory, A&FRC representative. "It's not meant to compensate them, but to make things a little bit easier. The families can use this while the servicemember is deployed and when they get back. "Basically, we give them 'dog tags' that serve as a coupon for them to keep on their key chain," Sergeant Cory said. "That allows them to go into any Services establishment and get free or discounted items, services, products and activities. It saves a lot of money. There was one family that was able to get about $1,700 worth of stuff. " A few of the activities include a free round of golf at the Wind Creek Golf Course, free bowling with free shoes and a free pass to the base pool for the family. "DePLAYment started back in July 2009 and has extended to September 30, 2010 for Sheppard," Sergeant Cory said. "The program is basically the same at each base, with the exception of local activities. For example, out here we have white-water rafting and in Arizona they have concerts, but it's pretty much the same value." Sergeant Cory said there is no limit to how many eligible personnel can apply for the DePLAYment program. "The program is available to people that have been deployed from July 2009 to July 2010 and is not just limited to Air Force deployers with families, but is offered to single deployers and sister services at Sheppard and their families." For more information please contact the A&FRC at (940) 676-4358.