DePLAYment program provides free fun for deployed members' families

  • Published
  • By 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  As the Air Force as a whole celebrates the "Year of the Air Force Family," Kadena officials want to ensure the base takes time to recognize and celebrate the youngest members of these families.

Kadena, along with Air Force bases around the world, is participating in the "DePLAYment Program." This unique program allows children of deployed servicemembers the opportunity to enjoy special activities throughout the year.

Colonel Mario Troncoso, 18th Force Support Squadron commander, said the overall message that the Year of the Air Force Family and in particular, the DePLAYment program, sends to Team Kadena is that leadership cares about the Active Duty member and his or her family.

"We value the daily sacrifices made by the family as a whole. We would like to mitigate the hardship associated with your patriotic service as much as we possibly can," he said.

The program began Air Force-wide in July 2009 and continues until July 30 of this year. Children of Air Force members or sister services permanently stationed at Kadena who are deployed for longer than 30 days are eligible to receive a "DePLAYment Tag Pass," which allows them to participate in free or discounted activities throughout participating 18th Force Support Squadron facilities.

The sponsor or spouse of the sponsor who is interested in this program should visit the front desk of the Schilling Community Center with a copy of the Active Duty member's orders to receive a DePLAYment Tag Pass Pack. The pack includes a numbered tag that serves to identify the family member and a list of frequently asked questions that explains the details of the program. Next, the family needs to register the tags at www.myairforcelife.com to complete enrollment into the program.

Participants should then visit www.kadenaforcesupport.com or call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 634-3366 or Schilling Community Center at 634-1387 to find out about upcoming events. Some of those events include free tours around Okinawa, free hourly childcare, free arts and crafts and free sports clinics.