AF Clubs in a 'Frenzy' over football; set to kick off 2011 membership drive

  • Published
  • By Capt. Carrie L. Kessler
  • Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs
SAN ANTONIO (AFNS) --  Air Force Clubs officials are ready to send a club member and a guest to one of three National Football League games through the Football Frenzy promotion.

Since 1995, more than 425 club members and guests have attended 64 regular and post-season NFL games to include 16 Super Bowls. The annual promotion is sponsored by Air Force Clubs and is designed to reward current club members and increase participation and club membership.

"A trip to the Super bowl is a dream because not too many people can afford to go," said Alex Cruz, an Air Force Services Agency business operations specialist. "Football Frenzy is open to everybody, but only club members in good standing can win the major prizes. If you want to win one of the big prizes, you have to join the club."

To enter the contest, Air Force club members must attend a Football Frenzy event at any participating club and fill out an entry form.

Retired Senior Master Sgt. Lea Wright was one such member. From a single entry, she and her son won a trip the Super Bowl last year.

"It was fantastic," Wright said. "We had been club members for years, and it paid off. I already have a couple of Sundays set aside this year to play."

Club members participating in Football Frenzy can also expect free giveaways such as t-shirts, insulated mugs, caps, mini footballs and Football Frenzy coins.

"It's a festive atmosphere with food specials, drink specials and at some installations, pro football players sign autographs," Cruz said.

The first Football Frenzy drawing, scheduled for Oct. 12, will award four members a trip to the Rams vs. Cardinals game in Glendale, Ariz., on Nov. 6, officials said. The second drawing will be Nov. 15, to see the Giants vs. Cowboys in Dallas, Dec. 11. The final game drawing will take place Jan. 9, and will award four members a trip to Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis Feb. 5.

All winners and guests will receive round-trip airfare, a rental car, hotel accommodations and tickets to the game, officials said. The last drawing of the season on Feb. 24 will award 10 members a $500 Force Support Squadron gift card.

Although the Football Frenzy promotion more than demonstrates it pays to be a club member, it's just one of several advantages to joining the club, officials said.

"There are many tangible benefits to being a club member ranging from discounts on food and beverage programs to members only events at the club, such as Football Frenzy," said Mike Hogan, the AFSVA deputy chief of the food and beverage operations branch.

"We want all personnel to consider club membership and understand the benefits," he said. "The 'It Pays to Club' membership campaign gives them the opportunity."

The 2011 campaign, which began Oct. 1 and ends Dec. 31, offers new members three free months of dues, officials said. Additionally, each applicant will receive an instant-win scratch off ticket worth $5 to $100. Every applicant is a winner and will receive payout in the form of a force support squadron gift card.

"All applicants who apply and receive the MasterCard club membership card will be provided our free cash-back rewards program," Hogan said. "The program has great flexibility where card holders can redeem points for cash, gift cards, and travel and it's absolutely free."

Other benefits include assistance with club dues while deployed, easy membership transfers during a permanent change of station and special event planning consultations, he said. It also pays club members and their families to join when it comes to higher education. Each year, Air Force Clubs provides $25,000 in scholarships to members.

"The Air Force Services Club Membership Scholarship Program is a club member-only program intended to assist club members and their families defray the cost of higher education," Hogan said. "This program and others are examples of why it pays to be a club member."

For more information, call or stop by a local Air Force Club or visit www.afclubs.net.