Barksdale 'dePLAYment' program keeps children active

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alexandra M. Longfellow
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Barksdale Air Force Base officials are participating in a program for families of deployed Airmen that allows them to enjoy base activities for free or reduced fees.

To do so, the families receive "dePLAYment tags" that are used at Barksdale AFB facilities including the youth center, arts and crafts center, bowling center, golf course, auto hobby shop and outdoor recreation.

"This portion of the initiative is designed to provide respite and support to the families of deployed Airmen," said Stephanie Reyes, the 2nd Force Support Squadron's chief of Airman and Family Readiness Center.

Air Force active-duty members with dependents upon issuance of deployment orders and up to three months after the deployment are eligible for the dePLAYment tags.

Deployed Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members are eligible when families are located at an active Air Force base upon issuance of deployment orders. However, Guard members are not eligible for programs after returning home due to funding restrictions.

"The dePLAYment program will provide support to family members while their sponsor is deployed by encouraging families to participate in base activities," said Susan Lear, the 2nd FSS caring for people coordinator.

The dePLAYment program is part of the Year of the Air Force Family yearlong initiative that recognizes and celebrates the contributions of Airmen and their families by highlighting programs and services that support the Air Force family.