PLAYpass provides relief from deployment blues Published May 25, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Heather Stanton 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- A new program that provides respite for deployment-affected Airmen and families will kick-off May 31. PLAYpass is a discount card program that replaces the DePLAYment program offered during the Year of the Air Force Family. "PLAYpass offers discount cards that provide servicemembers and their eligible family members the opportunity to participate in the Air Force support squadron programs for free or at a reduced cost," said Candace Marriner, 4th Force Support Squadron marketing director. The program will run through December. The program differs from previous programs because it has been expanded to provide deployment relief support for not only Airmen with families, but also for returning single Airmen, in the continuing effort to build a more resilient force, she said. All Airmen who have been deployed for more than 30 days in support of an active operation any time after Dec. 1, 2010, are eligible for the program. Family members of Airmen who are currently deployed can also reap the benefits. The discount card can be used toward many different activities such as recreational or life skills classes, including dance, music, and karate; recreational events such as tournaments and contests; outdoor recreation trips to Busch Gardens, Great Wolf Lodge and white water rafting excursions; youth sports camps and program classes; and up to 10 hours of child care. The Airman and Family Readiness Center will distribute the cards pre-printed with specific dollar value coupon blocks that can be applied to the specified programs offered at participating base locations. Each card is worth more than $500 in savings. For more information or additional eligibility requirements, visit www.MyAirForceLife.com or call the AFRC at 722-1123.