DePLAYment program keep children active Published Jan. 8, 2010 By Senior Airman Alexandra M. Longfellow 2d Bomb Wing BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Barksdale is 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 force support facilities such as the Barksdale Youth Center, arts and crafts center, bowling center, Fox Run 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, 2d 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, ANG 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 on-base activities," said Susan Lear, 2d 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. Family members or deploying Airmen may pick up the tags at the A&FRC by providing a copy of the sponsor's orders. There will only be one DePLAYment tag per household. "Tag-pass holders will use the computers in our Discovery Resource Center to long on to www.myairforcelife.com to register their pass and receive more information on the program," said Mrs. Reyes. "Their access to the site is their unique tag code placed on the tag itself."