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51st FSS encourages Airmen to get out, play

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristina Overton
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  To provide single Airmen a respite from the challenges of deployment, and encourage members take advantage of some of the opportunities here on the installation as well as throughout the peninsula, the 51st Force Support Squadron has recently released the PLAYpass.

The card, valued at more than $500, offers free or reduced costs on social, recreational, fitness and learning programs and classes.

"PLAYpass cards help foster resilience," said Jesus Diaz, 51st Force Support Squadron marketing and publicity director. "In a time where our Single Airmen are in another country for a year or more, it is nice to be able to do something for them to get them out and about to experience the Korean culture. This year the PLAYpass program was extended to single Airmen, a demographic that represents 40 percent of the Air Force. So far, 285 single Airmen have registered for the cards at Osan Air Base."

Single Airmen for the program is defined as any Enlisted or Officer who have no dependent. Airmen eligible for the pass must be on temporary duty for more than 30 days, or deployed for 365 days in support of an active operation and documented on official orders. Single Army, Navy and Marine active-duty members may apply only when officially assigned to a tenant organization here.

"Having a PLAYpass card entitles you to use the card at McPherson Community Center for craft or language classes and massages, or at Outdoor Recreation, Information Tickets and Travel, the Aero Club, The Lakes at Osan Golf Course, bowling center or kennels," Diaz said. "The best part about this card is the 'bring a friend feature.' To encourage participation of Single Airmen, they can bring a friend or guest. The value of the coupon block can be entirely for their own use or they may bring any eligible guest(s) and apply the coupon block value to the entire bill."

To get a PLAYpass, the applying Airman can bring a copy of the military orders to the Airman and Family Readiness Center in Bld. 769. The process takes about five to ten minutes.

"I think this card is a great opportunity and value for Airmen on base," said Airman 1st Class Taali Ruffin, 51st Security Forces Squadron tactical automated security system administrator. "I may never come to Korea again after this tour, so it's convenient to be able to travel and take part in different activities at a lower cost to myself."

For more information about the PLAYpass, call the A&FRC at 784-5440.