'Pass' encourages deployed families to play Published June 15, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Heather Heiney 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Deployments are an inevitable part of the Air Force lifestyle and they can often leave loved ones feeling lost or alone. And while the Air Force can't bring the loved ones back before their missions are complete, it has begun a new PLAY pass program to help bring a little fun and excitement in the meantime. Master Sgt. Jessica Woodruff, family readiness noncommissioned officer in charge at the airman and family readiness center, said, "The PLAY pass is important to families of a deployed member to allow them to 'get out and play' and be involved with the base." PLAY passes are essentially a $500 to $600 gift card to the base." They can be used for free bowling, golf, activities at the arts and crafts center and marina, swim passes, youth center classes and nearly every other activity Keesler has to offer. The PLAY pass is available to any active duty Airman or family member who is deployed or has recently returned from deployment, regardless of whether they're single, married or have children. To be eligible, the service member must either be currently deployed or have returned on or after Dec. 1. Single Airmen may use the card to help pay for a friend as well. The program is underway and continues until funding runs out or through Dec. 31. "By using your PLAY pass, you not only have something to pass the time while you wait for your loved one to return, but you once again connect to the Air Force family and all it has to offer," Sergeant Woodruff said. To pick up your PLAY pass, stop by the Sablich Center, Rooms 127 or 110, with a copy of you or your family member's deployment orders. For more information, call the airman and family readiness center, 376-8500.