DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A kickoff event for DePLAYment tags sponsored by the Dyess Airman & Family Readiness Center will be held Jan. 7, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. at the Heritage Club here.

Air Force Services Agency officials will offer DePLAYment tags to families of deployed members through JulY 31, 2010, as part of the Year of the Air Force Family.

Eligible members can logon to http://www.myairforcelife.com to see if their installation is participating and find out where to pick up tags.

Once registered, tag-pass holderS can use tags to qualify for free and reduced fee programs, such as youth classes, instructional classes, sports programs, hourly childcare and other programs during deployment or upon the deployed members return.

"The tags look like dog tags and can be placed on your key ring, much like the ones used at stores in the United States to indicate a frequent shopper," said Carol Sudy, AFSA marketing specialist. "The pre-printed numbered code on the back of the dog tag serves as a unique identifier for each family member."

Recently, AFSA officials launched MyAirForceLife.com to help Airmen stay connected, informed and engaged in programs as part of the Year of the Air Force Family.

"The theme of our campaign is 'The Air Force is a great place to live, work and play,'" said Mike Bensen, AFSA deputy to the commander. "Our focus is to make it even better for our Air Force family. The Website highlights the core 'Year of the Air Force Family' programs and activities."

"An Airman's deployment is really a family's deployment. Airmen expect us to provide a stable environment for them and their families. And, doing so is part of our heritage and culture," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley during his speech to the Air Force Sergeants Association in August.