FORT RUCKER, Ala. (July 11, 2013) -- As Department of Defense civilian employee furloughs begin, the Fort Rucker Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation is seeking to lessen the impact by offering discounts at various activities.

Because many federal employees are worried about how the furloughs will hit their wallets, DFMWR also hosts a class to help people struggling to balance their checkbooks.

"We simply wanted to do what we could to help ease some of the burden that our furloughed employees are going to be receiving," said Tim Laster, Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation director. "In a small way, these specials are just our way to try to help."

Though Laster said that nothing DFMWR can do is going to make a huge difference compared to the loss in income to employees, there are dozens of discounts and classes that have been made available to help diminish the burden of a 20 percent pay cut.

Employees can take Army Community Service's Financial Readiness Program class, "Preparing for Furlough: Financial Strategies Presentations," to help with financial options and strategies related to personal money management.

The classes are scheduled for July 16-17 at 3 p.m. at the Soldier Service Center, Bldg. 5700, in Rm. 282. The class is free and the agenda includes: review of cash flow, review of financial goals, reducing expenses and ensuring access to credit.

For more information, call 255-9631 or 255-2594.

But for people wishing to stay close to home during the furlough and just want to make the best out of the current situation, DFMWR has many options to choose from to make every dollar count.

"We hope when they have time available that they will come and take advantage of the reduced prices that we are offering," said the DFMWR director. "We are here to serve and support the Soldier and civilian population. When we see that there is an area of need, we are going to try to support those needs. That is what we are here for."

So, DFMWR encourages people to get outdoors. The Silver Wings Golf Course allows furloughed patrons to pay for nine holes of golf and play 18, but this applies to regular daily green fees only.

Those affected by furlough can get a free medium non-alcoholic beverage of their choice when they purchase a meal at Mother Rucker's, Divots or Rucker Lanes.

Employees don't have to furlough their fitness routine, because the gyms offer 20 percent off personal trainer time and 33 percent off fitness classes to encourage everyone to exercise in their downtime.

All classes at the Arts and Crafts Center are 20 percent off for the duration of the furlough and studio time is 33 percent off.

The bowling alley also has a special -- play two games for the price of one.

Child, youth and school services offers a new furlough pricing policy.

"It's not strictly speaking a discount, but the Army has said that when someone brings proof that they are in a furlough status we can recalculate their total Family income," said Laster. "And if it drops them into a lower category then we will adjust their rates for the remaining time of the furlough."

DFMWR officials said that although people will be trying to save money wherever they can, they hope people will make the best of their days off to spend time with their Families by checking out services they have not tried out before because of time.

"People do not have to be on their furlough day to get the special," said Laster. "All they have to do is show their decision letter indicating they are on furlough status and we will be happy to honor the special anytime for them."

Specials will be in effect until Sept. 30 or for the duration of the furlough.

For a full list of specials and discounts on post, visit www.ftruckermwr.com/furlough.