FORT SILL, Okla. (July 30, 2015) -- Families of Soldiers or Department of Army civilians who are on orders overseas for an extended period (to include deployment, overseas unaccompanied tours and temporary duty) are eligible for the Fires Family Passport program, a discount and activities program to help reduce the stress associated with deployments.
Lt. Col. Todd Schmidt, 4th Battalion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery commander, helped create the program for his own Soldiers as they prepared for deployment.
Schmidt said the program was something battalion leaders and the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) created.
"We are particularly proud of our family readiness group. We wouldn't be as ready as we are if it wasn't for the assistance and the energy behind the Fort Sill and Lawton community, particularly the FMWR office. We are the first battalion to dip into the Fires Family Passport program," he said.
The program offers users discounts at many FMWR events, facilities and even child care. Benefits include discounts at Twin Oaks Bowling Center, Fort Sill Golf Course, Burger King, Subway along with the Fort Sill Main Exchange.
"One significant discount for families is in child care costs," said Schmidt. "Spouses are without their right hand in a sense."
The passport program works with the Child Development Center to give 20- to 30-percent discounts on child care services.
Program users earn passport stamps that earn points. The points they earn can be redeemed in the form of Army and Air Force Exchange Service and commissary gift cards and MWR loyalty bucks which gives the user free bowling, golf and unlimited $6 haircuts.
Participants can also earn points by attending MWR Operation Live Well exercise and sport classes. A majority of the points are earned through resiliency training said Schmidt. Participants can earn points for attending training sessions such as Family Readiness Group classes, stopping by the Army Substance Abuse Program for a brief presentation and even earn points by volunteering.
"At the end of the deployment they have the opportunity to win a four-day all expense paid vacation," he said.
To receive a Fires Family Passport, family members need to bring their military ID and a copy of the Soldier's orders to Army Community Service. Soldiers who are preparing to deploy and are waiting on orders may come and register one month before they depart.
PLAN BENEFITS
- 10 percent off all "Better For You" menu items at the Strike Zone, Jack Daniel's Lounge, Impact Zone and Mulligan's.
- 10 percent off quarterly Family & Friends Dinner
- 10 percent off bowling fees at the Twin Oaks Bowling Center (shoe rental excluded).
- 10 percent off green fees at the Fort Sill Golf Course.
- 10 percent off Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area activities and rentals (cabin rentals excluded).
- 10 percent discount for any rental at Outdoor Equipment Checkout Center.
- 10 percent discount at the Auto Crafts Center.
- Check out four DVDs or CDs instead of three at Nye Library.
- Free story-time taping on DVD at Nye Library.
- One free haircut at the Patriot Club Barber Shop.
- Quarterly coupons from the Main Exchange.
- 10 percent off one item (maximum discount $100) or 15 percent off one item when using the Military Star card (maximum discount $150) oat the Fort Sill Main Exchange.
- Not valid for tobacco or alcohol purchases.
- Quarterly coupons for Exchange Food Court items from Burger King, Subway and Pizza Hut on Bessinger Road.
The passport is valid throughout the duration of the separation and for some families of combat deployed Soldiers, child care benefits extend to 90 days following their return. Child care benefits may vary depending on the orders. For more information, call 580-442-3927.
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