New club members get 3 month free membership

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Gina McKeen
  • Air Force Services Public Affairs
All eligible personnel who join any Air Force club between June 15 and Aug. 15, will automatically receive three months of free dues as part of the Air Force's 2009 club membership campaign.

New members will also receive the benefits of a free cash back rewards program and a six-month, zero percent annual percentage rate on their club member credit card. Additionally, Air Force clubs will randomly select 200 members, new and current, to receive $250 in prizes. Interested members must register using an online survey at www.afclubs.net.

"Our 'Instant Payback' club membership campaign will give all Airmen the opportunity to try their Air Force club for free and see for themselves the many benefits a club membership offers," said Fred McKenney, chief of the Air Force Services Division Food and Beverages Division in San Antonio.

Air Force clubs offer a myriad of free and inexpensive activities including special events like casino nights, sporting events, themed parties, and special meals for holidays and special occasions. Club members receive discounts on every club meal as well as monthly coupons that can be used at club functions.

In addition to the perks of being a club member, the card itself has numerous benefits, said Mr. McKenny. The military free cash rewards program allows members to earn cash back on purchases. Members earn 2 percent cash back on every eligible purchase in on-base force support activities, as well as shopping at the base exchange or the commissary. Additionally, members earn 1 percent cash back on all other eligible purchases, including off-base purchases.

Members can redeem their points for cash, gift cards, airline tickets, and hotel and car rentals. There is no fee for these card services; they are included as part of the club membership.

"The Club Membership Card Program is administered at virtually no cost to the Air Force, which allows the savings to be returned to club members in the form of programs, facilities, and services," said Mr. McKenney. "The program establishes and controls credit limits, and institutes a procedure to approve each charge transaction, making it a much more responsible form of credit."

Membership fees help to defray the day-to-day operational costs of the club. Clubs do waive membership fees while personnel are deployed.

Airmen who join during their technical training receive their first year's dues free. After their first year, they pay a reduced rate of no more than $2-$4 until they are noncommissioned officers.

"All Airmen should consider club membership because of the many services and benefits Air Force clubs provide for military members and their family members," Mr. McKenney added. "Your Air Force club is a great place for entertainment, socializing, and meeting new people in a fun and safe environment."

Those eligible to apply are all active-duty members, Reservists, Air National Guard members, Department of Defense civilians and contractors working full time on the installation. Others are eligible as well; please contact your local club for more information.

For more information about Air Force clubs and the 2009 membership campaign, visit the Air Force clubs Web site www.afclubs.net or visit one of the clubs at your local base.