Club membership highlights benefits, privileges during drive

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kirsten Wicker
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The McChord Clubs and Community Center continues its annual membership drive through Oct. 15, offering two choices of club cards and other benefits. 

Interested members of Team McChord are encouraged to sign up to become a club member before the end of the drive. 

"There are lots of benefits to being a club member," said Wayne Bechard, 62nd Force Support Squadron club manager. "Members receive club benefits at over 120 Air Force clubs worldwide, plus other services' clubs." 

There are two options for club member cards. A United States Air Force Services MasterCard through Chase banking offers a low annual percentage rate of five percent, a rewards program, emergency cash and card replacement, travel accident insurance and a credit line minimum of $1,000. The MasterCard may be used on or off base. The card has no annual fee, offers a 25-day grace period and an automatic payment plan. 

"The card also earns you military free cash rewards points for purchases made on or off base," said Bechard. 

Military free cash is a cash back rewards program similar to what many other credit card holders enjoy, he said. 

The other option, the proprietary club membership card, does not have the MasterCard feature, but has a low APR of five percent and a $500 credit limit maximum. Members who hold the proprietary card enjoy a free monthly membership appreciation buffet, discounted meal prices, use of club catering supplies, and special event discount coupons. 

"I've been a club member for a number of years now," said Ed Bernard, a recently retired master sergeant. "Throughout my career in the Air Force, the club has offered a lot of benefits like discounted meals and free use of the rooms to my family and me." 

The club has a lot to offer Team McChord, he said. 

In addition to a choice of club card, club benefits include members only programs, members first discounts, no dues when deployed and low monthly dues. 

"E-1 to E-4 receives one year free membership when they sign up and O-1 to O-2 monthly dues are just $10," Bechard said. "We offer free use of banquet rooms for
birthdays, graduations, anniversaries parties and member meal discount in the dining room and for banquets."