News

New DOD Space-A policy

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Military families can now use military space-available, or 'Space-A,' flights to travel anywhere around the world where there's an available flight flying to that destination
while their military sponsors are deployed for 120 days or more.

Spouses and dependents of active-duty members and activated reservists are eligible for the new Department of Defense Space-A policy, but will be required to show proof by verifying the servicemember's deployment through a verification letter signed by the sponsor's commander.

"The passenger service center here will be able to provide a sample copy of the memorandum for the flight to anyone wanting to sign up under this new policy," said Capt. Aldreon Johnson, 436th Aerial Port Squadron passenger services flight commander. "The process is easy. You pick up a form letter, which can be provided by one of our agents, fill in the application and have the sponsor's commander's signature with you when you fly."

If the letter is lost, destroyed or no longer legible, the family member must get a new one. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by an eligible parent or legal guardian.

The new travel policy will help take the edge off the stresses of deployment encountered by servicemembers and their families, according to the captain.

"Everyone knows Dover deploys a lot of Airmen. This program recognizes Airmen's support to the mission by enhancing the quality of life for their family members to travel," said Captain Johnson. "We should do as much as we can for deployed service men and women; this is another way we can help take off some of the burden from them while they're deployed. They can have peace of mind knowing their families are taken care of through this program."

The captain describes his first experience of helping a spouse at the Air Passenger Terminal.

"Just recently, a woman came to us in tears because she didn't know how she was going to get home, she couldn't afford the commercial ticket, but we were able to help her get on a flight to her family," said Captain Johnson. "I've seen many cases where a family wants to go home for the holidays because their loved one is deployed, but can't afford the tickets home. This is where we step in and help make an impact through our mission by helping them in any way we can."

According to air passenger terminal service agent, Senior Airman Tamara George, 436th APS, 20 people have signed up at Dover Air Force Base for flights through this new policy since it became effective Dec. 6, 2007.

"Those I spoke with said they are excited to be able to see their families and relatives," said Airman George.

Airman George reminds all travelers to make sure all travel documents are up to date, with the proper passports or visas. Servicemembers will need to be on leave the day they sign up with leave orders. Each passenger is allowed two 70-pound pieces of luggage and a carry-on item.

"Travelers compete for seats within categories based on the date and time they register to travel. There are no reservations, so passengers must be flexible," said Airman George.

For information or to sign up for a flight, call an air passenger terminal service agent at 677-4088.