Tides membership drive begins Published Oct. 18, 2007 By Chris Kraus 45th Services Division PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The management and staff at The Tides invite all eligible nonmembers and members to their kickoff parties for the Air Force Clubs Annual Membership Drive on Oct. 19, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The parties will be held at the Blockhouse and The Tides. "We are excited about our drive," said Johnnie Rivera, club manager. "While this year the drive is starting one month later, it is also extended one more month to December 31st, giving all eligible nonmembers ample opportunity to join and support the club at Patrick AFB. Our 'Start from Scratch' initiative has several winning opportunities for new members starting the minute you sign and submit your application, all the way to the end of the drive. If you join between October 1 and December 31, you will automatically receive six months free dues." After submitting an application, new members are given an instant scratch-off ticket valued at $5, $10, $25 or $100 that can be redeemed immediately at the club. Those who sign-up online can bring their online registration acknowledgment to the club to receive the scratch-off ticket. New members receive a tear-off portion from the ticket that directs them to a website where they complete a short survey and become eligible to receive an additional six months free dues. Winners are selected at random by the Air Force Services Agency. In addition to traditional club benefits such as discounts on every meal, special functions and free admission to club events, members receive a valuable added bonus. It's called the Military Free Cash Program, provided through their Air Force Club Membership MasterCard. Members can save money by using the card and receive extra savings for on-base purchases such as Child Development Center fees, groceries at the commissary, base exchange purchases (except gas) and at Services activities like the golf course, marina and the bowling center. On-base purchases earn 2 percent back and off-base purchases earn 1 percent back. Members also enjoy the benefits of guaranteed access to any U.S. Air Force club worldwide, waived dues when deployed to a contingency location, refunding of finance charges for up to a year when engaged in a military campaign, online bill paying and zero liability protection if their card is used fraudulently. "So what are you waiting for?" Mr. Rivera said. "With these membership benefits and the "Start from Scratch" program, you can't lose. The Tides staff is ready and waiting to accept your membership with cash in hand!" For more information, call 494-4012 or visit the Services website at www.GoPatrickFL.com.