RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
A new form of identification allows people to access base facilities as a means of caring for military family members.
The "privilege pass" was introduced at Randolph earlier this month and can be obtained by eligible people at the visitors center inside the main gate.
"This was formerly called an agent card or escort card and we generally issue about one or two per day here," said Master Sgt. JoAnn Krafft, NCO in charge of pass and registration. "It allows people who don't have access to our base to gain admittance so they can purchase things for a dependent child, usually."
There are numerous scenarios where a privilege pass is useful, Sergeant Krafft said, offering a more obvious instance involving families who have gone through a divorce.
If a man and woman have children but eventually divorce, and only one is a servicemember, there will be one party that loses base privileges. Once they obtain a privilege pass, that person can still access base businesses and buy food or other necessary items for their children.
Outlets such as the Randolph Clinic, commissary and base exchange are most often used by privilege pass-holders, but there were other agencies that posed questions and initiated the creation of the card.
"Every time you think you've included all the scenarios where this pass would be useful, you see another one," Sergeant Krafft said. "Circum-stances such as deaths, divorce, deployment and military-affiliated couples who have children out of wedlock are just some of the situations that create a need for this new pass."
Officials say the new passes are not intended to allow any special privileges to the holders. They are designed to benefit people who are unable to access the base on their own. The new pass does not get pass holders through the gates. There has to be a special vehicle sticker.
"Many dependent children or family members are too young to drive onto the base for shopping," Sergeant Krafft said. "They can't go to the clinic or other healthcare facilities on their own. This new pass is designed to facilitate them getting the care they need, as dependents of servicemembers.
"People who hold these new passes must also show dependent ID cards for the people they are shopping for. We explain all of this to them when they come to the visitors center to apply for the privilege pass."
On a case-by-case basis, a handful of items might be needed in order for people to obtain the new pass, including custody documentation, dependent identification, valid photo identification and a passport.
Call the Randolph Visitors Center at 652-3939 or stop by for specific requirements to obtain the privilege pass.