MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Corps Community Services in partnership with Bank One has recently introduced a club card for all Iwakuni service members, DoD employees and federal employees throughout the world.
The card is not only a club membership card for all MCCS clubs, it is also a full functioning Master Card for those with approved credit.
Although members are required to pay monthly dues ranging from $5 for E-1s to $25 for O-10s, it will eliminate the previous card system associated with the Officer's Club as well as bring new possibilities to the Enlisted and Staff Noncommissioned Officer's Clubs.
"By paying dues each club will have an opportunity to improve the atmosphere inside their club while taking advantage of the benefits," said Master Sgt. James Jackson Jr., MCCS Operations chief.
In addition to providing money to improve the clubs, the card also presents its holder with a list of benefits to take advantage of at MCCS facilities.
"When using the card on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, cardholders will be entitled to receive 10 percent off their entire dinner check when eating at Club Iwakuni," said Jackson. "Members will also receive a meal for themselves and their guests at 25 percent off the total during the month of their birthday and their wedding anniversary."
Even though some cardholders are not married, the anniversary discount has been tailored to benefit each of its members.
"The anniversary discount will be usable during a married members anniversary month, or during the single service members month of enlistment, commission or federal employment date," noted Jackson.
Aside from the dinner discounts that members are entitled to, Jackson added that MCCS has taken the functionality of the card to a higher level.
"Every month in the Preview Magazine there will be coupons good for everything from a few dollars off at the club to a free round of golf, and even wild card coupons good at any MCCS activity. There will also be at least two members only events per year at the Station," he said. "The more the member takes advantage of these coupons, the more they will save. The club dues are very miniscule compared to the amount of savings in the Preview alone."
In the credit side of the house for the card, Bank One is offering an introductory annual percentage rate of only 2.9 percent for six months, however the real benefits come in the discounts.
"This is an outstanding program because the discounts are great no matter what type of the card you have," said Sgt. Chad Johnson, Enlisted Club Advisory Board chairman. "This card is going to help us improve the club however its members want it."
For more information on the U.S. Marine Corps Card, contact Master Sgt. Jackson at 253-3549.