Serving Those Who Serve: Armed Forces Recreation Center Resorts – Exclusive Vacations for Military Families
For military families seeking well-deserved rest and relaxation, Armed Forces Recreation Centers (AFRCs) offer a haven of tranquility and adventure. From beachside retreats to mountain getaways, these exclusive resorts provide affordable vacation options tailored to the unique needs of military personnel and their families.
If you haven’t experienced a vacation at an Armed Forces Recreation Center Resort and are not familiar with what they are, here is a little background.
WHAT ARE ARMED FORCES RECREATION CENTER RESORTS?
Armed Forces Recreation Centers (AFRCs) are resort-style vacation destinations exclusively available to members of the United States Armed Forces. The AFRCs are operated by the Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command. Eligible guests include active-duty and reserve-component servicemembers, retirees, current and retired Department of Defense civilians, delayed-entry recruits and Family members.
Veterans may be eligible to use AFRC but there may be certain restrictions in place. It is best to reach out to the individual locations to learn more.
These centers offer a variety of accommodations and recreational facilities in prime locations around the world, providing military personnel and their loved ones with affordable and enjoyable vacation experiences.
AFRCs are operated by the Department of Defense (DoD) and aim to provide quality leisure and recreational opportunities to military members and their families. The centers are often situated in scenic locations, such as beachfront properties, mountain retreats, or cultural hubs, allowing guests to explore and enjoy the surrounding attractions.
BENEFITS OF ARMED FORCES RECREATION CENTER RESORTS
(1) Affordable Luxury:
One of the most appealing aspects of AFRCs is their affordability. Designed to offer high-quality accommodations and amenities at discounted rates, these resorts make luxury vacations accessible to military families of all ranks and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape or an extended stay, AFRCs provide unbeatable value for your vacation dollar.
(2) Prime Locations:
AFRCs are strategically located in some of the most desirable vacation destinations around the world. From the sun-soaked beaches of Hawaii and Florida to the majestic mountains of Colorado and Germany, there’s an AFRC to suit every traveler’s preferences. With convenient access to local attractions and activities, you’ll have no shortage of adventures to embark on during your stay.
(3) Family-Friendly Amenities:
AFRCs are designed with families in mind, offering a wide range of amenities and activities to keep guests of all ages entertained. From swimming pools and playgrounds to organized tours and recreational programs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, with on-site dining options serving up delicious meals, you can relax and focus on making memories with your loved ones.
(4) Support for Military Families:
At AFRCs, military families can enjoy a supportive and welcoming environment that understands their unique needs and challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned service member or a first-time vacationer, you’ll find a friendly staff ready to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Plus, with dedicated resources and programs for military families, AFRCs go above and beyond to ensure you have a memorable and stress-free vacation experience.
(5) Community Connection:
One of the most rewarding aspects of staying at an AFRC is the opportunity to connect with fellow military members and their families. Whether you’re sharing stories over a barbecue dinner or bonding over a game of beach volleyball, AFRCs provide a sense of camaraderie and community that’s hard to find elsewhere. Plus, with organized events and activities designed to foster friendships, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve gained a new extended family.
ARMED FORCES RECREATION CENTER RESORT LOCATIONS
(1) Hale Koa Hotel – Honolulu, Hawaii:
Situated on the stunning Waikiki Beach, the Hale Koa Hotel offers oceanfront accommodations and a range of amenities for military personnel and their families. Our family has visited the Hale Koa twice and it is an incredible experience. It’s located right on the Waikiki next to other expensive resorts. The resort itself is absolutely beautiful. Many of the rooms have oceanfront views with balcony’s.
I highly recommend the breakfast buffet, it is amazing! There are tons of water sports right on the beach and most offer a military discount. Honolulu has so much to offer from the beaches to shops and restaurants to hiking to visiting the North Shore. You cannot beat the price! It’s so affordable, especially for the incredible accommodations. I can’t recommend this experience enough!
(2) Shades of Green – Lake Buena Vista, Florida:
Located near Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Shades of Green provides military families with affordable lodging and access to the area’s theme parks and attractions. This is another great opportunity for military families. The resort is beautiful and perfectly situated to access all Orlando has to offer.
(3) Dragon Hill Lodge – Seoul, South Korea:
Nestled in the heart of Seoul, Dragon Hill Lodge offers modern accommodations and convenient access to cultural landmarks, shopping districts, and entertainment venues.
(4) Edelweiss Lodge and Resort – Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany:
Set amidst the Bavarian Alps, Edelweiss Lodge and Resort provides military members and their families with a picturesque retreat for outdoor recreation and sightseeing.
Edelweiss is on our bucket list. I have heard that the resort is breathtaking and located near so much to do and see.
ELIGIBILITY
| Armed Forces and their Families | Members on Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard and Cadets of Armed Forces Academies.
ID is Common Access Card |
| Other Uniformed Services | Commissioned Corps, Public Health Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps.
ID is DD Form 2, PHS 1866-1 or 1866-3 |
| Armed Forces Retirees and their Family Members | Retired from Active Duty, Reserves, and National Guard with or without pay (gray area)
ID is DD Form 2, 1173 or 1173-1 |
| Others Separated from the Armed Forces and their Family Members | Honorably discharged veterans with 100 percent Service-connected disability. ID is DD Form 1173 or DD Form 2765
Involuntarily separated service members under the Transition Assistance Management Program ID is DD Form 2 Personnel separated under the Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI) and Special Separation Benefit (SSB) programs for two years after separation ID is DD Form 2 |
| Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018 | This expanded authorization currently does not include the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort. Below are the guidelines for the new authorized users at Hale Koa Hotel, Dragon Hill Lodge and the Shades of Green Resort:
Veterans who are Purple Heart recipients, veterans who are former POWs, all veterans with VA-documented service-connected disability ratings, and individuals assessed, approved, and designated as the Primary Family Caregivers of eligible veterans under the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers are eligible Shades of Green Resort users when identified as follows: Veterans must present a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) indicating at least one of the three acceptable eligibility statuses (PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW, or SERVICE CONNECTED); paired with an acceptable credentials such as a REAL ID-compliant State driver’s license or a U.S. passport. Note: VHICs are issued to veterans enrolled in VA health care. Visit: https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vhic/ for information regarding eligibility for the VHIC and the application process. Primary Family Caregivers must present their letter from the VA Office of Community Care that indicates they are assessed, approved, and designated Primary Family Caregiver of an eligible Veteran under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and are eligible for these privileges paired with an acceptable credential like a REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or a U.S. passport. Restrictions apply for Disney’s Military Promotional Salute Tickets, Universal Orlando’s Military Promotional Ticket offers and the Stars and Stripes Length of Stay tickets. To obtain VA forms, go online to https://www.va.gov/health-care Authorized Government-issued Identification Cards : • US passport or passport card |
| Former and/or Surviving Spouses and Family Members | Un-remarried surviving spouses of personnel who died while on active duty or while in retired status ID is DD Form 1173 or 1173-1 Un-remarried former spouses who were married to military members for at least 20 years while the military member was on active duty ID is DD Form 1173 |
| Other Supporters of the Department of Defense | Military personnel of foreign nations and their family members when assigned or attached to a U.S. military unit or installation or on U.S. Travel Orders.
U.S. employees of firms under contract to Department of Defense working in the Pacific Region outside the U.S. on Department of Defense Government orders. ID is DD Form 1173 or 2765 |
| U.S. Department of Defense Civilians and Family Members | Current and retired (APF and NAF) Department of Defense (DoD) and Coast Guard (CG) civilian employees. DOD or CG ID card, CAC, REAL ID – compliant Drivers License accompanied with SF 50 are required for check in. |
| Survivor Family Package Eligibility | The Survivors’ Family Program extends to eligible Family members who have suffered a loss of an Active-Duty sponsor regardless of the cause. A DD Form 1173 with “AD” in the Sponsor Service/Status field in combination with “DB” (DoD Beneficiary) or CH (Child Beneficiary) in the Relationship field on ID cards, is required. Survivors who are also active or retired military members will not have a DD Form 1173 because they receive benefits for their own service. In those cases, their Military ID card and the DD Form 1300, Report of Casualty, will be accepted as proof of eligibility.
The Survivors’ Family Program provides a 50 percent discount from published room rates by the applicable rate category. The discount applies to the eligible Surviving Family Member’s room only. Eligible Surviving Family Members can sponsor two additional rooms for a total of three guest rooms. Sponsored rooms will fall in the Category 3 (III) rate, with discounts not available. The Survivors’ Family Program requires the Survivors’ Family Member, with a military ID card, to make/confirm reservations and be the primary occupant. Stays under the Survivor Family Program are limited to a maximum of 14 nights in duration within a calendar year and cannot be booked more than 365 days in advance of the arrival date. Discount is applicable on guest rooms only, cannot be combined with any other offer, and may be limited to certain locations and time periods at the discretion of the General Manager. |
Armed Forces Recreation Centers offer military families the chance to unwind, recharge, and create lifelong memories together. With affordable rates, prime locations, family-friendly amenities, and unwavering support for military personnel, AFRCs are the ultimate destination for those who serve.
So why wait? Start planning your next vacation at an AFRC today as they book up quickly and experience the unparalleled benefits of exclusive vacations for military families.
