For many Air Force retirees, a club membership is one way to stay connected to the service they love. Air Force Services Activity officials are encouraging retirees to activate their new Air Force Club Member Portal accounts before losing that connection.

"Our retiree population is a special part of our Air Force family. Their contributions to shaping the Air Force of today are invaluable and we want to keep them connected to our airmen and our installations," said Col. Donna Turner, the AFSVA commander.

The Air Force began transitioning away from a club credit card to the Air Force Club Member Portal at six pilot installations in May: Osan Air Base, South Korea; Thule AB, Greenland; Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri; Eglin AFB, Florida; Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, and JB Charleston, South Carolina.

Current member information was automatically loaded on the club portal, but members need to log in and update payment information to maintain their membership. The free MemberPlanet app is available in the App Store or Google Play. The web- and app-based system allows members to choose their payment methods and receive real-time event information directly on their smart devices or computers through the portal.

"Members can now use their credit or debit card of choice," said Jonathan Boyd, the AFSVA chief of nonappropriated fund food and beverage operations. "It's an easy process ... you simply update your profile using your smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer."

Members without easy access to smart devices or computers can also stop by their local club for assistance.

"Through the club portal, club members will have easy access to a wide variety of information such as events and special programs scheduled, meal specials and other notifications in near real time," Boyd said.

The portal will be rolled out across the Air Force Aug. 1, 2017. Members can either show their digital membership card through the MemberPlanet App on their smart devices or print a card from the app. The card features the member's name, preferred club, and an expiration date.

"Air Force Club membership is a tradition," Turner said. "It's where our airmen experience, learn and share our Air Force culture. Our clubs provide resiliency to our airmen and their families. This new approach to membership will make it easier for our airmen to stay connected with our Air Force tradition and build on the culture and esprit de corps established by those who have previously served."

For more info, contact your local club or visit myairforcelife.com/clubs/cmp.aspx.