Beginning October 1, many deployed servicemen and their families will have a chance to exercise, relax and spend time with their families... for free!

The Department of Defense announced their contract with the YMCA this month. The new program, which is effective immediately, was unveiled in a signing ceremony presided by Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness David S.C. Chu.

The following servicemen and their families are eligible:

- Families of deployed members of the National Guard and Reserve:
The free YMCA memberships for Guard and Reserve families will be available while the service member is deployed for a minimum of six months. The deploying service member will also be eligible for three months pre- and post-deployment membership to help promote family participation.

- Active duty service members on independent duty and their families:
Active duty families assigned to independent duty stations, such as recruiting and ROTC assignments and not currently receiving support from the service component will also be eligible for free memberships at participating YMCAs. Single service members are eligible for fitness center memberships up to $50 a month.

- Active duty families at selected bases will also be eligible for free YMCA memberships as part of a pilot program. Memberships will be issued on a first come, first served basis with 300 to 450 family memberships available per joint base location.