Fort Bliss Monitor

Community

Host a Soldier
Every year hundreds of Soldiers in Advanced Individual Training at Fort Bliss spend Thanksgiving Day far from home and family. For more than 30 years, what would have been an uneventful day became a very special holiday, thanks to many El Paso area families.
The Thanksgiving Adopt-A-Soldier program matches Soldiers with civilian and military families Thanksgiving Day. Nov. 25, 1st Bn., 56th ADA Regt. invites El Paso families to share their homes and the Thanksgiving holiday with a Soldier.
Interested families should contact Spc. Mara Bequis at 568-4256 during working hours. Call no later than Nov. 17.
The Thanksgiving Home Visitation program will begin at 9 a.m. Nov. 25 at Stout Gymnasium, Bldg. 2930. Host families are invited to a brief opening ceremony. Following the ceremony, families will be introduced to their Soldiers for the day.
Thanksgiving Day is one of those special days of the year spent sharing a meal with family and friends. Thanks to the warmth and generosity of so many El Paso families, Fort Bliss' Soldiers in training will be able to say that 2004’s Thanksgiving Day was an extra special one for them.

Groundbreaking ceremony
Fort Bliss officials, Maj. Gen. Michael Vane and U.S. Representative Silvestre Reyes and representatives of the 31st ADA and 31st CSH, will conduct a groundbreaking ceremony at 9 a.m., Friday. The groundbreaking is the first step in construction of a Tactical Equipment Shop for the 31st CSH, on Abernathy Street, just south of Bldg 5810. Everyone is invited. For information, call 568-4320.

Ribbon cutting ceremony
Maj. Gen. Michael Vane, U.S. Representative Silvestre Reyes and other Fort Bliss officials, will conduct a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m., Friday. The ribbon cutting ceremony will reopen Dona Aña Range 43, located near the "Rockhouse." The range will accommodate M16 fire and is a time sequenced radio remote control pop-up range. For information, call 568-4320.

Thanksgiving assistance
Army Community Service is again sponsoring a Thanksgiving voucher program, which allows eligible Soldiers, retirees and their families to purchase food items at the Commissary to supplement their holiday meal. Nominations are considered on a case-by-case basis, with no rank restrictions. Soldiers with large families, recent loss of employment by the spouse and referrals by unit family readiness group leaders for families of deployed Soldiers are among the considerations. To be eligible, the following criteria must be met:
• The first sergeant or commander must nominate the Soldier by completing and signing the nomination memorandum. Retirees may self-nominate by delivering the completed form to ACS.
• The Soldier or retiree must be experiencing financial hardship.
For information, call Joseph Hess at 568-7088.

Holiday bazaar
The Fort Bliss NCO Wives Club Holiday Bazaar is being held Nov. 6 at 10 a.m. and Nov. 7, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Stout Gym, corner of Cassidy Road and Airport. Admission will be $1 for adults 18 and over and free for children. The bazaar will have food vendors and more than100 craft vendors. The public is invited.

Disability awareness
Fort Bliss Disability Awareness Committee, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Social Security Administration, El Paso Accessibility Advisory Committee Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services and
U.S. Customs and Border Protection present the 2004 National Disability Employment Awareness Month Conference “You’re Hired!” “Success Knows No Limitations!” today at the Centennial Club from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lunch and registration is $10.
Guest speaker will be Paul Singleton,. For information call Liz Childers at 568-5143 or 568-1489, or Martin Wagner at 569-1788.

Temporary closure
The After-Hours Recycling Drop-Off Site (corner of Marshall and Cassidy Rds.) is temporarily closed. The Fort Bliss community is invited to use the drive-through facility at the Recycling Center Bldg. 1336. The city of El Paso has citizen drop-off sites at 4501 Hondo Pass, 2492 Harrison, 4096 Doniphan, 7970 San Paulo, 9000 Escobar and 4200 Delta. Do not abandon your recyclables at the Recycling Center gate.

Hallelujah Festival
The “Hallelujah Festival,” a Christian alternative to Halloween, will be held Sunday at Center Chapel Two, corner of Sheridan and Haan roads. The activities will begin with worship especially for children at 6 p.m. A variety of game booths, moon jump, giant slide, bungee run, costume judging of biblical costumes, and activities for the entire family will be provided. There will be prizes and candy galore. Hot dogs and chips will be served free of charge. Everyone is invited to come and have a great time. For information, call the Protestant Religious Education Office at 568-0360.

White House recruiting
The White House Communications Agency recruiting team will visit Fort Bliss Nov. 18 to conduct two separate briefings at the ACAP Classroom, Bldg. 515A, Room 108, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 3 p.m.
The WHCA provides the opportunity to directly support the president, vice president, first lady and the senior White House staff, to earn the Presidential Service Badge and to learn highly unique sought-after training and work opportunities.
You must be able to travel, work with little supervision and be extremely responsible.
You must be able to obtain and keep a top secret security clearance, have no history of derogatory information, and be able to serve in a four-year presidential support duty billet. The WHCA is looking for soldiers in the MOSes 25M, R, V, Z, F, P, S, W, X, 21W, 35E, W, 42L, 44E, 52D, 52X, 63B, 88M and 98G.
For information, contact Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Gaut at 202-757-5156, DSN 284-2000 Ext. 7-5156 or visit the WHCA recruiting Web site at www.disa.mil/whca.

Parent engagement conference
The Education Service Center, Region 19, will hold its 7th annual regional parent engagement conference at the University of Texas at El Paso from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 13. Breakout sessions will be offered on the general topic “Core Values: No Family Left Behind.”
Keynote speaker is Socorro Independent School District Superinten-dent Dr. Robert Duron. Registration through the ESC’s “Click & Learn” on line system, event number 13965, is now open. Go to www.esc19.net or call 780-5349 for information.

Baby care 101
The Army Community Services Center is offering Baby Care 101 Class. The class will be held at the ACS building Nov. 5 at 3 p.m. the topic presented is Infant Massage. This is an excellent technique used to calm a baby when they are hard to soothe. If interested, contact Esylen Stephens or Linda Ness at 568-1132.

Marine Corps Ball
The Fort Bliss Marine Corps Detach-ment will be hosting its annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. The location is the El Camino Real Hotel. Tickets are $35 per person. For information call 568-6094 or email JusticeR@bliss.army.mil.

Health Care Council
The Health Care Consumer Council will meet from 10-11 a.m., Nov. 5, in the Clinical Assembly Room, Room 1-185, William Beaumont Army Medical Center. TRICARE Next generation of contracts, drop-in group medical appointments, Telephone Advice Nurse Line and the flu season will be discussed. For information, call 569-2692.

USMC Birthday Ball
The United States Marine Corps El Paso area Reserve will celebrate its 229th birthday Nov. 5 with a ball at the El Paso Marriott from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are available at the Marine Reserve Center, 4810 Pollard St. Tickets are $35 per person, which includes dinner and dancing. For information, call 566-8697.

Free programs at WBAMC
The wellness centers located at William Beaumont Army Medical Center and the Soldier and Family Medical Clinic are announcing free programs for active duty Soldiers, their family members and civilian staff. These programs include blood pressure screenings, tobacco-cessation classes for smokers and chewers, self-care classes for over-the-counter medications, and health-risk assessments. Additionally, information on diabetes and glucometer education is available. For information, call 568-1869 or 569-3311.

Bel Air reunion
The Bel Air High School Class of 1965 will have its 40-year reunion in April of 2005. Classmates from 1962 to 1969 are invited. If you know of any of these people please contact Jan Cornwell Cross at jancross1@cox.net or Carole Helton Arnold at 581-5721, 539-1738 or email carole-lynn@sbcglobal.net.

Bench Press Championships
Fort Bliss will host the 2005 Amateur Athletic Union Military Bench Press Championships. The date for this meet has yet to be determined. Contact Doug Briggs at 568-6458 for information.

Water aerobics
Water Aerobics will begin Nov. 9, at Replica Pool. Tonay Gainey will teach classes Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. For a great, no stress on the joints aerobics class, this is the one. Contact Doug Briggs at 568-6458 for information.

Brass bartending
Garrison CMD will host a Halloween Theme Brass Bartending Friday. Col. Bryon E. Greenwald, Lt. Col. Michael J. Sippel, Lt. Col. Thomas T. Koesters and Lt. Col. Philip R. McChesney will bartend. The promotion will continue through December, allowing battalion and brigade commanders to act as bartenders for one night, with all tips contributed to the appropriate unit fund. For information, call 568-3415.

Expectant sibling class
The Family Assistance Center is offering an Expectant Sibling Class Nov. 17 at the Family Assistance Center. The center is located at 2494 Ricker Road, right next to the Stanton Movie Theatre. This class is to educate parents on how to prevent and reduce sibling rivalry. It also educates children ages 3 – 8 years old on what to expect from a new baby and upon completion of the class they will receive a certificate. If interested, contact Esylen Stephens at the Family Assistance Center at 568-1132.

Payday bowling tourney
As part of MWR’s monthly post payday activities, the commanding general would like to invite Team Bliss military and civilians to participate in a three-game bowling tournament Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. The cost is $1 per game with no charge for shoe rental. A limited number of spaces are available. Prizes will be awarded to the first through fourth place individuals with high game and high series. Interested individuals must sign up no later than 4 p.m. Nov. 4. The commanding general endorses the activities to promote team building and camaraderie among community members and to serve as a pleasant departure from the regular workday. While not mandatory, attendance is encouraged. For information, call 568-6272.

Outdoor Adventures
Fort Bliss Outdoor Adventures is pleased to offer several upcoming outdoor adventures.
Fire and Ice weekend: Nov. 6-7, price is $70, which includes bus transportation, entry to Bandera Fire and Ice Park, and a one night stay at Best Western.
For information, call 568-2784.

Halloween carnival
Fort Bliss Youth Services will hold its annual Halloween Carnival at the Youth Plex Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. Open to all Youth Services members and their families, the carnival will consist of games, cupcake walk, crafts, prizes and “boo-licious” treats. Everyone is invited to wear his or her best costume and join the fun. There will also be a Haunted House Friday and Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. in Bldg. 635; however, participants are asked to meet at the YouthPlex in order to be bussed to the location. The YouthPlex is located in Bldg. 195 on Chaffee Rd. Please bring a can of food for admission to the Haunted House. For information, call 568-KIDS (5437).

Youth Services Lacrosse
Youth Services is still looking for volunteers to help with the new Youth Lacrosse League. A couple of clinics will be held in November to introduce this exciting sport to Fort Bliss. If interested, call 568-5437.

Army Soldier Show
Nominations for performer and technician positions in the 2005 Army Soldier Show are being accepted for vocalists, dancers, musicians and specialty acts, lighting, audio, video, costume and stage technicians. Preference in selection is given to performers showing versatility in musical style and experience. Preference is given to technicians having experience and possessing a variety of skills. Technicians with past leadership and building experience, and mechanical or electrical aptitude will also be considered for positions such as stage manager, etc. Nominations should be received no later than Nov. 30. send to: U.S. Army Soldier Show, Attn: 2005 Selection Committee, P.O. Box 439, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060. Artistic inquiries may be send to Victor. Hurtado@cfsc.army.mil, and military questions may be addressed to 1st Sgt. Stanley Randolph at DSN 656-4937 or (703) 806-4937.

Karaoke nights
The Fort Bliss Bowling Center hosts karaoke nights for Morale, Welfare and Recreation patrons and guests Thursday and Friday nights. Karaoke King takes to the stage at 7:30 p.m. and plays until 11 p.m. Thursday and 12:30 a.m. Friday in the center’s lounge. As a reminder, all non-active duty military guests, including family members and civilians, must be at least 21 to drink alcoholic beverages. For information, call 568-6272. The Centen-nial Club on Biggs Airfield hosts karaoke nights for MWR patrons and guests Friday nights from 5 to 10 p.m. with Linda’s Carraoke Karaoke Entertainment. For information, call 562-5969.

Kids on the Block
The Kids on the Block Puppet shows are available for performances free of charge. The performances cover a variety of topics such as bicycle safety, school safety, vehicle safety, child abuse, bullying, and deployments. Shows can be performed for schools, FRG events/meetings, youth groups, daycare centers, and scout troops. For information call Lyn Matsey at 568-1132, or the Family Assistance Center located at Bldg 2494, on Ricker Road.

Toddler and Infant Playgroups
The Family Assistance Center conducts toddler and infant playgroups Tuesday and Thursday of each month. The toddler playgroup ranges from ages 18 1/2 months to 3 years of age at the Logan Child Development Center from 10 a.m.-noon. The infant playgroup is offered at the Youthplex on Fort Bliss every Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. This is an excellent way to interact with your children and meet other parents within the Fort Bliss community. For information call Esylen Stephens at 568-1132.

Happy hour at the Pub
Join happy hour every Friday at 4:30 p.m. at the Pub, located at the Centennial NCO Club. Great beverage prices and free nacho bar. For information call 568-9330.

Rod and Gun Club
The Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club is located in Bldg. 3730 off Railroad Drive and Deer on Roy Johnson Lane. The kitchen opens Fridays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The facility offers trap, skeet, rifle, pistol, archery, black powder, plinking ranges, a five stand sporting clays range, pro shop, weekend snack bar and banquet facilities. Concealed carry classes, and instruction in shotgun, rifle and pistol reloading are also available. The Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club is open to the public. For information call 565-4867.

Swimming lessons
The Replica Aquatic Center is accepting registrations for its upcoming November swim classes. Monday/Wed-nesday lessons include: Preschool (class size 6) 3-3:45 p.m.; Level 1-2 (class size 6), 4-4:45 p.m.; Level 3-4 (class size 6), 5-5:45 p.m. and Level 5-6 (class size 6), 6-6:45 p.m. Saturday/Sunday lessons include: adults (class size 6), 10-10:45 a.m. and 1-1:45 p.m.; Level 3-4 (class size 6), 11-1145 a.m. and 2-2:45 p.m.; Level 5-6 (class size 6), noon-12.45 p.m. and 3-3:45 p.m.; Level 1-2 (class size 6), 1-1.45 p.m. and 4-4:45 p.m. The cost is $25 per eight-lesson and students must pay when registering. For information or to register, call 568-7431.

Domestic violence briefings
Domestic violence affects military readiness and families as well. It is a fact that children who witness domestic violence at home can become abusers themselves. Now is the time to schedule your unit’s annual domestic violence prevention and awareness brief. Additionally, feel free to schedule your FRG for a brief on the issues and concerns of family violence. To schedule briefing call Joe Crawford at 568-4878.

PCS/ETS
PCSing to a new installation? The Army Community Service relocation programs will provide you with automated welcome packets on any DoD military installation worldwide while you wait. Assigned to an isolated location far from an installation? Not a problem. Internet access will provide localized information. How do you find that isolated location within CONUS? Computerized route-maps will take you there. Soldiers clearing the installation are advised that strip maps, showing the location of all agencies that must be cleared, are available at the Army Community Service relocation desk at Bldg. 2494, which is also a required stop in the clearing process. Avoid becoming geographically challenged by clearing us first. For information, contact Relocation Services at 568-6291.

Sunday brunches
The Fort Bliss Officers’ Club offers a Champagne Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday except holiday weekends. The cost is $9.95 for members and $11.95 for nonmembers, $6 for children ages 7 to 11, and free for children 6 and under. Reservations are recommended. Call 568-7013.

MWR briefs
Fort Bliss MWR is available to make presentation briefs to Soldier units - active and reserve - on MWR’s installation role, operating budget, facilities, programs and services. Call MWR headquarters at 568-3724 or 568-3437 to schedule a brief and to find out about needed technical requirements.

Mickelsen Library storytime
Mickelsen Library currently hosts “Read Me a Story” every Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. in the children’s room of the library for children 2 to 5 years of age. The library is also presenting “Family Storytime” for 2 to 6 year olds, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Parents or guardians must stay with their child through the duration of story-time, which will last about 30 minutes. Mickelsen Library is located in E Wing, lower level of Hinman Hall, Bldg. 2. For information, call 568-6156.

Space museum invitation
Veterans, active duty servicemembers, Reserve and National Guard personnel, employees of military contractors, and civilian employees at military installations are invited to attend the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamo-gordo, Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Admission for those personnel will be free of charge. Veterans are asked to provide proof of service with a Form DD-214 or a veterans identification card. Others will need to show a military ID card for their free admission to the museum. The free admission is for the museum only and does not include admission to the Clyde W. Tombaugh IMAX Dome Theater. For information about the theater or the New Mexico Museum of Space History, call (877) 333-6589 or (505) 437-2840 or visit www.spacefame.org.

NCO led concert
The 62nd Army Band will present an NCO led concert Saturday, at 7 p.m. at Soldier Hall, Bldg. 2. Admission is free and open to the public. The concert will feature various concert band arrangements, marches and featured soloists under the conducting batons of selected band noncommissioned officers. For information call the Fort Bliss Public Affairs Office at 568-6056 or the 62nd Army Band at 568-2263 or 568-7001.

EFMP meeting
The Exceptional Family Member Manager and the Army Community Service would like to take this opportunity to invite Exceptional Family Members and/or their families to a EFMP Support Group meeting today, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the ACS, Bldg. 2494. A representative from the United Cerebral Palsy of Texas will be talking to the EFMP Support Group about the Individualized Education Program and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Childcare will be provided at the Main Child Development Center, Bldg 1730. When calling to sign up at the ACS, indicate if your child has special needs to be considered. The deadline to register for childcare is Monday. For information, call 568-1132 or 568-1343.

CDS Saturday openings
The Child Development Center provides special hours of operation Saturdays at its main location in Bldg. 1730 on Haan Road. Hours of operation are 1 p.m. to 12 a.m. Cost for payday weekend care is $2.50 per hour; $2 for Tier I. Children, ages 2 months to 12 years, are eligible for the care. For information, call 568-5689.

Framing Bliss
Framing Bliss will be closed on Mondays and open on Tuesdays. Also, the Do It Yourself price will go from the hourly fee of $2 an hour to $2.50 for the use of the facility. For information call 568-5563.

Parenting Press Web site
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, counselor, parenting educator, family life specialist, reporter, conference planner or bookseller, you’ll find ideas on the just revised and expanded Parenting Press Web site. One of the first web sites with online media kits, www.parenting press.com now offers ready-to-use activity plans for classrooms, story hours and home-schoolers; book excerpts and articles for reprinting or quoting in newsletters and newspapers; and a guide to guest speakers and interview sources.

Found property
The following items have been found and turned in: miscellaneous wallets, miscellaneous checkbooks, eyeglasses keys and sets of keys, a mountain bicycle, a PS2 video game, miscellaneous cellular phones, a black bag of clothes and a black briefcase.
The Provost Marshal Office, Found Property Section will hold these items to be claimed for 45 days. For information call 568-5551.

Red Cross training
Babysitting training will be held Nov. 13, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fort Bliss office. There are no charges for the classes, but participants must register.
Volunteer orientation will be held Nov. 2, from 9 to 11 a.m. Call 592-0208 for information or to register for the classes and orientation.

Veterans Day Gala
The Veterans Day Gala that will take place at the Fort Bliss Museum and Study Center, Bldg. 1735, Nov. 4. This is a celebration to honor and recognize veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. There will be an auction, plus prizes will be raffled before and during the event. For information, contact Edith Fanning at 568-2711.

Down Under football
Catch NFL Sundays at the Down Under Sports Bar, located on the lower level of the Officers’ Club. See the biggest selection of NFL games - up to 14 regular-season games - available every Sunday beginning at 11 a.m., featuring marquee match-ups and the best chance to follow your favorite national football teams. The Down Under Sports Bar will broadcast all your favorite gridiron matches, compliments of the club’s digital satellite entertainment service, on any of the club’s five television monitors. The bar opens at 11 a.m. offering an assortment of domestic and imported bottled and draft beers. Commemorative pewter steins are also available for purchase.
For more information, call 568-7013.

Free Spanish classes
Army Community Service offers Conversational Spanish classes on Fridays from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the conference room. Participants should call 568-1132 or 569-7762 to register for the class. Free childcare is provided for participants. Children must be registered at the Child Development Center and participants must book their own childcare reservations by calling 568-1132. Classes are for ID cardholder’s age 18 and older.
English as second language
Army Community Service offers English as a second language class Monday and Wednesday. Classes are from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Participants should call 568-1132 or 569-7762 to register for the class. Free childcare will be provided for participants. Children must be registered at the Child Development Center and participants must book their own childcare reservations by calling 568-1132. Classes are for ID cardholder’s age 18 and older.

Sign language classes
Army Community Service Relocation Assistance offers free Sign Language Classes for adults (18 years of age or older) Monday and Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Army Community Service Bldg. 2494. The class has begun and will continue through April 2005. Childcare for students is free at the Child Development Center. Children must be registered at the Child Development Center and reservations must be made by the student. For information or to register for the class call 568-7088.

Christmas Craft Fair
New Hope Lutheran Church will have its annual Christmas Craft Fair and Bake Sale, Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 4801 SunValley. The public is invited. Event will feature handmade crafts from more than 35 vendors, food, drinks and raffles. For information call 755-8009, 821-2079.

Army knowledge online
Effective December all Soldiers leaving the Army by ETS, administrative action or retirement will be required to have an AKO account to access ACAP XXI. To obtain an account log on to https://ako@us.army.mil.

Ghost stories
Old Fort Bliss will be the meeting place for Ghost stories told by campfire by author and veteran, Ken Hudnall from his book, Spirits of the Border, the history and Mystery of Fort Bliss Saturday.
This is a free event. No inclement weather date, this event will move indoors. Hudnall’s books will be available for purchase. For information, call 568 3137. IAW JER Sec 3-209, the U.S. Army, Fort Bliss and Old Fort Bliss do not officially endorse Hudnall’s books.

AFTB program
The Fort Bliss Army Family Team Building Program will be sponsoring “Longaberger Basket Bingo.” The event will be held today in the ACS Ballroom, Bldg. 2494 Ricker Road. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and games will begin at 6:30 p.m. The event is open to the public. Tickets sell for $10 in advance and may be purchased through any AFTB instructor or at the ACS Building. All tickets sold the night of the event will be $15. To view the baskets available to win, go to our BLISSMWR.com and click on ACS/AFTB. Participants are asked to park in the back of the building, as this will be the only doors open for entrance into the facility. Proceeds from this event will help pay for childcare for our AFTB students and volunteers. For information call 568-2382.

Memorial Death March
The 2005 Bataan Memorial Death March will be conducted March 20 at White Sands Missile Range, N.M.
The memorial march recognizes the sacrifices made by thousands of U.S. and Filipino service members overwhelmed by the Japanese in the Philippine Islands during World War II.
Bataan Memorial Death March information and registration is available at www.bataanmarch.com. There is a limit of 4,000 marchers.
For information call 505-678-1256 or the Public Affairs Office at 505-678-1134. Questions and comments may be e-mailed to bataan@wsmr. army.mil.

Stout Gym floor
The Stout Gym floor is currently closed for sanding and re-screening. Units, soldiers and other authorized patrons are encouraged to use other MWR gyms – Milam, Logan and Biggs. The renovated Stout Gym floor will be available for use Monday. For details, call 568-4508.



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	October 28, 2004

<map name="boxmap-b4"> <area shape="rect" coords="0, 589, 120, 600" href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm/privacy-policy.html?o=1" > <area coords="0,0,10000,10000" href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=&creative=92501&camp=8117&link_code=dl1&path=subst/misc/amazon-cobrand-cc/v3/marketing-from-associates-step1.html/ref%3Db1_assoc_29" > </map>	Community Host a Soldier Every year hundreds of Soldiers in Advanced Individual Training at Fort Bliss spend Thanksgiving Day far from home and family. For more than 30 years, what would have been an uneventful day became a very special holiday, thanks to many El Paso area families. The Thanksgiving Adopt-A-Soldier program matches Soldiers with civilian and military families Thanksgiving Day. Nov. 25, 1st Bn., 56th ADA Regt. invites El Paso families to share their homes and the Thanksgiving holiday with a Soldier. Interested families should contact Spc. Mara Bequis at 568-4256 during working hours. Call no later than Nov. 17. The Thanksgiving Home Visitation program will begin at 9 a.m. Nov. 25 at Stout Gymnasium, Bldg. 2930. Host families are invited to a brief opening ceremony. Following the ceremony, families will be introduced to their Soldiers for the day. Thanksgiving Day is one of those special days of the year spent sharing a meal with family and friends. Thanks to the warmth and generosity of so many El Paso families, Fort Bliss' Soldiers in training will be able to say that 2004’s Thanksgiving Day was an extra special one for them. Groundbreaking ceremony Fort Bliss officials, Maj. Gen. Michael Vane and U.S. Representative Silvestre Reyes and representatives of the 31st ADA and 31st CSH, will conduct a groundbreaking ceremony at 9 a.m., Friday. The groundbreaking is the first step in construction of a Tactical Equipment Shop for the 31st CSH, on Abernathy Street, just south of Bldg 5810. Everyone is invited. For information, call 568-4320. Ribbon cutting ceremony Maj. Gen. Michael Vane, U.S. Representative Silvestre Reyes and other Fort Bliss officials, will conduct a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m., Friday. The ribbon cutting ceremony will reopen Dona Aña Range 43, located near the "Rockhouse." The range will accommodate M16 fire and is a time sequenced radio remote control pop-up range. For information, call 568-4320. Thanksgiving assistance Army Community Service is again sponsoring a Thanksgiving voucher program, which allows eligible Soldiers, retirees and their families to purchase food items at the Commissary to supplement their holiday meal. Nominations are considered on a case-by-case basis, with no rank restrictions. Soldiers with large families, recent loss of employment by the spouse and referrals by unit family readiness group leaders for families of deployed Soldiers are among the considerations. To be eligible, the following criteria must be met: • The first sergeant or commander must nominate the Soldier by completing and signing the nomination memorandum. Retirees may self-nominate by delivering the completed form to ACS. • The Soldier or retiree must be experiencing financial hardship. For information, call Joseph Hess at 568-7088. Holiday bazaar The Fort Bliss NCO Wives Club Holiday Bazaar is being held Nov. 6 at 10 a.m. and Nov. 7, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Stout Gym, corner of Cassidy Road and Airport. Admission will be $1 for adults 18 and over and free for children. The bazaar will have food vendors and more than100 craft vendors. The public is invited. Disability awareness Fort Bliss Disability Awareness Committee, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Social Security Administration, El Paso Accessibility Advisory Committee Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services and U.S. Customs and Border Protection present the 2004 National Disability Employment Awareness Month Conference “You’re Hired!” “Success Knows No Limitations!” today at the Centennial Club from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lunch and registration is $10. Guest speaker will be Paul Singleton,. For information call Liz Childers at 568-5143 or 568-1489, or Martin Wagner at 569-1788. Temporary closure The After-Hours Recycling Drop-Off Site (corner of Marshall and Cassidy Rds.) is temporarily closed. The Fort Bliss community is invited to use the drive-through facility at the Recycling Center Bldg. 1336. The city of El Paso has citizen drop-off sites at 4501 Hondo Pass, 2492 Harrison, 4096 Doniphan, 7970 San Paulo, 9000 Escobar and 4200 Delta. Do not abandon your recyclables at the Recycling Center gate. Hallelujah Festival The “Hallelujah Festival,” a Christian alternative to Halloween, will be held Sunday at Center Chapel Two, corner of Sheridan and Haan roads. The activities will begin with worship especially for children at 6 p.m. A variety of game booths, moon jump, giant slide, bungee run, costume judging of biblical costumes, and activities for the entire family will be provided. There will be prizes and candy galore. Hot dogs and chips will be served free of charge. Everyone is invited to come and have a great time. For information, call the Protestant Religious Education Office at 568-0360. White House recruiting The White House Communications Agency recruiting team will visit Fort Bliss Nov. 18 to conduct two separate briefings at the ACAP Classroom, Bldg. 515A, Room 108, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 3 p.m. The WHCA provides the opportunity to directly support the president, vice president, first lady and the senior White House staff, to earn the Presidential Service Badge and to learn highly unique sought-after training and work opportunities. You must be able to travel, work with little supervision and be extremely responsible. You must be able to obtain and keep a top secret security clearance, have no history of derogatory information, and be able to serve in a four-year presidential support duty billet. The WHCA is looking for soldiers in the MOSes 25M, R, V, Z, F, P, S, W, X, 21W, 35E, W, 42L, 44E, 52D, 52X, 63B, 88M and 98G. For information, contact Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Gaut at 202-757-5156, DSN 284-2000 Ext. 7-5156 or visit the WHCA recruiting Web site at www.disa.mil/whca. Parent engagement conference The Education Service Center, Region 19, will hold its 7th annual regional parent engagement conference at the University of Texas at El Paso from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 13. Breakout sessions will be offered on the general topic “Core Values: No Family Left Behind.” Keynote speaker is Socorro Independent School District Superinten-dent Dr. Robert Duron. Registration through the ESC’s “Click & Learn” on line system, event number 13965, is now open. Go to www.esc19.net or call 780-5349 for information. Baby care 101 The Army Community Services Center is offering Baby Care 101 Class. The class will be held at the ACS building Nov. 5 at 3 p.m. the topic presented is Infant Massage. This is an excellent technique used to calm a baby when they are hard to soothe. If interested, contact Esylen Stephens or Linda Ness at 568-1132. Marine Corps Ball The Fort Bliss Marine Corps Detach-ment will be hosting its annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. The location is the El Camino Real Hotel. Tickets are $35 per person. For information call 568-6094 or email JusticeR@bliss.army.mil. Health Care Council The Health Care Consumer Council will meet from 10-11 a.m., Nov. 5, in the Clinical Assembly Room, Room 1-185, William Beaumont Army Medical Center. TRICARE Next generation of contracts, drop-in group medical appointments, Telephone Advice Nurse Line and the flu season will be discussed. For information, call 569-2692. USMC Birthday Ball The United States Marine Corps El Paso area Reserve will celebrate its 229th birthday Nov. 5 with a ball at the El Paso Marriott from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are available at the Marine Reserve Center, 4810 Pollard St. Tickets are $35 per person, which includes dinner and dancing. For information, call 566-8697. Free programs at WBAMC The wellness centers located at William Beaumont Army Medical Center and the Soldier and Family Medical Clinic are announcing free programs for active duty Soldiers, their family members and civilian staff. These programs include blood pressure screenings, tobacco-cessation classes for smokers and chewers, self-care classes for over-the-counter medications, and health-risk assessments. Additionally, information on diabetes and glucometer education is available. For information, call 568-1869 or 569-3311. Bel Air reunion The Bel Air High School Class of 1965 will have its 40-year reunion in April of 2005. Classmates from 1962 to 1969 are invited. If you know of any of these people please contact Jan Cornwell Cross at jancross1@cox.net or Carole Helton Arnold at 581-5721, 539-1738 or email carole-lynn@sbcglobal.net. Bench Press Championships Fort Bliss will host the 2005 Amateur Athletic Union Military Bench Press Championships. The date for this meet has yet to be determined. Contact Doug Briggs at 568-6458 for information. Water aerobics Water Aerobics will begin Nov. 9, at Replica Pool. Tonay Gainey will teach classes Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. For a great, no stress on the joints aerobics class, this is the one. Contact Doug Briggs at 568-6458 for information. Brass bartending Garrison CMD will host a Halloween Theme Brass Bartending Friday. Col. Bryon E. Greenwald, Lt. Col. Michael J. Sippel, Lt. Col. Thomas T. Koesters and Lt. Col. Philip R. McChesney will bartend. The promotion will continue through December, allowing battalion and brigade commanders to act as bartenders for one night, with all tips contributed to the appropriate unit fund. For information, call 568-3415. Expectant sibling class The Family Assistance Center is offering an Expectant Sibling Class Nov. 17 at the Family Assistance Center. The center is located at 2494 Ricker Road, right next to the Stanton Movie Theatre. This class is to educate parents on how to prevent and reduce sibling rivalry. It also educates children ages 3 – 8 years old on what to expect from a new baby and upon completion of the class they will receive a certificate. If interested, contact Esylen Stephens at the Family Assistance Center at 568-1132. Payday bowling tourney As part of MWR’s monthly post payday activities, the commanding general would like to invite Team Bliss military and civilians to participate in a three-game bowling tournament Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. The cost is $1 per game with no charge for shoe rental. A limited number of spaces are available. Prizes will be awarded to the first through fourth place individuals with high game and high series. Interested individuals must sign up no later than 4 p.m. Nov. 4. The commanding general endorses the activities to promote team building and camaraderie among community members and to serve as a pleasant departure from the regular workday. While not mandatory, attendance is encouraged. For information, call 568-6272. Outdoor Adventures Fort Bliss Outdoor Adventures is pleased to offer several upcoming outdoor adventures. Fire and Ice weekend: Nov. 6-7, price is $70, which includes bus transportation, entry to Bandera Fire and Ice Park, and a one night stay at Best Western. For information, call 568-2784. Halloween carnival Fort Bliss Youth Services will hold its annual Halloween Carnival at the Youth Plex Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. Open to all Youth Services members and their families, the carnival will consist of games, cupcake walk, crafts, prizes and “boo-licious” treats. Everyone is invited to wear his or her best costume and join the fun. There will also be a Haunted House Friday and Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. in Bldg. 635; however, participants are asked to meet at the YouthPlex in order to be bussed to the location. The YouthPlex is located in Bldg. 195 on Chaffee Rd. Please bring a can of food for admission to the Haunted House. For information, call 568-KIDS (5437). Youth Services Lacrosse Youth Services is still looking for volunteers to help with the new Youth Lacrosse League. A couple of clinics will be held in November to introduce this exciting sport to Fort Bliss. If interested, call 568-5437. Army Soldier Show Nominations for performer and technician positions in the 2005 Army Soldier Show are being accepted for vocalists, dancers, musicians and specialty acts, lighting, audio, video, costume and stage technicians. Preference in selection is given to performers showing versatility in musical style and experience. Preference is given to technicians having experience and possessing a variety of skills. Technicians with past leadership and building experience, and mechanical or electrical aptitude will also be considered for positions such as stage manager, etc. Nominations should be received no later than Nov. 30. send to: U.S. Army Soldier Show, Attn: 2005 Selection Committee, P.O. Box 439, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060. Artistic inquiries may be send to Victor. Hurtado@cfsc.army.mil, and military questions may be addressed to 1st Sgt. Stanley Randolph at DSN 656-4937 or (703) 806-4937. Karaoke nights The Fort Bliss Bowling Center hosts karaoke nights for Morale, Welfare and Recreation patrons and guests Thursday and Friday nights. Karaoke King takes to the stage at 7:30 p.m. and plays until 11 p.m. Thursday and 12:30 a.m. Friday in the center’s lounge. As a reminder, all non-active duty military guests, including family members and civilians, must be at least 21 to drink alcoholic beverages. For information, call 568-6272. The Centen-nial Club on Biggs Airfield hosts karaoke nights for MWR patrons and guests Friday nights from 5 to 10 p.m. with Linda’s Carraoke Karaoke Entertainment. For information, call 562-5969. Kids on the Block The Kids on the Block Puppet shows are available for performances free of charge. The performances cover a variety of topics such as bicycle safety, school safety, vehicle safety, child abuse, bullying, and deployments. Shows can be performed for schools, FRG events/meetings, youth groups, daycare centers, and scout troops. For information call Lyn Matsey at 568-1132, or the Family Assistance Center located at Bldg 2494, on Ricker Road. Toddler and Infant Playgroups The Family Assistance Center conducts toddler and infant playgroups Tuesday and Thursday of each month. The toddler playgroup ranges from ages 18 1/2 months to 3 years of age at the Logan Child Development Center from 10 a.m.-noon. The infant playgroup is offered at the Youthplex on Fort Bliss every Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. This is an excellent way to interact with your children and meet other parents within the Fort Bliss community. For information call Esylen Stephens at 568-1132. Happy hour at the Pub Join happy hour every Friday at 4:30 p.m. at the Pub, located at the Centennial NCO Club. Great beverage prices and free nacho bar. For information call 568-9330. Rod and Gun Club The Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club is located in Bldg. 3730 off Railroad Drive and Deer on Roy Johnson Lane. The kitchen opens Fridays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The facility offers trap, skeet, rifle, pistol, archery, black powder, plinking ranges, a five stand sporting clays range, pro shop, weekend snack bar and banquet facilities. Concealed carry classes, and instruction in shotgun, rifle and pistol reloading are also available. The Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club is open to the public. For information call 565-4867. Swimming lessons The Replica Aquatic Center is accepting registrations for its upcoming November swim classes. Monday/Wed-nesday lessons include: Preschool (class size 6) 3-3:45 p.m.; Level 1-2 (class size 6), 4-4:45 p.m.; Level 3-4 (class size 6), 5-5:45 p.m. and Level 5-6 (class size 6), 6-6:45 p.m. Saturday/Sunday lessons include: adults (class size 6), 10-10:45 a.m. and 1-1:45 p.m.; Level 3-4 (class size 6), 11-1145 a.m. and 2-2:45 p.m.; Level 5-6 (class size 6), noon-12.45 p.m. and 3-3:45 p.m.; Level 1-2 (class size 6), 1-1.45 p.m. and 4-4:45 p.m. The cost is $25 per eight-lesson and students must pay when registering. For information or to register, call 568-7431. Domestic violence briefings Domestic violence affects military readiness and families as well. It is a fact that children who witness domestic violence at home can become abusers themselves. Now is the time to schedule your unit’s annual domestic violence prevention and awareness brief. Additionally, feel free to schedule your FRG for a brief on the issues and concerns of family violence. To schedule briefing call Joe Crawford at 568-4878. PCS/ETS PCSing to a new installation? The Army Community Service relocation programs will provide you with automated welcome packets on any DoD military installation worldwide while you wait. Assigned to an isolated location far from an installation? Not a problem. Internet access will provide localized information. How do you find that isolated location within CONUS? Computerized route-maps will take you there. Soldiers clearing the installation are advised that strip maps, showing the location of all agencies that must be cleared, are available at the Army Community Service relocation desk at Bldg. 2494, which is also a required stop in the clearing process. Avoid becoming geographically challenged by clearing us first. For information, contact Relocation Services at 568-6291. Sunday brunches The Fort Bliss Officers’ Club offers a Champagne Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday except holiday weekends. The cost is $9.95 for members and $11.95 for nonmembers, $6 for children ages 7 to 11, and free for children 6 and under. Reservations are recommended. Call 568-7013. MWR briefs Fort Bliss MWR is available to make presentation briefs to Soldier units - active and reserve - on MWR’s installation role, operating budget, facilities, programs and services. Call MWR headquarters at 568-3724 or 568-3437 to schedule a brief and to find out about needed technical requirements. Mickelsen Library storytime Mickelsen Library currently hosts “Read Me a Story” every Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. in the children’s room of the library for children 2 to 5 years of age. The library is also presenting “Family Storytime” for 2 to 6 year olds, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Parents or guardians must stay with their child through the duration of story-time, which will last about 30 minutes. Mickelsen Library is located in E Wing, lower level of Hinman Hall, Bldg. 2. For information, call 568-6156. Space museum invitation Veterans, active duty servicemembers, Reserve and National Guard personnel, employees of military contractors, and civilian employees at military installations are invited to attend the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamo-gordo, Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Admission for those personnel will be free of charge. Veterans are asked to provide proof of service with a Form DD-214 or a veterans identification card. Others will need to show a military ID card for their free admission to the museum. The free admission is for the museum only and does not include admission to the Clyde W. Tombaugh IMAX Dome Theater. For information about the theater or the New Mexico Museum of Space History, call (877) 333-6589 or (505) 437-2840 or visit www.spacefame.org. NCO led concert The 62nd Army Band will present an NCO led concert Saturday, at 7 p.m. at Soldier Hall, Bldg. 2. Admission is free and open to the public. The concert will feature various concert band arrangements, marches and featured soloists under the conducting batons of selected band noncommissioned officers. For information call the Fort Bliss Public Affairs Office at 568-6056 or the 62nd Army Band at 568-2263 or 568-7001. EFMP meeting The Exceptional Family Member Manager and the Army Community Service would like to take this opportunity to invite Exceptional Family Members and/or their families to a EFMP Support Group meeting today, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the ACS, Bldg. 2494. A representative from the United Cerebral Palsy of Texas will be talking to the EFMP Support Group about the Individualized Education Program and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Childcare will be provided at the Main Child Development Center, Bldg 1730. When calling to sign up at the ACS, indicate if your child has special needs to be considered. The deadline to register for childcare is Monday. For information, call 568-1132 or 568-1343. CDS Saturday openings The Child Development Center provides special hours of operation Saturdays at its main location in Bldg. 1730 on Haan Road. Hours of operation are 1 p.m. to 12 a.m. Cost for payday weekend care is $2.50 per hour; $2 for Tier I. Children, ages 2 months to 12 years, are eligible for the care. For information, call 568-5689. Framing Bliss Framing Bliss will be closed on Mondays and open on Tuesdays. Also, the Do It Yourself price will go from the hourly fee of $2 an hour to $2.50 for the use of the facility. For information call 568-5563. Parenting Press Web site Whether you’re a parent, teacher, counselor, parenting educator, family life specialist, reporter, conference planner or bookseller, you’ll find ideas on the just revised and expanded Parenting Press Web site. One of the first web sites with online media kits, www.parenting press.com now offers ready-to-use activity plans for classrooms, story hours and home-schoolers; book excerpts and articles for reprinting or quoting in newsletters and newspapers; and a guide to guest speakers and interview sources. Found property The following items have been found and turned in: miscellaneous wallets, miscellaneous checkbooks, eyeglasses keys and sets of keys, a mountain bicycle, a PS2 video game, miscellaneous cellular phones, a black bag of clothes and a black briefcase. The Provost Marshal Office, Found Property Section will hold these items to be claimed for 45 days. For information call 568-5551. Red Cross training Babysitting training will be held Nov. 13, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fort Bliss office. There are no charges for the classes, but participants must register. Volunteer orientation will be held Nov. 2, from 9 to 11 a.m. Call 592-0208 for information or to register for the classes and orientation. Veterans Day Gala The Veterans Day Gala that will take place at the Fort Bliss Museum and Study Center, Bldg. 1735, Nov. 4. This is a celebration to honor and recognize veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. There will be an auction, plus prizes will be raffled before and during the event. For information, contact Edith Fanning at 568-2711. Down Under football Catch NFL Sundays at the Down Under Sports Bar, located on the lower level of the Officers’ Club. See the biggest selection of NFL games - up to 14 regular-season games - available every Sunday beginning at 11 a.m., featuring marquee match-ups and the best chance to follow your favorite national football teams. The Down Under Sports Bar will broadcast all your favorite gridiron matches, compliments of the club’s digital satellite entertainment service, on any of the club’s five television monitors. The bar opens at 11 a.m. offering an assortment of domestic and imported bottled and draft beers. Commemorative pewter steins are also available for purchase. For more information, call 568-7013. Free Spanish classes Army Community Service offers Conversational Spanish classes on Fridays from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the conference room. Participants should call 568-1132 or 569-7762 to register for the class. Free childcare is provided for participants. Children must be registered at the Child Development Center and participants must book their own childcare reservations by calling 568-1132. Classes are for ID cardholder’s age 18 and older. English as second language Army Community Service offers English as a second language class Monday and Wednesday. Classes are from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Participants should call 568-1132 or 569-7762 to register for the class. Free childcare will be provided for participants. Children must be registered at the Child Development Center and participants must book their own childcare reservations by calling 568-1132. Classes are for ID cardholder’s age 18 and older. Sign language classes Army Community Service Relocation Assistance offers free Sign Language Classes for adults (18 years of age or older) Monday and Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Army Community Service Bldg. 2494. The class has begun and will continue through April 2005. Childcare for students is free at the Child Development Center. Children must be registered at the Child Development Center and reservations must be made by the student. For information or to register for the class call 568-7088. Christmas Craft Fair New Hope Lutheran Church will have its annual Christmas Craft Fair and Bake Sale, Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 4801 SunValley. The public is invited. Event will feature handmade crafts from more than 35 vendors, food, drinks and raffles. For information call 755-8009, 821-2079. Army knowledge online Effective December all Soldiers leaving the Army by ETS, administrative action or retirement will be required to have an AKO account to access ACAP XXI. To obtain an account log on to https://ako@us.army.mil. Ghost stories Old Fort Bliss will be the meeting place for Ghost stories told by campfire by author and veteran, Ken Hudnall from his book, Spirits of the Border, the history and Mystery of Fort Bliss Saturday. This is a free event. No inclement weather date, this event will move indoors. Hudnall’s books will be available for purchase. For information, call 568 3137. IAW JER Sec 3-209, the U.S. Army, Fort Bliss and Old Fort Bliss do not officially endorse Hudnall’s books. AFTB program The Fort Bliss Army Family Team Building Program will be sponsoring “Longaberger Basket Bingo.” The event will be held today in the ACS Ballroom, Bldg. 2494 Ricker Road. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and games will begin at 6:30 p.m. The event is open to the public. Tickets sell for $10 in advance and may be purchased through any AFTB instructor or at the ACS Building. All tickets sold the night of the event will be $15. To view the baskets available to win, go to our BLISSMWR.com and click on ACS/AFTB. Participants are asked to park in the back of the building, as this will be the only doors open for entrance into the facility. Proceeds from this event will help pay for childcare for our AFTB students and volunteers. For information call 568-2382. Memorial Death March The 2005 Bataan Memorial Death March will be conducted March 20 at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. The memorial march recognizes the sacrifices made by thousands of U.S. and Filipino service members overwhelmed by the Japanese in the Philippine Islands during World War II. Bataan Memorial Death March information and registration is available at www.bataanmarch.com. There is a limit of 4,000 marchers. For information call 505-678-1256 or the Public Affairs Office at 505-678-1134. Questions and comments may be e-mailed to bataan@wsmr. army.mil. Stout Gym floor The Stout Gym floor is currently closed for sanding and re-screening. Units, soldiers and other authorized patrons are encouraged to use other MWR gyms – Milam, Logan and Biggs. The renovated Stout Gym floor will be available for use Monday. For details, call 568-4508.