www.bliss.army.mil
Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community
January 6, 2005

 

Community


Recycle your Christmas tree
All fresh cut Christmas trees can be dropped off at the collection point located outside the Recycle Center at the corner of Marshall and Cassidy until Jan. 18. Please remove all lights and ornaments from the tree. Flocked trees are welcomed. For your convenience, roll offs are placed outside the fenced area. The mulch from the trees is available free for pick up at the Fort Bliss Landfill on Landfill Road and at Self-Help, B-1276 (east on Railroad Road off Pleasonton Road). Remember, the solid waste contractor for military family housing will not pick up Christmas trees left on the curb. For information, call 568-1537 or 568-6384.

7th Regiment Air Defense
Attention all past and present 7th Regiment Soldiers. Join us at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Officers’ Club (all ranks are welcome) for the kickoff of the 7th Regiment Air Defense Association. Membership includes a one-of-a-kind, custom-made belt buckle and subscription to a quarterly newsletter. This is a perfect opportunity to catch up with old friends and comrades, and continue to stay in touch through the association. Call 1st Lt. Harvey, E Btry. 1-7 ADA at 568-4241 or Capt. Burris at 568-0847.

Fraud hotline
The Fort Bliss CID has implemented a fraud and illegal drug hotline. It is designed to help you, the taxpayer, to report incidents of suspected fraud or any information involving illegal drug activity. If you suspect or know someone who either is committing, or has committed, any type of fraud against the U.S. government or is involved in any illegal drug activities in the Fort Bliss or surrounding area, report it by contacting 569-4243. You do not have to leave your name - all information will remain confidential and anonymous. Please leave enough information so any follow-up investigation can be completed.

Bliss water system update

The Fort Bliss Water System Upgrade project has been in progress for the last year and work on the project continues on schedule. The removal and replacement of major water distribution lines on the main post area, Biggs AAF, WBAMC area, and McGregor Range Camp is complete. A small amount of work remains along Dyer St. in the Logan Heights area and in the RV Park off Gateway South. As such, the orange barrel phase of the project is essentially complete, bringing to an end any further temporary traffic controls, lane closures etc.
The upgrade project also includes removal and replacement of three existing water storage tanks at Biggs AAF, Logan Heights, and adjacent to Bldg. 1318 on Pike St. as well as construction of two new tanks, at Oro Grande and Doña Ana Base Camp. Work on all of these water tank sites is in progress and is anticipated to be complete this summer.
For information, call 568-5700.

Tax office needs volunteers
The Fort Bliss Tax Office is seeking volunteers to assist Soldiers and family members with federal and state income tax preparation. The tax office will provide tax training for volunteers through the IRS Jan. 10-26. If you are interested in helping out our Army community by volunteering and learning a valuable job skill, call the post Tax Officer, Capt. Brian Klumph or the Chief of Legal Assistance, Dan McKernan at 568-7141 or 568-4704 for information.

Pregnant Soldier workshop
The William Beaumont Army Medical Center Pregnant Soldier Workshop will be Jan. 19 in Bldg. 7152, Lower Beaumont Theater from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. Your attendance is required if you are a pregnant active duty Soldier who have not attended the workshop in the past year. Family members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Snacks and door prizes are provided to make the day interesting. This is a duty day, but the uniform for the day is comfortable civilian clothing. Bring a jacket as the room temperature can be cool. You may also bring a pillow to make seating more comfortable.
Workshop topics will include:

• AR 40-501 Regulations
• Occupational Hazards
• Housing
• Nutrition
• Prenatal care
• Emotional aspects of pregnancy/postpartum depression
• Breastfeeding vs formula feeding
• Epidural vs. natural delivery
• Childcare services
• TRICARE
• Finances
• Legal concerns- (includes child support and DNA testing)
• WIC subsidy and enrollment
• Registration for WBAMC and birth certificates
• Tour of Labor and Delivery
This program is presented quarterly and is scheduled for May and September. Health Promotion and Community Health Nursing sponsor this workshop with the intent of building a platform for awareness and ensuring a healthy lifestyle for our military families. If you have questions, call the Fort Bliss Wellness Center at 568-1869.

Free spay/neuter program
Pets Alive El Paso runs a Voucher Program to help dog and cat guardians obtain free spay / neuters from participating El Paso veterinarians. Call our voice mail at 873-PETS (873-7387) and leave a message. A representative will call you back to get your information and schedule an appointment for your pet.

Dental change
The following Fort Bliss Garrison Command and tenant units will be assigned for treatment to the Hospital Dental Clinic at William Beaumont Army Medical Center effective Jan 4.
16th MP Det., 62nd Army Band, 72nd MP Det., 741st EOD, 978th MP, HHB Center, USACAS, 3-230 FIN, 230th FIN (Reserve Group), 1/362 (formerly 5th TSB), CID, DENTAC, JTF-N, NCOA and PTD.
This transfer of units is to facilitate better access to care and to ease overcrowding at DC#3.
For information, call Staff Sgt. Michael Cordova, operations NCO, USA DENTAC, 3-5935.

Expectant sibling class
The Army Community Services Center is offering an Expectant Sibling Class Jan.19 from 4 to 5p.m. This class is to educate parents on how to prevent and reduce sibling rivalry. It also educates children ages 3 to 8 years on what to expect from a new baby and upon completion of the class each child will receive a certificate. To register call Esylen Stephens at 568-1132.

Parent workshop
The Military Child Education Coali-tion in Partnership with Fort Bliss, will conduct a parent Workshop Jan. 10 at the Army Community Services, Bldg. 2494, Ricker Road from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Parent Workshop provides tools for military-connected parents to empower them to be effective advocates for their children. The workshop builds upon and encourages the experience sharing of participants.
Some of the workshop topics will include:

• Learning K-12 school transition
• Preparing for a move – special needs and special programs
• Testing and assessment – information about schools, programs and students
A total of 12 workshop topics will be presented.
Reservations are required. Space is limited to 150 persons. If you would like to attend send your name, telephone number, unit affiliation and childcare information (name, age, special needs to be considered) to michi.carl@bliss.army.mil or fax to the School Liaison Office at 568-4357. For information contact Mary Avila or Michi Carl at 568-9306.
The Main Child Development Center, Bldg. 1730 will be providing childcare at no charge.

Baby care 101
The Army Community Services Center is offering Baby Care 101 Class Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. The topics presented will be breast feeding and post partum depression. Free child care will be provided at the Main CDC (you are responsible for only the registration fee). To register call Esylen L. Stephens at 568-1132.

Outdoor adventures

The Fort Bliss Outdoor Adventures announces its upcoming outdoor adventures.
• Ski Apache: Jan. 15, price is $55, which includes transportation, lunch, lift tickets, refreshments and snacks. Indivi-duals will have the opportunity to rent equipment at Ski Apache you should also bring warm clothes, camera and water. Last day to sign up and pay will be Jan. 13, child pricing available upon request.
• Taos Ski trip: Jan. 28-30, price is $215 per adult, which includes charter bus, lift tickets and two nights hotel stay. Individuals should bring warm clothes; overnight items and ski equipment if you do not have ski equipment you will have the opportunity to rent in Taos. Last day to sign up and pay will be Jan 26.
For information or to signup for the trips, call Kirsten, 568-2784.

Payday bowling tourney
As part of MWR’s monthly post payday activities, the commanding general would like to invite all Team Bliss military and civilians to participate in a 3-game bowling tournament Friday 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. today. 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.

Centennial Taco Tuesday

The Centennial NCO Club on Biggs Airfield introduces its “all-you-can-eat” Taco Tuesday Jan. 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening will feature an assortment of hard and soft shell beef and chicken tacos, rice, beans, chips and salsa, a variety of desserts, and a beverage. Margaritas and imported beer will also be available for purchase. Pay only $7.95 for adults and $4 for children. Bring your appetite and chow down during the Centennial’s Taco Tuesday. For information or reservations, call 562-5969.

Time Warner clearing
Time Warner Cable has opened an office in Bldg. 505, Room 114 for clearing purposes only. The hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1to 4 p.m.

Combat stress care

Community Mental Health Service offers the following assistance to service members experiencing problems related to combat trauma, and to their spouses:
• Evaluation for combat stress
• Individual counseling
• Group counseling
• Spouse support groups
• Medication to help with sleep problems, depression and anxiety related to combat stress
• SMART Groups (stress management, anger reduction training)
• Global War On Terrorism readjustment groups
Servicemembers and spouses may call 568-4781 for assistance.

NCOA board meeting
The NCOA Pass of the North Chapter 159 will have its first board meeting of the year Jan. 11, at 11:30 a.m. at the Judith Rivera Activities Center, Bldg. 241, on Sheridan Road. This is an open meeting and anyone who would like to attend is welcome. For information, call 851-2983 or 241-4724 or Robert A. Edwards at 568-3392.

Flu vaccine update

Enrolled veterans aged 50 or abovemay receive the flu vaccine regardless of health condition. Also enrolled veterans age 49 or lower may continue to receive flu vaccine of they have certain chronic illnesses such as lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease of or other illnesses which effect the immune sytem. The El Paso Veterans Administration Health Care Center has vaccine at this time.

Healthcare forum

The William Beaumont Army Medical Center Health Care Consumer Forum invites all beneficiaries to its bimonthly forum, Jan. 19 from 10-11 a.m. at the Army Community Service Center, across from Stayton Theater. Topics of discussion include; emergency room renovation, pharmacy prescription process, healthy living, referral for civilian healthcare and an open discussion. For additional information, call 569-1006.

New vet clinic hours

The Fort Bliss Veterinary Clinic will have new operating hours. The clinic is open to the public Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to noon, 1 to 4 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.to noon, 1 to 3 p.m. We will be continuing our walk-in wellness service every Tuesday and Wednesday in January (dates are: Jan. 12, 18, 19, 25, and 26). Services available on walk-in wellness include vaccinations, microchips, deworming, and heartworm and feline leukemia testing. The Vet Clinic is located on Carter Road between the Bowling Alley and Van Horne Housing Area.

Boxing cancelled
The brigade box-offs, originally scheduled for October and rescheduled for Friday, have been cancelled and won’t be rescheduled again, according to the Sports Office.
The 2005 post boxing championships will take place in July. For information, call 568-4508.