Fort Bliss Monitor

Community

Flu vaccine policy
The Department of Defense is committed to maximizing its use of the available influenza vaccine. The slow start to this year’s influenza season has resulted in a low demand for influenza immunization by the medically high-risk beneficiary population. Historically, influenza outbreaks peak each year in January or February. In an effort to protect those at the highest risk from this serious and potentially fatal disease, risk groups have been expanded. Military and civilian beneficiaries ages 50 and older (previously limited to age 65 and older), or those with close contact to a high-risk person should get their influenza shot as soon as possible.
Beneficiaries may contact TRICARE, 680-7600, option 2, to schedule an appointment for influenza vaccination.
For additional information contact Margaret Robinson, Army Vaccination Coordinator, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Department of Preventive Medicine at 569-4081.

Red Cross briefings
American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training will be offered Jan. 29, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the American Red Cross Office, 45 Slater Road.
Boys and Girls ages 11-15 may register by calling 592-0208, Bring a baby doll/teddy bear and your lunch. No charge for military ID card holders.
The American Red Cross is looking for individuals who are interested in Volunteer Leadership positions. If you are interested in working with Youth, Publicity, Volunteer Mgt. Please contact American Red Cross at 568-4898.

Tax season is approaching
Servicemembers can expect to receive their W-2 form with their January end-of-month Leave and Earnings Statement. The Fort Bliss Tax Center will be ready to provide quality and friendly service beginning Jan. 31. Located in Bldg. 50 on Slater Road, the center will offer electronic filing service to military personnel and their families.
Hours of operation will be: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Tax Center will also be open the following Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Feb. 26, March 26, and April 9. However, the Tax Center will be closed Feb. 21, in observance of President’s Day.
Service members, dependents, and retirees are eligible for free assistance with filing their federal income tax returns. The Tax Center generally cannot process individual state returns, although staff can provide some state forms. Electronic filing of simple returns will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. IRS forms will be available for tax payers who choose to prepare returns themselves.

Special Forces
Interested in being a member of the Special Forces? S.F. will be conducting briefings at the BOSS Matrix today, at 10 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. “Take the challenge.” For more information call Sgt. 1st Class Gienger at DSN 738-5324/9063, 737-5566 or commercial (254) 288-5324/9063 or 287-5566.

Spring Bazaar
The Spring Craft Bazaar will once again be held at the Stout Gym March 4, noon-6 p.m., March 5, from 9-5 p.m. and March 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Stout Gym is located on Cassidy Road and can be accessed through the Remagen Gate from off-post. The bazaar has been in existence for more than two decades by the Fort Bliss Officers’ and Civilians’ Spouses Association featuring homemade crafts, furniture, pottery, food and more. Profits from the bazaar go to community programs and scholarships. Admission is $2 for adults, children 10 and up $1. For more information, please call 855-2037.

West Point applications
Each year, approximately 200 regular Army Soldiers and Soldiers from the Reserve and National Guard are offered admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point or the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School at Fort Monmouth, N.J. Although some Soldiers are offered direct admission to West Point, the majority attend USMAPS. The prep school provides the appropriate academic, military and physical instruction to qualify and motivate Soldiers for admission to and graduation from West Point, and for commissioning as Army second lieutenants.
The prep school curriculum prepares Soldiers for success at West Point through an intensive curriculum focused on both English and mathematics. Interested Soldiers must be U.S. citizens, unmarried, with no legal obligation to support dependents, be a high school graduate (GED accepted), not be 23 years of age prior to July 1 of the year entering USMA (not be 22 years of age prior to July 1 of the year entering prep school), be of high moral character and have a sincere interest in attending West Point and becoming an Army officer.
Interested Soldiers and/or unit commanders who would like additional information call 568-5635 or 751-8220.

Tax volunteers needed
The Fort Bliss Tax Office is seeking volunteers to assist Soldiers and their family members in preparing federal and state tax returns for the 2004 tax year. The tax office will be open from late-January through the end of the tax season in April. The IRS will provide approximately two weeks of free tax training on post Jan. 10 through 26. If you desire a challenging and rewarding job, if you are good with forms, numbers and people, and if you have some available time, join us in helping the military community during this tax season.
If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, contact Capt. Brian Klumph at 568-7141 or by e-mail at brian.klumph@ us.army.mil. Or stop by the Legal Assistance Office, Bldg. 113.

AFTB offers Spanish level 1
Army Family Team Building is an educational program designed to give family members and Soldiers the tools to survive and thrive in the military lifestyle.
Army Family Team Building is offering the Level 1 Class in Spanish Feb. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The class will be held in the AFTB Classroom, Army Community Ser-vice, Bldg. 2494, Ricker Road. To sign up for the class or for more information, call 568-2382.

Lifeguard instructor class
Replica Aquatic Center will be offering a lifeguard instructor class every Tuesday and Thursday in February from 5-6 p.m. Classes will consist of training applicants to teach lifeguard training (including first aid), CRE/AED for the professional rescuer, oxygen for the professional rescuer, preventing disease transmission, community water safety basic water rescue and lifeguard management.
Cost for the class is $155 and must be pre-registered and pre-paid to the American Red Cross, 3620 Admiral Rd. Applicants must be at least 17 years old by the last scheduled session of the class, you must attend all sessions, and pass each section of the pre-course written exam with at least 80 percent an demonstrate competency in the skills evaluation. Call Stacy Wright at 592-0040, ext. 230 for information.

Scholarships for children
The deadline to apply for $1,500 scholarships from the “Scholarships for Military Children” program is Feb. 16, and all applications must be delivered to a Defense Commissary Agency store by the close of business that day. At least one scholarship will be awarded at every commissary location with qualified applicants. The application can be downloaded through a link on the Defense Commissary Agency’s Web site, or from the Scholarships for Military Children site, and can be filled out by hand or on the computer. Copies of the application also are available at commissaries worldwide.
The scholarship program is open to unmarried children under 21 (23 if enrolled in school) of active duty personnel, including Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, and retired military. Eligibility will be determined using the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System database.
Applicants should ensure that they, as well as their sponsor, are enrolled in the DEERS database and have a current ID card. Applicants must be planning to attend, or be already attending, an accredited college or university full-time in the fall term of 2005, or be enrolled in a program of study designed to transfer directly into a four-year program.
Additional instructions can be found on the application or at the Scholarships for Military Children Web site.

Stress management class
Are you feeling stressed out or overwhelmed with work and responsibilities and you don’t know how to relax? Sign up now for a Stress Management class at the Army Community Services Center and learn how to better manage your stress. This full-day class will help you understand how your personality effects how you handle stress, and will teach you how to create a stress management plan geared specifically to your personality type. Participants will also be taught several stress management techniques based on principals of yoga and deep breathing. The next scheduled class will be held Feb. 25 at the Army Community Services Center, Bldg. 2494.
For more information or to sign up for the class, contact Lyn Matsey at 568-1132.

Healthy Kids Class
The Army Community Services Center is offering a Healthy Kids Class Feb. 15 and 22. The class consists of two parts – safety and nutrition. A certificate is given upon completion of the course. Childcare is provided as long as the children are registered at the Main CDC. To register call Esylen L. Stephens at 568-1132.

Party at Teen Center
There will be a party at the Teen Center Saturday from 8 p.m.-midnight, ages 13 and up. There will be food, games, prizes, music and more. The Teen center is located in Bldg 635, formerly the thrift shop, on the corner of Merritt and Holbrook. Call 568-5437 for information.

Fitness Program Class 3
Applications for the Civilian Fitness Program Class 3 are to be turned in tomorrow by 4 p.m. to the Civilian Fitness Zone, Bldg. 251. For information call 569-5165.
Black history basketball
Join MWR for our annual Black History Basketball Tournament Feb. 18, 19 and 20 at Stout Gym. The cost is $200 per team and is open to all military and civilian teams. Call Nate LaCour at 568-5198 or email nate.lacour@bliss.army.mil

Specialty lunches
Stop by the Fort Bliss Bowling Center between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. every weekday for a hot lunch special. Every Wednesday, you can enjoy the schnitzel plate and every Friday, try the seafood special – both for only $5.95. For more information, call 568-6272.

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 Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The facility offers trap, skeet, rifle, pistol, archery, black powder, plinking ranges, five stand sporting clays range, pro shop, snack bar (open weekends) 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.

Main bar opens
The Fort Bliss Officers’ Club Main Bar is open every Friday starting at 4:30 p.m. Scheduled promotions are as follows: every first and third Friday the main bar will hosts Ladies Night with free snacks and great music, while every second and fourth Friday the club is karaoke, which begins at 5 p.m. To find out more on the FBOC’s promotions, 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 568-3724/3437 to schedule your brief and to find out about needed technical requirements.

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

Scholarships to dependents
The El Paso Sergeants Major Association is holding a competition for the award of scholarship grants for the 2005 academic year.
The association is now taking applications for the award of their 2005 scholarship grants. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors, from El Paso area high schools with a “B” average or above, and be the dependent of an active duty or retired noncommissioned officer.
Persons interested in applying should send a #10 size self-addressed stamped envelope to: El Paso Sergeants Major Association, Attn: Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 6050, Fort Bliss, TX 79906-0050. Questions regarding qualifications or application procedures can be addressed to Karen Beamon at 568-8869 or 821-9596, e-mail: karenbea @msn.com.
Application forms and a letter detailing requirements will be sent to the applicant.
The deadline for applications to be received by the committee for review is with postmarks no later than April 30.
Funds for these grants are gathered through fundraising activities throughout the year and also through individual donations from the association membership.

Outdoor adventures
The Fort Bliss Outdoor Adventures is pleased to inform you of some of its upcoming outdoor adventures.
Taos Ski Tip: Jan. 28-30. Price is $215 per adult, which includes charter bus, lift tickets and a two night 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 at 568-2784.

Green to Gold
A briefing for Green-Gold will be Feb. 16 at WBAMC 8W Conference Room #8006, classes will be from 1-2:30 p.m. Anyone may attend. The program is primarily for nursing; however, information may be given for all Green to Gold programs.

Military needs warrant officers
The U.S. Army is seeking highly motivated Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen to fill its warrant officer ranks. Positions are open in all 45 specialties if you qualify. Applicants with less than 12 years of active federal service are encouraged to apply.
For information, visit www.usarec. army.mil/warrant. You may also call DSN 536-0328/ 0466/ 0271/ 1860 /0458. The toll-free number is 1-800-223-3735, Ext. 6 and the last four digits of the phone number.

Relationship class
Are you looking for ways to improve your marriage, and/or are you trying to build a more positively enhanced relationship? Sign up now for the free nine session Enhancing and Improving Your Relationship Course. You will learn key concepts that may enhance communication and increase respect setting your relationship on the road to success. The course will be held Tuesday and Thursday beginning Feb. 1, from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. in Bldg. 2494. For information call 568-1132.

Valentine’s Day feast
Treat your sweetie to a special Valentine’s Day Brunch, courtesy of MWR. The Officers’ Club will feature a special Valentine’s Day Brunch Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. Members pay only $11.95; non members are $13.95, and children 7-11 are only $6. For reservations, call 568-7013.

Stray pet policy
The Vet Clinic wants to remind everyone about the stray policy on post. Per USAG Regulation 190-4, if a stray is picked up by Animal Control, it will be held at the Impound Facility at the Vet Clinic for three working days. Strays will be checked for microchips and/or tags when caught.
If the owner/sponsor does not claim the animal within three days, it will be either put up for adoption or euthanized. Strays that are seriously injured or ill and appear to be suffering may be euthanized prior to the three days if an owner cannot be located or contacted.

SKIESUnlimited
The name SKIESUnlimited is an acronym for “School of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills” with the word “Unlimited” for the unlimited possibilities this program can offer Army children and youth. SKIESUnlimited encompasses in-structional programs for children and youth ranging from four weeks old to adolescence. Through SKIES, children and youth in child development services, school age services, middle school, and teen programs as well as home schooled children, have equal access to opportunities that expand their knowledge, inspire them, allow them to explore and acquire new skills. For information, call 569-7732

Post directory update
Request organizations verify the accuracy of your organization chart on the post directory located at https://intranet.bliss. army.mil/ by Feb. 1, and submit any corrections or comments to barbara.brannon@ bliss.army.mil. For information, call 568-4266.

What is YESS?
Youth Education Support Services is responsible for assisting military youth on post with transition issues and providing extracurricular activities from arts to life skills. What can YESS do for you? Provide a youth sponsor for incoming youth at Fort Bliss or provide volunteer opportunities for youth to serve as a youth sponsor or a member of the CYS welcome wagon. Offer access to youth computer labs and homework centers. Provide support to military family members who home school. For information call 569-7732.



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	January 20, 2005

<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 Flu vaccine policy The Department of Defense is committed to maximizing its use of the available influenza vaccine. The slow start to this year’s influenza season has resulted in a low demand for influenza immunization by the medically high-risk beneficiary population. Historically, influenza outbreaks peak each year in January or February. In an effort to protect those at the highest risk from this serious and potentially fatal disease, risk groups have been expanded. Military and civilian beneficiaries ages 50 and older (previously limited to age 65 and older), or those with close contact to a high-risk person should get their influenza shot as soon as possible. Beneficiaries may contact TRICARE, 680-7600, option 2, to schedule an appointment for influenza vaccination. For additional information contact Margaret Robinson, Army Vaccination Coordinator, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Department of Preventive Medicine at 569-4081. Red Cross briefings American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training will be offered Jan. 29, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the American Red Cross Office, 45 Slater Road. Boys and Girls ages 11-15 may register by calling 592-0208, Bring a baby doll/teddy bear and your lunch. No charge for military ID card holders. The American Red Cross is looking for individuals who are interested in Volunteer Leadership positions. If you are interested in working with Youth, Publicity, Volunteer Mgt. Please contact American Red Cross at 568-4898. Tax season is approaching Servicemembers can expect to receive their W-2 form with their January end-of-month Leave and Earnings Statement. The Fort Bliss Tax Center will be ready to provide quality and friendly service beginning Jan. 31. Located in Bldg. 50 on Slater Road, the center will offer electronic filing service to military personnel and their families. Hours of operation will be: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Tax Center will also be open the following Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Feb. 26, March 26, and April 9. However, the Tax Center will be closed Feb. 21, in observance of President’s Day. Service members, dependents, and retirees are eligible for free assistance with filing their federal income tax returns. The Tax Center generally cannot process individual state returns, although staff can provide some state forms. Electronic filing of simple returns will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. IRS forms will be available for tax payers who choose to prepare returns themselves. Special Forces Interested in being a member of the Special Forces? S.F. will be conducting briefings at the BOSS Matrix today, at 10 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. “Take the challenge.” For more information call Sgt. 1st Class Gienger at DSN 738-5324/9063, 737-5566 or commercial (254) 288-5324/9063 or 287-5566. Spring Bazaar The Spring Craft Bazaar will once again be held at the Stout Gym March 4, noon-6 p.m., March 5, from 9-5 p.m. and March 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Stout Gym is located on Cassidy Road and can be accessed through the Remagen Gate from off-post. The bazaar has been in existence for more than two decades by the Fort Bliss Officers’ and Civilians’ Spouses Association featuring homemade crafts, furniture, pottery, food and more. Profits from the bazaar go to community programs and scholarships. Admission is $2 for adults, children 10 and up $1. For more information, please call 855-2037. West Point applications Each year, approximately 200 regular Army Soldiers and Soldiers from the Reserve and National Guard are offered admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point or the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School at Fort Monmouth, N.J. Although some Soldiers are offered direct admission to West Point, the majority attend USMAPS. The prep school provides the appropriate academic, military and physical instruction to qualify and motivate Soldiers for admission to and graduation from West Point, and for commissioning as Army second lieutenants. The prep school curriculum prepares Soldiers for success at West Point through an intensive curriculum focused on both English and mathematics. Interested Soldiers must be U.S. citizens, unmarried, with no legal obligation to support dependents, be a high school graduate (GED accepted), not be 23 years of age prior to July 1 of the year entering USMA (not be 22 years of age prior to July 1 of the year entering prep school), be of high moral character and have a sincere interest in attending West Point and becoming an Army officer. Interested Soldiers and/or unit commanders who would like additional information call 568-5635 or 751-8220. Tax volunteers needed The Fort Bliss Tax Office is seeking volunteers to assist Soldiers and their family members in preparing federal and state tax returns for the 2004 tax year. The tax office will be open from late-January through the end of the tax season in April. The IRS will provide approximately two weeks of free tax training on post Jan. 10 through 26. If you desire a challenging and rewarding job, if you are good with forms, numbers and people, and if you have some available time, join us in helping the military community during this tax season. If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, contact Capt. Brian Klumph at 568-7141 or by e-mail at brian.klumph@ us.army.mil. Or stop by the Legal Assistance Office, Bldg. 113. AFTB offers Spanish level 1 Army Family Team Building is an educational program designed to give family members and Soldiers the tools to survive and thrive in the military lifestyle. Army Family Team Building is offering the Level 1 Class in Spanish Feb. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The class will be held in the AFTB Classroom, Army Community Ser-vice, Bldg. 2494, Ricker Road. To sign up for the class or for more information, call 568-2382. Lifeguard instructor class Replica Aquatic Center will be offering a lifeguard instructor class every Tuesday and Thursday in February from 5-6 p.m. Classes will consist of training applicants to teach lifeguard training (including first aid), CRE/AED for the professional rescuer, oxygen for the professional rescuer, preventing disease transmission, community water safety basic water rescue and lifeguard management. Cost for the class is $155 and must be pre-registered and pre-paid to the American Red Cross, 3620 Admiral Rd. Applicants must be at least 17 years old by the last scheduled session of the class, you must attend all sessions, and pass each section of the pre-course written exam with at least 80 percent an demonstrate competency in the skills evaluation. Call Stacy Wright at 592-0040, ext. 230 for information. Scholarships for children The deadline to apply for $1,500 scholarships from the “Scholarships for Military Children” program is Feb. 16, and all applications must be delivered to a Defense Commissary Agency store by the close of business that day. At least one scholarship will be awarded at every commissary location with qualified applicants. The application can be downloaded through a link on the Defense Commissary Agency’s Web site, or from the Scholarships for Military Children site, and can be filled out by hand or on the computer. Copies of the application also are available at commissaries worldwide. The scholarship program is open to unmarried children under 21 (23 if enrolled in school) of active duty personnel, including Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, and retired military. Eligibility will be determined using the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System database. Applicants should ensure that they, as well as their sponsor, are enrolled in the DEERS database and have a current ID card. Applicants must be planning to attend, or be already attending, an accredited college or university full-time in the fall term of 2005, or be enrolled in a program of study designed to transfer directly into a four-year program. Additional instructions can be found on the application or at the Scholarships for Military Children Web site. Stress management class Are you feeling stressed out or overwhelmed with work and responsibilities and you don’t know how to relax? Sign up now for a Stress Management class at the Army Community Services Center and learn how to better manage your stress. This full-day class will help you understand how your personality effects how you handle stress, and will teach you how to create a stress management plan geared specifically to your personality type. Participants will also be taught several stress management techniques based on principals of yoga and deep breathing. The next scheduled class will be held Feb. 25 at the Army Community Services Center, Bldg. 2494. For more information or to sign up for the class, contact Lyn Matsey at 568-1132. Healthy Kids Class The Army Community Services Center is offering a Healthy Kids Class Feb. 15 and 22. The class consists of two parts – safety and nutrition. A certificate is given upon completion of the course. Childcare is provided as long as the children are registered at the Main CDC. To register call Esylen L. Stephens at 568-1132. Party at Teen Center There will be a party at the Teen Center Saturday from 8 p.m.-midnight, ages 13 and up. There will be food, games, prizes, music and more. The Teen center is located in Bldg 635, formerly the thrift shop, on the corner of Merritt and Holbrook. Call 568-5437 for information. Fitness Program Class 3 Applications for the Civilian Fitness Program Class 3 are to be turned in tomorrow by 4 p.m. to the Civilian Fitness Zone, Bldg. 251. For information call 569-5165. Black history basketball Join MWR for our annual Black History Basketball Tournament Feb. 18, 19 and 20 at Stout Gym. The cost is $200 per team and is open to all military and civilian teams. Call Nate LaCour at 568-5198 or email nate.lacour@bliss.army.mil Specialty lunches Stop by the Fort Bliss Bowling Center between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. every weekday for a hot lunch special. Every Wednesday, you can enjoy the schnitzel plate and every Friday, try the seafood special – both for only $5.95. For more information, call 568-6272. 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 Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The facility offers trap, skeet, rifle, pistol, archery, black powder, plinking ranges, five stand sporting clays range, pro shop, snack bar (open weekends) 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. Main bar opens The Fort Bliss Officers’ Club Main Bar is open every Friday starting at 4:30 p.m. Scheduled promotions are as follows: every first and third Friday the main bar will hosts Ladies Night with free snacks and great music, while every second and fourth Friday the club is karaoke, which begins at 5 p.m. To find out more on the FBOC’s promotions, 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 568-3724/3437 to schedule your brief and to find out about needed technical requirements. Mickelsen Library Mickelsen Library currently hosts “Read Me a Story” every Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. for children 2 to 5 years of age in the children’s room of the library. The library is also presenting “Family Story Time” for 2 to 6 year olds, from 10:30-11 a.m. Parents or guardians must stay with their child through the duration of story-time, which will last about 30 minutes. Each week will feature a new theme, and story readings will include some movement, singing or crafts. Mickelsen Library is located in the E Wing, lower level of Hinman Hall, Bldg. 2. For information, call 568-6156. Scholarships to dependents The El Paso Sergeants Major Association is holding a competition for the award of scholarship grants for the 2005 academic year. The association is now taking applications for the award of their 2005 scholarship grants. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors, from El Paso area high schools with a “B” average or above, and be the dependent of an active duty or retired noncommissioned officer. Persons interested in applying should send a #10 size self-addressed stamped envelope to: El Paso Sergeants Major Association, Attn: Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 6050, Fort Bliss, TX 79906-0050. Questions regarding qualifications or application procedures can be addressed to Karen Beamon at 568-8869 or 821-9596, e-mail: karenbea @msn.com. Application forms and a letter detailing requirements will be sent to the applicant. The deadline for applications to be received by the committee for review is with postmarks no later than April 30. Funds for these grants are gathered through fundraising activities throughout the year and also through individual donations from the association membership. Outdoor adventures The Fort Bliss Outdoor Adventures is pleased to inform you of some of its upcoming outdoor adventures. Taos Ski Tip: Jan. 28-30. Price is $215 per adult, which includes charter bus, lift tickets and a two night 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 at 568-2784. Green to Gold A briefing for Green-Gold will be Feb. 16 at WBAMC 8W Conference Room #8006, classes will be from 1-2:30 p.m. Anyone may attend. The program is primarily for nursing; however, information may be given for all Green to Gold programs. Military needs warrant officers The U.S. Army is seeking highly motivated Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen to fill its warrant officer ranks. Positions are open in all 45 specialties if you qualify. Applicants with less than 12 years of active federal service are encouraged to apply. For information, visit www.usarec. army.mil/warrant. You may also call DSN 536-0328/ 0466/ 0271/ 1860 /0458. The toll-free number is 1-800-223-3735, Ext. 6 and the last four digits of the phone number. Relationship class Are you looking for ways to improve your marriage, and/or are you trying to build a more positively enhanced relationship? Sign up now for the free nine session Enhancing and Improving Your Relationship Course. You will learn key concepts that may enhance communication and increase respect setting your relationship on the road to success. The course will be held Tuesday and Thursday beginning Feb. 1, from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. in Bldg. 2494. For information call 568-1132. Valentine’s Day feast Treat your sweetie to a special Valentine’s Day Brunch, courtesy of MWR. The Officers’ Club will feature a special Valentine’s Day Brunch Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. Members pay only $11.95; non members are $13.95, and children 7-11 are only $6. For reservations, call 568-7013. Stray pet policy The Vet Clinic wants to remind everyone about the stray policy on post. Per USAG Regulation 190-4, if a stray is picked up by Animal Control, it will be held at the Impound Facility at the Vet Clinic for three working days. Strays will be checked for microchips and/or tags when caught. If the owner/sponsor does not claim the animal within three days, it will be either put up for adoption or euthanized. Strays that are seriously injured or ill and appear to be suffering may be euthanized prior to the three days if an owner cannot be located or contacted. SKIESUnlimited The name SKIESUnlimited is an acronym for “School of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills” with the word “Unlimited” for the unlimited possibilities this program can offer Army children and youth. SKIESUnlimited encompasses in-structional programs for children and youth ranging from four weeks old to adolescence. Through SKIES, children and youth in child development services, school age services, middle school, and teen programs as well as home schooled children, have equal access to opportunities that expand their knowledge, inspire them, allow them to explore and acquire new skills. For information, call 569-7732 Post directory update Request organizations verify the accuracy of your organization chart on the post directory located at https://intranet.bliss. army.mil/ by Feb. 1, and submit any corrections or comments to barbara.brannon@ bliss.army.mil. For information, call 568-4266. What is YESS? Youth Education Support Services is responsible for assisting military youth on post with transition issues and providing extracurricular activities from arts to life skills. What can YESS do for you? Provide a youth sponsor for incoming youth at Fort Bliss or provide volunteer opportunities for youth to serve as a youth sponsor or a member of the CYS welcome wagon. Offer access to youth computer labs and homework centers. Provide support to military family members who home school. For information call 569-7732.