Fort Bliss Monitor

Community

Estate claims

Anyone who has a claim to the estate of Staff Sgt. Derek L. Clayton contact 1st Lt. Ebony Calhoun at 568-6448.

Biggs Field road closures

Residents and personnel assigned to Biggs Army Airfield should be aware of an increase in traffic activity and the following road closures Feb. 20. The following roads, and the areas within them, will close to traffic from 8:30 a.m. through completion of Race for the Cure. The race starts at Biggs Park and participants run or walk east on Sergeants Major Boulevard, north on Wendover, west on MSG R. Miller, north on Patterson, west on SSG Sims, south on Randolph, east on SGT E. Churchill, north on Duncan, west on MSG R. Miller, south on Wright, east on Sergeants Major Boulevard and back to Biggs Park.

Race organizers will arrive at 6 a.m. to set up and participants are asked to arrive no earlier than 7:30 a.m. The 5K race begins at 9 a.m. and the one-mile race follows. Race organizers will open roads as soon as the last participants clear the area and it can be cleaned. For information, call 566-9745 or 568-2497.

EOD accepting volunteers

Volunteers are currently being accepted for Explosive Ordnance Disposal. You must be E-1 through E-5 or O-1 through O-3 with at least 12 months in station, have normal color vision, a PULHES physical of 111121 and a GM score of 105. You must have two years remaining in service or use the Bonus Extension And Retaining program. The current reenlistment bonus is 3.5 A, B and C. For more information, go to www.bragg.army. mil/EOD/. To make an appointment for an interview, contact 1st Sgt. Oscar Honne or Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Henke at 568-8905 or 568-8703.

Reading Rainbow contest

The 11th annual Reading Rainbow Young Writers and illustrators Contest has come to El Paso. Children in Kindergarten through third grade are eligible to enter. For entry forms call 747-6500 or visit www.kcostv.org. Forms and entries are available in English or Spanish. Entry deadline is March 31 and winners will be announced in April.

ACS closures

The Army Community Service/Family Assistance Center located in Bldg. 2494 will be closed Monday at 1:30 p.m. for fumigation. For financial emergencies from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., call 549-1142. For financial emergencies after duty hours, weekends and holidays, call the American Red Cross at (877) 272-7337.

Black History Month

The U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy and Class 55 of the academy will be hosting a celebration of Black History Month Feb. 16 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the East Auditorium at Bldg. 11292 at Biggs Army Airfield. The theme for the 2005 Black History Month is “Niagara Movement,” in honor of the first African American meeting held to end racial discrimination. The event took place at Niagara Falls in 1905. Everyone is invited to attend. If you would like more information about this event, please contact Sgt. 1st Class Alice Sumpter at 568-9383.

PX, Commissary meeting

The next Post Exchange and Commissary Council meetings will be held Feb. 22 in Bldg. 1717. The PX meeting is from 9 to 10 a.m. and the Commissary meeting is from 10 to 11 a.m.

NMFA

The National Military Family Asso-ciation’s Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse scholarships, normally in the amount of $1,000, are awarded to uniformed services spouses (active, retired, reserve, guard or survivor) to obtain professional certification or to attend post secondary or graduate school for an academic year. Applications are only accepted online and are due March 31.

NMFA’s Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program 2005 application and instructions are available at www.nmfa.org/site/Page Server?pagename=2005_Spouse_Scholarship_Instructions.

Commanders referral extended

The director at Army Emergency Relief headquarters in Washington has determined that the Commander’s Referral test program will be extended into 2005 and expanded to three additional Army installations. This will allow AER to test a larger cross-section of the Army before determining if the program should be implemented Armywide. For information, call Janice Gamel at 568-7088.

Emergency number

In an effort to better serve the Fort Bliss community, effective immediately, the fire or emergency reporting line, if calling from a Fort Bliss building anywhere from within the installation, is 911 or 117. This reaches our dispatcher directly. If you reside in government housing including 801, billeting or occupy any other buildings with commercial phone lines, dial 911. Since you have commercial phone lines from these areas, you will reach the El Paso emergency dispatcher. It’s important that you identify the area of emergency as being in Fort Bliss property. The dispatcher will transfer the call to us. We hope this will avoid any confusion regarding emergency phone numbers.

Our FB Form Label 5 and telephone labels as required by AR 420-90 have been revised to reflect this change. They are available from the Fire Prevention Office. Contact us at 568-8194 or 568-8195 for any questions or assistance. We are currently working hard toward a goal of having an enhanced 911 system in operation within two years.

We look forward to meeting you under pleasant circumstances, but if it’s an emergency, your Fort Bliss Fire Depart-ment will respond promptly to provide you the best care possible.

Valentine Dance

Segura McDonald VFW Post 5615 will host a Valentine’s Day dance Sunday from 5-9 p.m. at 4810 Pershing Drive. Tickets are $5 and door prizes will be given away.

For information, call 598-7505.

Country Junction

The Country Junction will have a Blow-Out Moving Sale Feb. 18 and 19 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Everything in the store will be 30 percent off. The store will close as of 2 p.m., Feb. 19 and will reopen March 16 at 10 a.m. at our new location, 2011 Sheridan. For more information, call 562-SHOP.

Town Hall-style AER

The Army Community Service is hosting a Town Hall-style Army Emergency Relief Open Forum Feb. 8 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. This is your opportunity to meet with the decision makers from AER headquarters. They will address the new Commanders Referral test program and many other AER topics. This is your chance to bring up any concerns or recommendation to the program. Location: ACS, Bldg. 2494, Ricker Rd. Call 568-4614 for further information.

Rear detachment class

The Army Community Services Mobilization and Deployment Section will conduct the next Rear Detachment Course March 9 in Bldg. 2494 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The course is open to all rear detachment commanders, noncommissioned officers and Family Readiness Group leaders. This course is designed to assist in becoming an effective rear detachment by providing current and helpful information. Discussions include the roles and relationships of the family support structure, rear detachment commanders and FRG roles and responsibilities, community resources and support, casualty assistance, legal issues and family assistance. The RDC will be offered monthly at ACS. Participates must call 568-1132 to sign up for the course prior to class date.

Class dates will be April 13, May 11, June 8, July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9 and Dec. 14.

OCSA Spring Bazaar

Come to the Officers’, Cicilians’, Spouses’ Spring Bazaar at Stout Gym March 4 from noon to 6 p.m., March 5 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and March 6 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. This event is open to the public, and volunteers are needed. Call Yvonne at 564-4634 for information.

Race for the Cure

Anyone interested in participating in the Susan G. Komen Foundation El Paso Race for the Cure Feb. 20 can sign up through the day of the race. The 13th annual Komen El Paso Race for the Cure will be held at Biggs Park, Biggs Army Airfield Feb. 20. The 5K coed run/walk will begin at 9 a.m. and the one-mile coed fun run will follow. The race is open to all ages and we encourage all to arrive no earlier than 7:30 a.m. The course closes to all traffic at 8:30 a.m. The cost to participate is $20 if the race entry form is postmarked by Feb. 13. After that date, the cost is $25 and $30 the day of the race. In exchange for your race entry fee, participants will receive a race t-shirt and goodies after the race.

For those who really do want to support the Race for the Cure, but just can’t get there, you can participate by Sleeping In for the Cure. In exchange for $30, each Sleep In for the Cure participant will receive a race T-shirt and the 1st glow-in-the-dark Sleep In for the Cure pillowcase.

To register or learn more about the race, log onto www.elpasokomen.org or call 566-9745.

CDC special opening

The Logan Center, located at Bldg. 3500 on Ellerthorpe Road, is having a special evening tomorrow. The center will remain open for business that day until midnight. Anyone who has children registered in any CYS programs is welcome to use the center that evening. The normal hourly rate will be in effect. To make reservations, call the Logan Center at 568-3989 or 568-4887.

Citadel presidential visit

The El Paso/Fort Bliss Citadel Club is honored to have retired Marine Maj. Gen. John S. Grinalds, the 18th President of The Citadel, join us for the Annual El Paso Area Citadel Muster to be held March 1 at 6 p.m. in the Starlight Room at Jaxon’s, 1135 Airway Blvd., on the corner of Airway and Viscount.

Accompanying Grinalds will be Mike Rogers, director of Alumni Affairs at the Citadel and Frank Shannon, executive director of The Citadel Foundation. Activities include a social hour, dinner and the muster ceremony. Reservations are required.

All Citadel alumni are welcome and encouraged to attend. Contact Ron Steedly at 751-7005 or by e-mail at rsteedl1@elp.rr.com for information and reservations no later than Feb. 23.

College financial aid

The Military Officers Association of America is sponsoring interest-free loans of $4,000 per year, renewable for up to five years, equaling $20,000. Scholarships and grants of varying amounts are also available. The deadline is noon, March 1.

Children of MOAA members under the age of 24, active duty, Reserve and National Soldiers who are in drilling units and retired enlisted personnel are all eligible for the loans. Applicant must be planning to attend an accredited college or university during the 2005 and 2006 school year as a full-time student. Scholarships and grants have varying criteria. For more information, visit www.moaa.org/education or call 1 (800) 234-6622.

Hero of the Pass

Do you know a real local hero – an ordinary person who has exhibited extraordinary courage, kindness or selflessness in helping others during the past few years? The El Paso Area Chapter of the American Red Cross is calling for nominations of local heroes for its 2005 Heroes of the Pass Awards event. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 25, and the awards luncheon will be held March 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Centennial Club on Biggs Army Airfield. Nominations are accepted in one of nine categories for people living or working in El Paso, Hudspeth or Culberson counties, and the guidelines and online form are available at www.elpasotimes.com/redcrossheroes/. Interested nominators may also call the El Paso Chapter at 592-0208.

A hero can be someone who bravely acts in a time of immediate need or someone who simply lives his or her life in a way that shows they have compassion for those around them. The categories are: Youth Good Samaritan Hero (under age 21), Adult Good Samaritan Hero (21 and older), Workplace Hero, Professional Rescuer Hero, Animal Rescuer Hero (can also be an animal who rescued a person), Military Hero, Medical Professional Hero, Education Hero and Law Enforce-ment Hero.

ASE certification

The Automotive Service Excellence certification exams will be administered by the Education Center’s testing center, Bldg. 639, Room 9, May 4, 6 and 9 from 7-11 a.m. The exams are open to active duty and Reserve component personnel only. The deadline to register for these exams is March 11. The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Support, the sponsoring agency, has directed the following eligibility criteria:

• DANTES authorizes funding for a maximum of three of the $25 ASE examinations per each semiannual exam cycle.

• The L1 - Advance Engine Perform-ance test and the L2 - Truck Electronic, Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist and any re-certification exams will not be funded.

• A $32 registration fee to be paid by examinees on the day of testing (personal checks or money orders only).

• Eligible Army MOSs: 52B,C and D; 61C; 62B; 63B, C, D, E, G, H, N, S, T and W (also currently or previously held MOSs such as those possessed by Warrant Officers), or any DoD active duty or Reserve component personnel who possess an automotive maintenance specialty.

• Personnel who do not possess the MOS but are enrolled in an Auto Tech degree program are eligible.

• Any additional exams must be paid at a cost of $25 per exam.

To register, prospective examinees must see Roberto Chavez at the Education Center, Bldg. 641, Monday through Friday from 8 to 11 a.m. on or before the deadline of March 11. For questions call 568-5315.

Infant TRICARE enrollment

Life can get hectic when there’s a new addition to the family, but don’t let time slip away before enrolling the new loved one in TRICARE’s Prime health care plan.
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Under TRICARE’s new policy, parents now have 60 days from the birth or adoption of TRICARE eligible children to enroll them in TRICARE Prime to help avoid delays or gaps in processing health care claims.

Children must be registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) database within the first 60 days of their life or adoption or they will not show as being eligible for TRICARE Prime benefits.
To register, obtain a copy of the child’s birth certificate, certificate of live birth, or adoption papers and file it with the base personnel office. If the sponsor is deployed or on TDY, the other parent or a guardian should be prepared to show power of attorney to register.

With unique issues brought about by deployments, the enrollment time may be extended in certain cases.
For questions about TRICARE coverage, visit www.triwest.com, call 1-888-TRIWEST (1-888-874-9378), or contact the DEERS support office at 1-800-538-9552 from 6 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pacific time Monday through Friday.

Get-fit mom and friends

Get-fit mom and friends will be offered at Stout Fitness Center in the aerobics room Wednesday from 1:30-2:30 p.m. starting March 2. This class has been created for post-natal moms who want to start getting back into shape while spending time with their babies. The class will host babies between the ages of 0 and 18 months. Get-fit mom and friends is dedicated to exercising and strengthening the body after giving birth. Special attention will be paid to areas that are weakened during and after pregnancy.

The class will be a medley of exercise techniques including yoga and Pilates strengthening and toning moves, hand-weight, stability ball and cardiovascular segments. A certified fitness instructor will teach the class with additional certification in pre and post-natal fitness. Classes will be held both inside and outside depending on weather and participation.

If moms choose to attend the class prior to eight weeks after giving birth, bring a doctors release with you to your first class. For information call 569-5162.

ACS classes

The Army Community Service Financial Readiness Program is offering the following classes in February: Feb. 16 - Debt Free and On the Road to Wealth; Feb. 18 - Preparing for Your PCS Move; Feb. 23 - Life Insurance ... for the Ones You Love and Leave Behind.

March 9 - Smart Women and Money (Part A); March 23 - Smart Women and Money (Part B); March 30 - Checkbook Management

Classes are at the ACS, Bldg. 2494 on Wednesday from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Call ACS to reserve your seat at 568-7088. Call CDC at 568-5689 to reserve your free childcare.

FBEMS training

The Fort Bliss Environmental Management System – Garrison Com-mand will provide Environmental Management Systems training for Mana-gers, Supervisors, Shop Personnel and Environmental Compliance Officers, in accordance with the following schedule. EMS training will take place at the Fort Bliss Museum and Study Center Auditorium, Bldg. 1735 Marshall Road. The training dates are Feb. 15 and 25.
Class schedules for both dates:

9 a.m. – managers and supervisors
10:30 a.m. – shop personnel
1 p.m. – shop personnel
2:30 p.m. – ECOs

For information contact David Felix at 568-0931 or Janet Jones at 568-4172.

Unit funds

Fort Bliss Units that are deployed overseas (except Kuwait and Qatar) in support of Homeland Security are entitled to receive additional Unit Funds support during deployment status. Contact Tammy Conn at 568-3890 for more information.

Tax forms

Mickelsen Community Library has most tax forms available in the hallway by the library, Bldg. 2E basement. For information call 568-6154.

Wi-Fi hotspot

Mickelsen Community Library is now a Wi-Fi Hotspot. That is, for those patrons who have their own laptops (and know how to do it), we now offer wireless Internet access. For information, call 568-6154.

Taco Tuesday

The Centennial NCO Club on Biggs Airfield introduces its “all-you-can-eat” Taco Tuesday Feb. 15 from 6-9 p.m. The evening will feature an assortment of hard-shell and soft beef and chicken tacos, rice, beans, chips and salsa, a variety of desserts and a beverage. Margaritas and import beer will also be available for purchase. Pay only $7.95 for adults and $4 for children. For information or reservations, call 562-5969.

Lighten up

MWR patrons trying to shed a few holiday pounds will find help at the Centennial Club and at Fort Bliss MWR sports and fitness centers. In February, the Centennial will offer special menus featuring healthy dining options as part of a Lighten Up! Tighten Up! Promotion. We’ve also added tasty Chicken Fajita Wrap and a Beef Taco Wrap with salsa, guacamole and sour cream both for $3.95.

Diners receive a frequent “healthy” diner card that is stamped when they purchase one of the “healthy” meals. Cards can be redeemed after 10 “healthy” meals for a cool prize. In addition to these and other local prizes offered by MWR activities, the cards are entered into a grand prize drawing for a seven-day spa resort vacation package from www.GovArm. com, a BowFlex by Nautilus home gym, or one of two gas grills provided by Gardenburger. Participate in the “Buns on the Run” 5K run in late March, another event tied in with the Lighten Up! Promotion. For information, call 568-2554.

Outdoor Adventures program

The Fort Bliss Outdoor Adventures is pleased to inform you of some of its upcoming outdoor adventures.
Ruidoso Winter Park: Feb. 19; price is $24 per person, which includes transportation, tickets to Ruidoso Winter Park, snack and beverages.

Hueco Tanks: March 5; price is $10 per person, which includes bus transportation, admission, refreshments, snacks and ranger-guided bouldering and pictograph hiking tour.

For information or to signup for the trips, call Kirsten, 568-2784.

Veterinary Clinic

The Vet Clinic will be offering Walk-In Wellness services in February on the following dates: Feb. 10, 15, 16 and 17. Please note that there is no Walk-in Wellness from Feb. 21 to 25 as a result of our vets being on temporary duty. The hours for Walk-in Wellness are 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m. on the dates above. Available services include vaccinations, microchips, de-worming, heartworm testing and feline leukemia testing. Anything other than these services may require an appointment and owners should call the Vet Clinic at 569-2266. The Vet Clinic is located on Carter Road between the Bowling Alley and the Van Horne Housing area.

Coupon social

Army Community Service Financial Readiness Program is in need of a volunteer to manage our Coupon Social. This person will be responsible for organizing the coupon box (sorting by product type and separating expired coupons), hosting a monthly meeting (here at ACS) and searching for coupons, deals and freebies on the Internet and in the stores. One of the best benefits of this position is that you can take advantage of all the savings. Contact Lori C. Rosario at 568-7088 for more details.

Scholarship program

The National Military Family Associa-tion’s Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse scholarships, normally in the amount of $1,000 are awarded to uniformed services spouses (active, retired, reserve, guard or survivor) to obtain professional certification or to attend post secondary or graduate school for an academic year. Applications are only accepted online and are due March 31. NMFA’s Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program 2005 application and instructions available at www.nmfa. org/site/PageServer?pagename=2005_Spouse_Scholarship_Instructions.

Aerobic instructors needed

Aerobic instructors needed for expanding aerobics program. Flexible hours starting at $15 per class; certified experience in aerobic instruction required; must be CPR certified. Please include copies of certifications with application. Apply at or mail resume to: NAF Personnel, Bldg. 504-B, Fort Bliss, TX 79916.

NAF vacancies

Non-Appropriated Funds CPO is currently accepting applications for the following positions: bartender, cook, food service worker and waitstaff. Apply at or mail resume to: NAF Personnel, Bldg. 504-B, Fort Bliss, TX 79916.

Kite flyers wanted

Professional or amateur stunt kite flyers sought for upcoming event on Fort Bliss. Interested call Kirsten at 568-2784.

Youth Services soccer

Fort Bliss Youth Services will conduct registration for its spring soccer season Feb 1 through March 1. Registration is open to boys and girls, ages 3 and up. Registrants much be Youth Services members and fees are $25 for the first child and $20 each additional child. Youth Services is also looking for soccer coaches. Experience is desirable, but not necessary.

Those interested in volunteering to coach or for information, call Mike Emile at 568-2617.

Bowling specials

The Fort Bliss Bowling Center offers snack bar specials Monday through Friday. Buy the featured special for that day and show your receipt to the front counter for a free game during the week. The Bowling Center also offers a weekend special which allows customers who bowl two games to get a third game for free. This special is only applicable Saturday during open bowling. Also, the Fort Bliss Bowling Center patrons may bowl for just $1 per game Monday thru Tuesday from opening to closing. Come out and enjoy the center’s beautiful ambiance with its 52 lanes, billiard and game room and snack bar that serves up delicious daily lunch specials. The center is closed on Sundays. For information, call 568-6272.

Lifeguard instructor class

Replica Aquatic Center will be offering a lifeguard instructor class every Tuesday and Thursday in February from 1 to 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-register and pre-pay to the American Red Cross, 3620 Admiral Rd. Applicant 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. Please call Stacy Wright at 592-0040, ext 230 for information.

Healthy kids class

The Army Community Services Center is offering a Healthy Kids Class on Feb. 15 and 22. The class consists of two parts a safety and nutrition portion. 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 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 Valentines 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 Fort Bliss. 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 appear to 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. We will be open to the public Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 3 p.m.

Black History Month b-ball

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.

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, agency officials said. 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. 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, officials said. Additional instructions can be found on the application or at the Scholarships for Military Children Web site.



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	February 10, 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 Estate claims Anyone who has a claim to the estate of Staff Sgt. Derek L. Clayton contact 1st Lt. Ebony Calhoun at 568-6448. Biggs Field road closures Residents and personnel assigned to Biggs Army Airfield should be aware of an increase in traffic activity and the following road closures Feb. 20. The following roads, and the areas within them, will close to traffic from 8:30 a.m. through completion of Race for the Cure. The race starts at Biggs Park and participants run or walk east on Sergeants Major Boulevard, north on Wendover, west on MSG R. Miller, north on Patterson, west on SSG Sims, south on Randolph, east on SGT E. Churchill, north on Duncan, west on MSG R. Miller, south on Wright, east on Sergeants Major Boulevard and back to Biggs Park. Race organizers will arrive at 6 a.m. to set up and participants are asked to arrive no earlier than 7:30 a.m. The 5K race begins at 9 a.m. and the one-mile race follows. Race organizers will open roads as soon as the last participants clear the area and it can be cleaned. For information, call 566-9745 or 568-2497. EOD accepting volunteers Volunteers are currently being accepted for Explosive Ordnance Disposal. You must be E-1 through E-5 or O-1 through O-3 with at least 12 months in station, have normal color vision, a PULHES physical of 111121 and a GM score of 105. You must have two years remaining in service or use the Bonus Extension And Retaining program. The current reenlistment bonus is 3.5 A, B and C. For more information, go to www.bragg.army. mil/EOD/. To make an appointment for an interview, contact 1st Sgt. Oscar Honne or Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Henke at 568-8905 or 568-8703. Reading Rainbow contest The 11th annual Reading Rainbow Young Writers and illustrators Contest has come to El Paso. Children in Kindergarten through third grade are eligible to enter. For entry forms call 747-6500 or visit www.kcostv.org. Forms and entries are available in English or Spanish. Entry deadline is March 31 and winners will be announced in April. ACS closures The Army Community Service/Family Assistance Center located in Bldg. 2494 will be closed Monday at 1:30 p.m. for fumigation. For financial emergencies from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., call 549-1142. For financial emergencies after duty hours, weekends and holidays, call the American Red Cross at (877) 272-7337. Black History Month The U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy and Class 55 of the academy will be hosting a celebration of Black History Month Feb. 16 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the East Auditorium at Bldg. 11292 at Biggs Army Airfield. The theme for the 2005 Black History Month is “Niagara Movement,” in honor of the first African American meeting held to end racial discrimination. The event took place at Niagara Falls in 1905. Everyone is invited to attend. If you would like more information about this event, please contact Sgt. 1st Class Alice Sumpter at 568-9383. PX, Commissary meeting The next Post Exchange and Commissary Council meetings will be held Feb. 22 in Bldg. 1717. The PX meeting is from 9 to 10 a.m. and the Commissary meeting is from 10 to 11 a.m. NMFA The National Military Family Asso-ciation’s Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse scholarships, normally in the amount of $1,000, are awarded to uniformed services spouses (active, retired, reserve, guard or survivor) to obtain professional certification or to attend post secondary or graduate school for an academic year. Applications are only accepted online and are due March 31. NMFA’s Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program 2005 application and instructions are available at www.nmfa.org/site/Page Server?pagename=2005_Spouse_Scholarship_Instructions. Commanders referral extended The director at Army Emergency Relief headquarters in Washington has determined that the Commander’s Referral test program will be extended into 2005 and expanded to three additional Army installations. This will allow AER to test a larger cross-section of the Army before determining if the program should be implemented Armywide. For information, call Janice Gamel at 568-7088. Emergency number In an effort to better serve the Fort Bliss community, effective immediately, the fire or emergency reporting line, if calling from a Fort Bliss building anywhere from within the installation, is 911 or 117. This reaches our dispatcher directly. If you reside in government housing including 801, billeting or occupy any other buildings with commercial phone lines, dial 911. Since you have commercial phone lines from these areas, you will reach the El Paso emergency dispatcher. It’s important that you identify the area of emergency as being in Fort Bliss property. The dispatcher will transfer the call to us. We hope this will avoid any confusion regarding emergency phone numbers. Our FB Form Label 5 and telephone labels as required by AR 420-90 have been revised to reflect this change. They are available from the Fire Prevention Office. Contact us at 568-8194 or 568-8195 for any questions or assistance. We are currently working hard toward a goal of having an enhanced 911 system in operation within two years. We look forward to meeting you under pleasant circumstances, but if it’s an emergency, your Fort Bliss Fire Depart-ment will respond promptly to provide you the best care possible. Valentine Dance Segura McDonald VFW Post 5615 will host a Valentine’s Day dance Sunday from 5-9 p.m. at 4810 Pershing Drive. Tickets are $5 and door prizes will be given away. For information, call 598-7505. Country Junction The Country Junction will have a Blow-Out Moving Sale Feb. 18 and 19 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Everything in the store will be 30 percent off. The store will close as of 2 p.m., Feb. 19 and will reopen March 16 at 10 a.m. at our new location, 2011 Sheridan. For more information, call 562-SHOP. Town Hall-style AER The Army Community Service is hosting a Town Hall-style Army Emergency Relief Open Forum Feb. 8 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. This is your opportunity to meet with the decision makers from AER headquarters. They will address the new Commanders Referral test program and many other AER topics. This is your chance to bring up any concerns or recommendation to the program. Location: ACS, Bldg. 2494, Ricker Rd. Call 568-4614 for further information. Rear detachment class The Army Community Services Mobilization and Deployment Section will conduct the next Rear Detachment Course March 9 in Bldg. 2494 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The course is open to all rear detachment commanders, noncommissioned officers and Family Readiness Group leaders. This course is designed to assist in becoming an effective rear detachment by providing current and helpful information. Discussions include the roles and relationships of the family support structure, rear detachment commanders and FRG roles and responsibilities, community resources and support, casualty assistance, legal issues and family assistance. The RDC will be offered monthly at ACS. Participates must call 568-1132 to sign up for the course prior to class date. Class dates will be April 13, May 11, June 8, July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9 and Dec. 14. OCSA Spring Bazaar Come to the Officers’, Cicilians’, Spouses’ Spring Bazaar at Stout Gym March 4 from noon to 6 p.m., March 5 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and March 6 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. This event is open to the public, and volunteers are needed. Call Yvonne at 564-4634 for information. Race for the Cure Anyone interested in participating in the Susan G. Komen Foundation El Paso Race for the Cure Feb. 20 can sign up through the day of the race. The 13th annual Komen El Paso Race for the Cure will be held at Biggs Park, Biggs Army Airfield Feb. 20. The 5K coed run/walk will begin at 9 a.m. and the one-mile coed fun run will follow. The race is open to all ages and we encourage all to arrive no earlier than 7:30 a.m. The course closes to all traffic at 8:30 a.m. The cost to participate is $20 if the race entry form is postmarked by Feb. 13. After that date, the cost is $25 and $30 the day of the race. In exchange for your race entry fee, participants will receive a race t-shirt and goodies after the race. For those who really do want to support the Race for the Cure, but just can’t get there, you can participate by Sleeping In for the Cure. In exchange for $30, each Sleep In for the Cure participant will receive a race T-shirt and the 1st glow-in-the-dark Sleep In for the Cure pillowcase. To register or learn more about the race, log onto www.elpasokomen.org or call 566-9745. CDC special opening The Logan Center, located at Bldg. 3500 on Ellerthorpe Road, is having a special evening tomorrow. The center will remain open for business that day until midnight. Anyone who has children registered in any CYS programs is welcome to use the center that evening. The normal hourly rate will be in effect. To make reservations, call the Logan Center at 568-3989 or 568-4887. Citadel presidential visit The El Paso/Fort Bliss Citadel Club is honored to have retired Marine Maj. Gen. John S. Grinalds, the 18th President of The Citadel, join us for the Annual El Paso Area Citadel Muster to be held March 1 at 6 p.m. in the Starlight Room at Jaxon’s, 1135 Airway Blvd., on the corner of Airway and Viscount. Accompanying Grinalds will be Mike Rogers, director of Alumni Affairs at the Citadel and Frank Shannon, executive director of The Citadel Foundation. Activities include a social hour, dinner and the muster ceremony. Reservations are required. All Citadel alumni are welcome and encouraged to attend. Contact Ron Steedly at 751-7005 or by e-mail at rsteedl1@elp.rr.com for information and reservations no later than Feb. 23. College financial aid The Military Officers Association of America is sponsoring interest-free loans of $4,000 per year, renewable for up to five years, equaling $20,000. Scholarships and grants of varying amounts are also available. The deadline is noon, March 1. Children of MOAA members under the age of 24, active duty, Reserve and National Soldiers who are in drilling units and retired enlisted personnel are all eligible for the loans. Applicant must be planning to attend an accredited college or university during the 2005 and 2006 school year as a full-time student. Scholarships and grants have varying criteria. For more information, visit www.moaa.org/education or call 1 (800) 234-6622. Hero of the Pass Do you know a real local hero – an ordinary person who has exhibited extraordinary courage, kindness or selflessness in helping others during the past few years? The El Paso Area Chapter of the American Red Cross is calling for nominations of local heroes for its 2005 Heroes of the Pass Awards event. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 25, and the awards luncheon will be held March 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Centennial Club on Biggs Army Airfield. Nominations are accepted in one of nine categories for people living or working in El Paso, Hudspeth or Culberson counties, and the guidelines and online form are available at www.elpasotimes.com/redcrossheroes/. Interested nominators may also call the El Paso Chapter at 592-0208. A hero can be someone who bravely acts in a time of immediate need or someone who simply lives his or her life in a way that shows they have compassion for those around them. The categories are: Youth Good Samaritan Hero (under age 21), Adult Good Samaritan Hero (21 and older), Workplace Hero, Professional Rescuer Hero, Animal Rescuer Hero (can also be an animal who rescued a person), Military Hero, Medical Professional Hero, Education Hero and Law Enforce-ment Hero. ASE certification The Automotive Service Excellence certification exams will be administered by the Education Center’s testing center, Bldg. 639, Room 9, May 4, 6 and 9 from 7-11 a.m. The exams are open to active duty and Reserve component personnel only. The deadline to register for these exams is March 11. The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Support, the sponsoring agency, has directed the following eligibility criteria: • DANTES authorizes funding for a maximum of three of the $25 ASE examinations per each semiannual exam cycle. • The L1 - Advance Engine Perform-ance test and the L2 - Truck Electronic, Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist and any re-certification exams will not be funded. • A $32 registration fee to be paid by examinees on the day of testing (personal checks or money orders only). • Eligible Army MOSs: 52B,C and D; 61C; 62B; 63B, C, D, E, G, H, N, S, T and W (also currently or previously held MOSs such as those possessed by Warrant Officers), or any DoD active duty or Reserve component personnel who possess an automotive maintenance specialty. • Personnel who do not possess the MOS but are enrolled in an Auto Tech degree program are eligible. • Any additional exams must be paid at a cost of $25 per exam. To register, prospective examinees must see Roberto Chavez at the Education Center, Bldg. 641, Monday through Friday from 8 to 11 a.m. on or before the deadline of March 11. For questions call 568-5315. Infant TRICARE enrollment Life can get hectic when there’s a new addition to the family, but don’t let time slip away before enrolling the new loved one in TRICARE’s Prime health care plan. \| Under TRICARE’s new policy, parents now have 60 days from the birth or adoption of TRICARE eligible children to enroll them in TRICARE Prime to help avoid delays or gaps in processing health care claims. Children must be registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) database within the first 60 days of their life or adoption or they will not show as being eligible for TRICARE Prime benefits. To register, obtain a copy of the child’s birth certificate, certificate of live birth, or adoption papers and file it with the base personnel office. If the sponsor is deployed or on TDY, the other parent or a guardian should be prepared to show power of attorney to register. With unique issues brought about by deployments, the enrollment time may be extended in certain cases. For questions about TRICARE coverage, visit www.triwest.com, call 1-888-TRIWEST (1-888-874-9378), or contact the DEERS support office at 1-800-538-9552 from 6 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pacific time Monday through Friday. Get-fit mom and friends Get-fit mom and friends will be offered at Stout Fitness Center in the aerobics room Wednesday from 1:30-2:30 p.m. starting March 2. This class has been created for post-natal moms who want to start getting back into shape while spending time with their babies. The class will host babies between the ages of 0 and 18 months. Get-fit mom and friends is dedicated to exercising and strengthening the body after giving birth. Special attention will be paid to areas that are weakened during and after pregnancy. The class will be a medley of exercise techniques including yoga and Pilates strengthening and toning moves, hand-weight, stability ball and cardiovascular segments. A certified fitness instructor will teach the class with additional certification in pre and post-natal fitness. Classes will be held both inside and outside depending on weather and participation. If moms choose to attend the class prior to eight weeks after giving birth, bring a doctors release with you to your first class. For information call 569-5162. ACS classes The Army Community Service Financial Readiness Program is offering the following classes in February: Feb. 16 - Debt Free and On the Road to Wealth; Feb. 18 - Preparing for Your PCS Move; Feb. 23 - Life Insurance ... for the Ones You Love and Leave Behind. March 9 - Smart Women and Money (Part A); March 23 - Smart Women and Money (Part B); March 30 - Checkbook Management Classes are at the ACS, Bldg. 2494 on Wednesday from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Call ACS to reserve your seat at 568-7088. Call CDC at 568-5689 to reserve your free childcare. FBEMS training The Fort Bliss Environmental Management System – Garrison Com-mand will provide Environmental Management Systems training for Mana-gers, Supervisors, Shop Personnel and Environmental Compliance Officers, in accordance with the following schedule. EMS training will take place at the Fort Bliss Museum and Study Center Auditorium, Bldg. 1735 Marshall Road. The training dates are Feb. 15 and 25. Class schedules for both dates: 9 a.m. – managers and supervisors 10:30 a.m. – shop personnel 1 p.m. – shop personnel 2:30 p.m. – ECOs For information contact David Felix at 568-0931 or Janet Jones at 568-4172. Unit funds Fort Bliss Units that are deployed overseas (except Kuwait and Qatar) in support of Homeland Security are entitled to receive additional Unit Funds support during deployment status. Contact Tammy Conn at 568-3890 for more information. Tax forms Mickelsen Community Library has most tax forms available in the hallway by the library, Bldg. 2E basement. For information call 568-6154. Wi-Fi hotspot Mickelsen Community Library is now a Wi-Fi Hotspot. That is, for those patrons who have their own laptops (and know how to do it), we now offer wireless Internet access. For information, call 568-6154. Taco Tuesday The Centennial NCO Club on Biggs Airfield introduces its “all-you-can-eat” Taco Tuesday Feb. 15 from 6-9 p.m. The evening will feature an assortment of hard-shell and soft beef and chicken tacos, rice, beans, chips and salsa, a variety of desserts and a beverage. Margaritas and import beer will also be available for purchase. Pay only $7.95 for adults and $4 for children. For information or reservations, call 562-5969. Lighten up MWR patrons trying to shed a few holiday pounds will find help at the Centennial Club and at Fort Bliss MWR sports and fitness centers. In February, the Centennial will offer special menus featuring healthy dining options as part of a Lighten Up! Tighten Up! Promotion. We’ve also added tasty Chicken Fajita Wrap and a Beef Taco Wrap with salsa, guacamole and sour cream both for $3.95. Diners receive a frequent “healthy” diner card that is stamped when they purchase one of the “healthy” meals. Cards can be redeemed after 10 “healthy” meals for a cool prize. In addition to these and other local prizes offered by MWR activities, the cards are entered into a grand prize drawing for a seven-day spa resort vacation package from www.GovArm. com, a BowFlex by Nautilus home gym, or one of two gas grills provided by Gardenburger. Participate in the “Buns on the Run” 5K run in late March, another event tied in with the Lighten Up! Promotion. For information, call 568-2554. Outdoor Adventures program The Fort Bliss Outdoor Adventures is pleased to inform you of some of its upcoming outdoor adventures. Ruidoso Winter Park: Feb. 19; price is $24 per person, which includes transportation, tickets to Ruidoso Winter Park, snack and beverages. Hueco Tanks: March 5; price is $10 per person, which includes bus transportation, admission, refreshments, snacks and ranger-guided bouldering and pictograph hiking tour. For information or to signup for the trips, call Kirsten, 568-2784. Veterinary Clinic The Vet Clinic will be offering Walk-In Wellness services in February on the following dates: Feb. 10, 15, 16 and 17. Please note that there is no Walk-in Wellness from Feb. 21 to 25 as a result of our vets being on temporary duty. The hours for Walk-in Wellness are 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m. on the dates above. Available services include vaccinations, microchips, de-worming, heartworm testing and feline leukemia testing. Anything other than these services may require an appointment and owners should call the Vet Clinic at 569-2266. The Vet Clinic is located on Carter Road between the Bowling Alley and the Van Horne Housing area. Coupon social Army Community Service Financial Readiness Program is in need of a volunteer to manage our Coupon Social. This person will be responsible for organizing the coupon box (sorting by product type and separating expired coupons), hosting a monthly meeting (here at ACS) and searching for coupons, deals and freebies on the Internet and in the stores. One of the best benefits of this position is that you can take advantage of all the savings. Contact Lori C. Rosario at 568-7088 for more details. Scholarship program The National Military Family Associa-tion’s Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse scholarships, normally in the amount of $1,000 are awarded to uniformed services spouses (active, retired, reserve, guard or survivor) to obtain professional certification or to attend post secondary or graduate school for an academic year. Applications are only accepted online and are due March 31. NMFA’s Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program 2005 application and instructions available at www.nmfa. org/site/PageServer?pagename=2005_Spouse_Scholarship_Instructions. Aerobic instructors needed Aerobic instructors needed for expanding aerobics program. Flexible hours starting at $15 per class; certified experience in aerobic instruction required; must be CPR certified. Please include copies of certifications with application. Apply at or mail resume to: NAF Personnel, Bldg. 504-B, Fort Bliss, TX 79916. NAF vacancies Non-Appropriated Funds CPO is currently accepting applications for the following positions: bartender, cook, food service worker and waitstaff. Apply at or mail resume to: NAF Personnel, Bldg. 504-B, Fort Bliss, TX 79916. Kite flyers wanted Professional or amateur stunt kite flyers sought for upcoming event on Fort Bliss. Interested call Kirsten at 568-2784. Youth Services soccer Fort Bliss Youth Services will conduct registration for its spring soccer season Feb 1 through March 1. Registration is open to boys and girls, ages 3 and up. Registrants much be Youth Services members and fees are $25 for the first child and $20 each additional child. Youth Services is also looking for soccer coaches. Experience is desirable, but not necessary. Those interested in volunteering to coach or for information, call Mike Emile at 568-2617. Bowling specials The Fort Bliss Bowling Center offers snack bar specials Monday through Friday. Buy the featured special for that day and show your receipt to the front counter for a free game during the week. The Bowling Center also offers a weekend special which allows customers who bowl two games to get a third game for free. This special is only applicable Saturday during open bowling. Also, the Fort Bliss Bowling Center patrons may bowl for just $1 per game Monday thru Tuesday from opening to closing. Come out and enjoy the center’s beautiful ambiance with its 52 lanes, billiard and game room and snack bar that serves up delicious daily lunch specials. The center is closed on Sundays. For information, call 568-6272. Lifeguard instructor class Replica Aquatic Center will be offering a lifeguard instructor class every Tuesday and Thursday in February from 1 to 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-register and pre-pay to the American Red Cross, 3620 Admiral Rd. Applicant 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. Please call Stacy Wright at 592-0040, ext 230 for information. Healthy kids class The Army Community Services Center is offering a Healthy Kids Class on Feb. 15 and 22. The class consists of two parts a safety and nutrition portion. 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 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 Valentines 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 Fort Bliss. 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 appear to 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. We will be open to the public Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 3 p.m. Black History Month b-ball 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. 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, agency officials said. 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. 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, officials said. Additional instructions can be found on the application or at the Scholarships for Military Children Web site.