Fort Bliss Monitor

Community

Chili cook-off

The El Paso Sergeants Major Association is sponsoring an Armed Forces Day Chili Cook-Off May 21. This is a major event and teams are limited. The entry fee is $35 and at least one team member must be a military ID card holder. For information, call 568-8875.

Farewell luncheon

A farewell luncheon will be held May 19 for Liane Vane and Maura McCabe at the Fort Bliss Officers’ Club from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All Fort Bliss personnel are welcome to attend. Reservations are accepted by calling 566-4502 if your last name ends in A-M or 585-3293 if it is N-Z. The deadline for reservations is Monday.

Case lot sale

The commissary will hold a case lot sale May 20 through 22. For information, call 568-4022.

Bliss Elementary choir concert

The Bliss Elementary School’s fifth grade Falcon Choir will be presenting “Thinking of You,” a concert dedicated to the Fort Bliss community, May 18. The concert for first, third and fourth grade students will be at 1:50 p.m., the concert for pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and second grade students will be at 2:40 p.m. and the concert for parents and the Fort Bliss community will be held at 6:30 p.m. The concert will be videotaped and sent overseas to deployed Soldiers.

FBOAC meeting

The next Fort Bliss Officers Advisory Council meeting is scheduled for June 8 at 3 p.m. at the Fort Bliss Officers’ Club. There will not be a meeting in May due to conflicting calendar events. For more information, call 568-1883.

Radio messages to troops

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service recently introduced its Patriot Family Connection program to help connect deployed military members with their loved ones back home. Messages can be recorded 24 hours a day, free of charge, and are forwarded to American Forces Network Radio. Anyone can record a message by calling (800) 713-1302 and following the prompts. For more information, log on to www.AAFES.com and click on the Patriot Family link.

Asian Pacific Islander

The 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade will be hosting a celebration of Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month May 19. from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in Soldier Hall. Speaker for the event is Maj. (retired) Jin K. Robertson If you would like more information about the event, contact Maj. Brian Bowen at 568-4541.

Bone marrow screening

A screening for a bone marrow match is being held May 19 at Stout GYM from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please do the right thing and see if you are a donor, India Dean, 3 is in need of a bone marrow transplant.

Stuttering support

If you stutter you are not alone. There is a place for you here. The El Paso Chapter of the National Stuttering Association (a non-profit organization dedicated to the support of people who stutter) provides a safe and friendly atmosphere for people who stutter, and those affected by stuttering. At meetings you will be able to meet others who stutter, share experiences, practice your speaking skills, and work on moving forward with dignity and respect.

Meetings are held every 3rd Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at 109 S. Festival Drive.

Memorial Day ceremony

In honor of the men and women who died serving our nation, a Memorial Day Service will be held May 30, at 11:45 a.m. at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery.

Jeb Stuart, Marshall, Robert E. Lee and Cassidy Gates will all be open for entry to the base. Ample parking will be located around the cemetery and buses will be available for shuttle to the ceremony site.

The event is open to the public. Seating is limited and around 2000 people are expected to attend, therefore, early arrival or bringing your own chair is suggested.

Organizational Day

The 2nd BN, 6th ADA will sponsor the Fort Bliss Elementary Organizational Day tomorrow which will include trips to the El Paso Zoo, El Paso Police Department and other agencies. We are doing this to promote safety and to help host a fun day for the children. It will begin at 8:30 a.m. and break for lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. then resume until 3 p.m.

For information, call 568-2559.

Military survey

The Who needs to read Sam Houston State University Department of Political Science in Huntsville Texas is conducting research to measure the satisfaction levels of spouses of Military Reservists and National Guard members who are currently called up and forward deployed in regards to their life as a military spouse. The questions are taken from a biannual survey given to traditionally defined active duty spouses. The final report will be furnished to State and National Legislators along with the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Reservist Affairs at the Pentagon. Participation is voluntary and all individual responses are strictly confidential. If readers would like to participate they can take this survey at www.shsu.edu/~stdkbc16.

Fast-pitch softball tryouts

The United States Specialty Sports Association of El Paso is registering players, ages 19 and over, for a women’s fast-pitch softball team. The deadline to sign up is Sunday. For more information, call Pat Ranier at 859-1317.

Westside football tryouts

West Side Cowboys football is now accepting players, ages 8 to 11, for participation in their league. For more information, call 494-2012.

Piano recital

Roger Ryerson, son of retired Chief Warrant Officer Bill Ryerson, will give a piano recital at the El Paso Museum of Art Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Roger, graduated from Washburn University with a degree in piano performance. The event is free.

AAFES recognition

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service received the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval from the Good Housekeeping Institute for its Baby’s Choice Infant Formula line. Products approved by the Good Housekeeping Institute may be advertised in Good Housekeeping Magazine and are backed by their consumer’s policy, which states that if a product bearing the Seal proves to be defective within two years of purchase, Good Housekeeping will replace the product or refund the purchase price.

Red Cross youth program

The American Red Cross is sponsoring a Youth Volunteer Orientation May 14 at the ARC office, Bldg. 45 Slater Rd., and May 21 at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center first floor clinic assembly room. The orientation is open to children ages 13 to 19. For more information, call the ARC at 568-4898 or WBAMC at 569-2483.

Air operations

The Air Assault School will be conducting air operations at Smith Bliss Field today from noon to 4:30 p.m. and Friday at Noel Field from 10 a.m. to noon. Expect greater than normal noise and vehicle traffic those two days.

Freedom Team Salute

The U.S. Army is launching a new program this month - Freedom Team Salute - to recognize and honor Soldier supporters—parents, spouses, and family members. Freedom Team Salute will also recognize employers of U.S. Army Soldiers serving in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard. In addition, the Army will recognize and honor veterans who have served our nation.

Soldiers are encouraged to nominate up to four people to receive recognition and an Freedom Team Salute Commendation package from the Secretary of the Army and the Army Chief of Staff. This package includes a U.S. Army lapel pin, a U.S. Army decal, a certificate of appreciation and a letter signed by the Chief of Staff and the Secretary of the Army, recognizing the recipient for their support of our Soldiers.

Soldiers can nominate supporters online at the FTS Web site: http://freedomteamsalute.us.army.mil. Recipients will receive their official FTS Commendation package within four to six weeks.

Street festivals

The El Paso Empowerment Zone will sponsor a series of three street festivals beginning in June on Texas Avenue, from Campbell to Noble Streets. The first of the three festivals, the Custom Car and Chopper Festival, will take place June 18 and 19. The Texas Salsa Festival will be held Sept. 4, and the Texas Rasquache Art Festival will be held Oct. 29. For more information on becoming a vendor or volunteering at any of these events, long on to www.elpasoez.org or call 351-1680 to request an application. The deadline for application submissions is May 27.

Blue Star Banner program

The American Legion Family will hold the Blue Star Banner Event May 15 from 1 to 8 p.m. at the Paso Del Norte American Legion Post #58, 4274 Vulcan Ave. The event is free and open to all active duty Soldiers, their families and family members of those who have servicemembers deployed. For more information, call American legion Post #58 at 751-0850 or 751-6900.

Successful stepfamilies

The 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade is sponsoring “Building a Successful Stepfamily” June 9 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Officers’ Club. Registration is $15 per person or $20 per couple at the door, and reservations will be accepted until June 7 through each unit’s battalion or brigade chaplain. For information, call Chap. (Capt.) Scott. Koeman at 568-9341.

7th Infantry reunion
The 7th Infantry Regiment Association will be holding their annual reunion this weekend at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Albuquerque, N.M. For room reservation, call (800) 362-2779 or call Curley L. Faulk at (337) 635 8359 for information.

Spouse Appreciation Day

Take the time to express your personal sentiments to your spouses for their continued faithful and loving support at the Officers’ Club or Centennial NCO Club tomorrow. Have a special lunch with your spouse and let them know how much you love and appreciate them. Both clubs will offer free dessert and will hand out a special gift to all military spouses. For information, call 568-3164.

Free summer meals

Fort Bliss Child and Youth Services will once again sponsor its Summer Food Service Program beginning May 25 through Aug. 12. Meals will be provided free of cost to military and civilian children, ages 1 through 18, Monday through Friday. The main Child Development Center, Bldg. 1730 on Haan Road, and the Logan Child Development Center, Bldg. 3500 on Story Road, will each serve breakfast from 7 to 8:30 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Fort Bliss YouthPlex, Bldg. 195 on Chaffee Road, will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a snack from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. In addition to the free meals offered Monday through Friday, every Wednesday, beginning June 1 there will be a free activity and lunch day at Kelly Park, available to military and civilian children, ages 1 to 18 years. Also, every Thursday beginning June 2 there will be free lunches available to kids in the Van Horn Housing Area. In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination write the USDA Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-Whitten Building 1400 Independence Ave., SW Washington, DC 20250-9410. For information on the summer lunch program, contact Pat Bell at 568-5054.

Children’s special events

Child and Youth Services will be sponsoring special events during the summer.

Gus and Goldie will be visiting June 8 at Kelly Park; June 14 at Logan Height Center; June 17 at Main Post Center; June 20 at the Main YouthPlex and June 20 at Logan SAS.

The EP Fitness health Van will be at the YouthPlex June 3 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and June 10 at Logan SAS from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

El Paso Patriots Soccer team will be at Logan SAS from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All activities, special events are free and open to the public. Please join us this summer.

For questions or information contact Pat Bell 569-5054.

Kids bowling

Starting in June and lasting throughout the summer the Fort Bliss Bowling Center will offer group bowling lessons for kids selected Saturdays, every month of summer. This is a great opportunity for kids to learn a very exciting sport and have fun at the same time! From noon to 2 p.m., kids will be able to learn new skills, bowl with friends, and have a free snack all for just $8. “A League of Their Own” will begin June 4 and the rest of the dates are as follows: June 18, July 9, July 23, Aug. 6, and Aug. 20. For information, call 568-6272.

Get fit Mom and Friends

Get-Fit Mom and Friends is offered at Stout Fitness Center in the aerobics room Monday and Wednesday from 1:15 to 2:15 pm. 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/Pilates strengthening and toning moves, hand-weight, stability ball and cardio vascular segments. A certified fitness instructor will teach the class with additional certification in pre and post-natal fitness. If moms choose to attend the class prior to 8 weeks after giving birth- bring a doctors release with you to your first class. For information, call 569-5162.

Outdoor Adventues

The Fort Bliss Outdoor Adventures is pleased to inform you of some of its upcoming outdoor adventures.
Discover West El Paso: May 14, price is $10 per person, which includes transportation to the War Eagle Air Museum, Border Patrol Museum, Archeology Museum and if there is time to La Viña Winery.

Star Party at McDonald Observatory: May 21-22, price is $79 per person, which includes transportation, solar viewing, tour, star party and one night hotel stay.

White Sands Lake Lucero: May 28, price is $15 per person, which includes transportation, lunch, admission to White Sands and Lake Lucero, refreshments and snacks.

For information, call 568-2784.

Taco Tuesday

The Centennial NCO Club on Biggs Airfield introduces its all-you-can-eat Taco Tuesday May 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening will feature an assortment of hard-shell and soft-shelled 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, call 562-5969.

CDS special openings

The Child Development Center now offers special hours of operation every Saturday at its main location in Bldg. 1730 on Haan Road. Hours are 1 p.m. to 12 a.m. Cost for payday weekend care is $3.50 per hour first child and 3 per hour for each additional child for CAT 2 and up- $2.50 per hour and $2 per hour for each additional child in CAT 1,ages 2 months to 12 years, are eligible for the care. For a special opening, a minimum reservation of 20 children is required. When there are not enough reservations to warrant opening, alternative care will be offered. For information, call 569-5040 or 568-6335.

Gymnastics instructor wanted

SKIESUnlimited is looking for a gymnastic instructor. For further information, contact Gabriele Johnson at 569-7732.

Swim classes

SKIESUnlimited is offering swim lessons now through May 25. For ages 3-5, lessons will be between 9 and 11:15 a.m., and for ages 5 and up, lessons will be 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. and 5:15 to 6 p.m. Spaces are limited and cost is $24 for eight lessons. If your child attends the Logan Center or the Main Center full time, staff will provide transportation. You can register your child at any CYS facility. Must be a CYS member in order to participate in the classes. For information, call 569-7732.

Right arm Night

A post-wide Bring Your Right Arm Night will be held May 20, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Officers’ Club. The event will include stand-up comedy from New Mexico native Russ Rivas. Attendees will have the opportunity to relax with co-workers and friends and enjoy a delicious tray of hors’ doeuvres, spirits of their choice, and side-splintering comedy. Door prizes will be given throughout the evening. Bring Your Right Arm Night is open to all Fort Bliss active duty and civilian personnel and give commanders and managers the opportunity to thank their “right arms”- those individuals who prove invaluable in the course of every work day. Commanders and managers may invite those individuals to this event as a means of showing their gratitude for all the hard work. Tickets are $6 each and they may be obtained at the Officers’ Club and ITR. Units may check out tickets and sell them on behalf of the Officers’ Club. For information. call 568-3164.

Karaoke night

The Fort Bliss Bowling Center hosts karaoke nights for MWR patrons and guests Thursday and Friday nights. Karaoke King takes to the stage at 7:30 p.m. and plays until 11 p.m. Thursday and 12:30 a.m. Friday in the center’s lounge. As a reminder, all non-active duty military guests, including family members and civilians, must be at least 21 to drink alcoholic beverages. For information, call 568-6272. The Centennial Club on Biggs Airfield hosts karaoke nights for MWR patrons and guests Friday nights from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. with Linda’s Carraoke Karaoke Entertainment. For information, call 562-5969. The club hosts karaoke in the Pershing Pub every Friday, coinciding with the popular unit sponsored nights/brass bartending. “Elvis” Rob Langford sets up at 5:30 p.m. and plays until 11 p.m., providing MWR patrons with one of the largest selections of karaoke songs in El Paso. For information, call 568-7013.

Community Pool

Join MWR June 25 and July 30 for a wet and wild time at the Community Pool’s first ever “Dive Inn”! Join us for friends, family, and food as we play great movies at the pool! Parents and kids can arrive at the starlit cinema at 7 p.m. or patrons can come early in the day and stay until night. Movie starts at 8:30 p.m. Cost is only $1 and snacks will be provided for an extra cost. Watching a movie will never be the same. Fort Bliss Community Pool Dive Inn- it’s like a Drive Inn, only not as dry. For more information contact Lauren Short at 568-7013.

Wine and dinner club

In keeping with the traditions for regular O’Club members but adding a new twist for the newer members, the Officers’ Club will host its first ever Wine and Dinner Pairing, June 10 at 6 p.m. The night will include a display of various wines from Blue Teal Vineyards to showcase their exquisite taste. A four course meal will be accompanied by music and candlelight in the historical ballroom. Our wine and dinner pairing is designed to showcase the wines of local producers, specifically those known for their high quality and unique characteristics. Each meal showcased will have a complementary pairing of wine – bringing out the taste in the food that will be presented. Tickets are on sale at the Officers’ Club. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. For information, call 568-3164.

AER

Fort Bliss AER office is running a pilot program - The Fort Bliss AER Office is going to do away with the appointment schedule and run a test program for 120 days on a walk in basis. This program is an effort to streamline the AER Loan process and to make AER more user friendly and decrease the amount of time the soldier is away from the unit. Soldiers wanting AER assistance can walk in and pick up a loan application or use forms flow and when they have completed the loan application return it to the AER office with all the required documentation and signatures. This program will run similar to the commanders referral program in which the loan application is dropped off by 1 p.m. the loan is ready for pick up the same business day, after 1 p.m. the loan is ready the following business day. Emergency leaves still have priority and will always be processed first. During the last couple of months the AER work load has increased nearly 60 percent we feel this is partially due to the changes made over the last year to better serve the soldier.

Veterinary clinic services

The vet clinic would like to apologize for the confusion over the last couple of weeks in regards to the clinic schedule. Additional veterinarians have been hired and this will allowed for a transition to a schedule which will provide improved service and more convenient access to care. The new schedule is: Walk-In Wellness clinics (vaccines, microchips, deworming, heartworm and feline leukemia tests) every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 to 3:30 p.m. If the pet needs to be seen for something other than vaccines, sick call appointments are offered every Tuesday and Thursday, call 569-2266 to schedule an appointment. The surgical service is up and running, offering spay/neuter for your pet. Call the appointment line 569-2266 to schedule your pet. The lobby hours for clearing, pet registration, sale of Heartguard medications and flea and tick preventatives are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.

Free practice testing

The U.S. Army General Library Program offers free practice tests for a wide variety of college, graduate school and qualification exams at the online U.S. Army Library Education Resource Center, developed, designed, and hosted by Thomson Peterson. Available at base libraries all over the world through a customized Web site at www.petersons.com /army, the Center also offers information on colleges, graduate school programs, and scholarships, in addition to test preparation.

Service personnel will find online practice tests for the SAT and ACT college admission tests, 10 subject tests for the CLEP exam program for earning early college credit, the GRE graduate school admission test, and the ASVAB, which is familiar to many as the exam used to admit enlistees and place them in the appropriate job. There are three separate full-length practice exams for each available test. Dates include May 7 and June 4. To get access, service personnel and their families should see the base librarian and ask for an activation key code. This code is also the Library Access Code of a particular base library. Test takers are prompted to type in the activation key code when registering for a practice test. Or, they can call 877-433-8277 to speak with a Thomson Peterson’s technical support representative. Access to the tests is free, unlimited, and available 24/7.

The Army Library Education Resource Center also includes downloadable test-preparation handbooks for the DANTES Subject Standardized Test and the various aptitude tests to qualify as a military pilot, including the Army Flight Aptitude Selection Test.

Wireless Internet access

Centennial Club now have free wireless internet, so while having your favorite lunch or consuming your desired beer, surf the net free and wireless at the Centennial Pub and Dining Room. For information call 568-9330, 562-5969 or 562-7934.

Bowling specials

The Fort Bliss Bowling Center offers snack bar special 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 from opening to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday from opening to closing. Please note there is no open bowling Monday after 4:30 p.m. The center is closed Sunday. For information, call 568-6272.

Storytime

Mickelsen Community Library hosts Read Me a Story every Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. for children 2- to 5-years-old in the Children’s Room of the library. The library also hosts Family Story Time for 2- to 6-year-olds at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Each session lasts 30 minutes to 1 hour, and parents or guardians must stay with their child throughout the duration. Each week features a new theme and includes dance, singing, and crafts. Mickelsen Community Library is located in the basement of E-wing, Bldg. 2. For information, call 568-6156.

Lock and Leave Storage

Lock and Leave Storage invites all military personnel, their dependents, retirees and other individuals withmilitary ID cards to store their personal goods with us. Moving frequently with PSCs and TDYs, a person can accumulate a lot of stuff. Lock and Leave, your official on-post storage center, offers specials such as Welcome, Buddy and Frequent Renter Coupons. Come visit or call 566-8321 for more information.

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.

What is YESS?

Youth Education Support Services is responsible for assisting military youth on Fort Bliss with transition issues and providing extracurricular activities from arts to life skills. What can YESS do for me? 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. Along with CYS Outreach Services, provide parent classes related to youth education issues. For information call 569-7732.

Kids on the Block

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

Toddler and infant playgroups

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

Free Spanish classes

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

English as a second language

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

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 is open Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The facility offers trap, skeet, rifle, pistol, archery, black powder, and plinking ranges, and a 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.

PCS/ETS

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

Domestic violence briefings

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

MWR briefings

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

Circus tickets

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Hometown Edition will appear May 11 through 15 at the El Paso County Coliseum. Special half price military discount tickets will be available through the Fort Bliss ITR office.

Dance classes

Registration for next SKIESUnlimited dance class by Ubaldo Amenta is now open. Classes are May 4 to 24 and June 8 to July 1. All classes will be at the Teen Center and may be prepared in conjunction with the SKIES Dance and Gymnastic program. Must be registered with Central Registration to participate.

Rhythm and dance 1: For 3-5 year olds Wednesday and Friday from 3 to 3:30 p.m.and from 3:30 to 4 p.m. Cost for classes is $35 per month.This class will combine gross motor skills such as skipping, jumping, gallops, and other moves to music. One recital per year will be presented to showcases students progress.
Rhythms and dance 2: for elementary school age children Wednesday and Friday from 4 to 4:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 5 p.m.Cost is $35 per month. This class will help advance learning dances such as basic hip-hop and jazz, country line dances, and creative movement in preparation for more advanced classes. One recital per year will be presented to showcases students progress.

For information contact 569-7732.

Sunday brunches

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

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.

New fitness facility

A new fitness facility near the Officers’ Club called the Fort Bliss Tennis Club and Fitness Zone is scheduled to open May 13 at 7 p.m. The facility will offer a five-court tennis club and fitness area with a 20-piece circuit training room. The facility will also have two practice courts. Special promotions will also be conducted the entire month of May, including drawings for a free week of tennis instruction or week of personal training, and other gift certificates. For more information, call 568-6741.

AAFES dividends

The Army & Air Force Exchange Services has announced that it is returning $242.3 million to the services’ Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs. For 2004, this dividend represents an average per capita dividend of $277 for every Soldier and Airman, a 5 percent increase over last year. In 2003, AAFES paid a per capita dividend of $264.

AAFES recognition

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service received the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval from the Good Housekeeping Institute for its Baby’s Choice Infant Formula line. Products approved by the Good Housekeeping Institute may be advertised in Good Housekeeping Magazine and are backed by.



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	May 12, 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 Chili cook-off The El Paso Sergeants Major Association is sponsoring an Armed Forces Day Chili Cook-Off May 21. This is a major event and teams are limited. The entry fee is $35 and at least one team member must be a military ID card holder. For information, call 568-8875. Farewell luncheon A farewell luncheon will be held May 19 for Liane Vane and Maura McCabe at the Fort Bliss Officers’ Club from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All Fort Bliss personnel are welcome to attend. Reservations are accepted by calling 566-4502 if your last name ends in A-M or 585-3293 if it is N-Z. The deadline for reservations is Monday. Case lot sale The commissary will hold a case lot sale May 20 through 22. For information, call 568-4022. Bliss Elementary choir concert The Bliss Elementary School’s fifth grade Falcon Choir will be presenting “Thinking of You,” a concert dedicated to the Fort Bliss community, May 18. The concert for first, third and fourth grade students will be at 1:50 p.m., the concert for pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and second grade students will be at 2:40 p.m. and the concert for parents and the Fort Bliss community will be held at 6:30 p.m. The concert will be videotaped and sent overseas to deployed Soldiers. FBOAC meeting The next Fort Bliss Officers Advisory Council meeting is scheduled for June 8 at 3 p.m. at the Fort Bliss Officers’ Club. There will not be a meeting in May due to conflicting calendar events. For more information, call 568-1883. Radio messages to troops The Army and Air Force Exchange Service recently introduced its Patriot Family Connection program to help connect deployed military members with their loved ones back home. Messages can be recorded 24 hours a day, free of charge, and are forwarded to American Forces Network Radio. Anyone can record a message by calling (800) 713-1302 and following the prompts. For more information, log on to www.AAFES.com and click on the Patriot Family link. Asian Pacific Islander The 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade will be hosting a celebration of Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month May 19. from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in Soldier Hall. Speaker for the event is Maj. (retired) Jin K. Robertson If you would like more information about the event, contact Maj. Brian Bowen at 568-4541. Bone marrow screening A screening for a bone marrow match is being held May 19 at Stout GYM from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please do the right thing and see if you are a donor, India Dean, 3 is in need of a bone marrow transplant. Stuttering support If you stutter you are not alone. There is a place for you here. The El Paso Chapter of the National Stuttering Association (a non-profit organization dedicated to the support of people who stutter) provides a safe and friendly atmosphere for people who stutter, and those affected by stuttering. At meetings you will be able to meet others who stutter, share experiences, practice your speaking skills, and work on moving forward with dignity and respect. Meetings are held every 3rd Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at 109 S. Festival Drive. Memorial Day ceremony In honor of the men and women who died serving our nation, a Memorial Day Service will be held May 30, at 11:45 a.m. at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Jeb Stuart, Marshall, Robert E. Lee and Cassidy Gates will all be open for entry to the base. Ample parking will be located around the cemetery and buses will be available for shuttle to the ceremony site. The event is open to the public. Seating is limited and around 2000 people are expected to attend, therefore, early arrival or bringing your own chair is suggested. Organizational Day The 2nd BN, 6th ADA will sponsor the Fort Bliss Elementary Organizational Day tomorrow which will include trips to the El Paso Zoo, El Paso Police Department and other agencies. We are doing this to promote safety and to help host a fun day for the children. It will begin at 8:30 a.m. and break for lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. then resume until 3 p.m. For information, call 568-2559. Military survey The Who needs to read Sam Houston State University Department of Political Science in Huntsville Texas is conducting research to measure the satisfaction levels of spouses of Military Reservists and National Guard members who are currently called up and forward deployed in regards to their life as a military spouse. The questions are taken from a biannual survey given to traditionally defined active duty spouses. The final report will be furnished to State and National Legislators along with the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Reservist Affairs at the Pentagon. Participation is voluntary and all individual responses are strictly confidential. If readers would like to participate they can take this survey at www.shsu.edu/~stdkbc16. Fast-pitch softball tryouts The United States Specialty Sports Association of El Paso is registering players, ages 19 and over, for a women’s fast-pitch softball team. The deadline to sign up is Sunday. For more information, call Pat Ranier at 859-1317. Westside football tryouts West Side Cowboys football is now accepting players, ages 8 to 11, for participation in their league. For more information, call 494-2012. Piano recital Roger Ryerson, son of retired Chief Warrant Officer Bill Ryerson, will give a piano recital at the El Paso Museum of Art Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Roger, graduated from Washburn University with a degree in piano performance. The event is free. AAFES recognition The Army & Air Force Exchange Service received the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval from the Good Housekeeping Institute for its Baby’s Choice Infant Formula line. Products approved by the Good Housekeeping Institute may be advertised in Good Housekeeping Magazine and are backed by their consumer’s policy, which states that if a product bearing the Seal proves to be defective within two years of purchase, Good Housekeeping will replace the product or refund the purchase price. Red Cross youth program The American Red Cross is sponsoring a Youth Volunteer Orientation May 14 at the ARC office, Bldg. 45 Slater Rd., and May 21 at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center first floor clinic assembly room. The orientation is open to children ages 13 to 19. For more information, call the ARC at 568-4898 or WBAMC at 569-2483. Air operations The Air Assault School will be conducting air operations at Smith Bliss Field today from noon to 4:30 p.m. and Friday at Noel Field from 10 a.m. to noon. Expect greater than normal noise and vehicle traffic those two days. Freedom Team Salute The U.S. Army is launching a new program this month - Freedom Team Salute - to recognize and honor Soldier supporters—parents, spouses, and family members. Freedom Team Salute will also recognize employers of U.S. Army Soldiers serving in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard. In addition, the Army will recognize and honor veterans who have served our nation. Soldiers are encouraged to nominate up to four people to receive recognition and an Freedom Team Salute Commendation package from the Secretary of the Army and the Army Chief of Staff. This package includes a U.S. Army lapel pin, a U.S. Army decal, a certificate of appreciation and a letter signed by the Chief of Staff and the Secretary of the Army, recognizing the recipient for their support of our Soldiers. Soldiers can nominate supporters online at the FTS Web site: http://freedomteamsalute.us.army.mil. Recipients will receive their official FTS Commendation package within four to six weeks. Street festivals The El Paso Empowerment Zone will sponsor a series of three street festivals beginning in June on Texas Avenue, from Campbell to Noble Streets. The first of the three festivals, the Custom Car and Chopper Festival, will take place June 18 and 19. The Texas Salsa Festival will be held Sept. 4, and the Texas Rasquache Art Festival will be held Oct. 29. For more information on becoming a vendor or volunteering at any of these events, long on to www.elpasoez.org or call 351-1680 to request an application. The deadline for application submissions is May 27. Blue Star Banner program The American Legion Family will hold the Blue Star Banner Event May 15 from 1 to 8 p.m. at the Paso Del Norte American Legion Post #58, 4274 Vulcan Ave. The event is free and open to all active duty Soldiers, their families and family members of those who have servicemembers deployed. For more information, call American legion Post #58 at 751-0850 or 751-6900. Successful stepfamilies The 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade is sponsoring “Building a Successful Stepfamily” June 9 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Officers’ Club. Registration is $15 per person or $20 per couple at the door, and reservations will be accepted until June 7 through each unit’s battalion or brigade chaplain. For information, call Chap. (Capt.) Scott. Koeman at 568-9341. 7th Infantry reunion The 7th Infantry Regiment Association will be holding their annual reunion this weekend at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Albuquerque, N.M. For room reservation, call (800) 362-2779 or call Curley L. Faulk at (337) 635 8359 for information. Spouse Appreciation Day Take the time to express your personal sentiments to your spouses for their continued faithful and loving support at the Officers’ Club or Centennial NCO Club tomorrow. Have a special lunch with your spouse and let them know how much you love and appreciate them. Both clubs will offer free dessert and will hand out a special gift to all military spouses. For information, call 568-3164. Free summer meals Fort Bliss Child and Youth Services will once again sponsor its Summer Food Service Program beginning May 25 through Aug. 12. Meals will be provided free of cost to military and civilian children, ages 1 through 18, Monday through Friday. The main Child Development Center, Bldg. 1730 on Haan Road, and the Logan Child Development Center, Bldg. 3500 on Story Road, will each serve breakfast from 7 to 8:30 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Fort Bliss YouthPlex, Bldg. 195 on Chaffee Road, will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a snack from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. In addition to the free meals offered Monday through Friday, every Wednesday, beginning June 1 there will be a free activity and lunch day at Kelly Park, available to military and civilian children, ages 1 to 18 years. Also, every Thursday beginning June 2 there will be free lunches available to kids in the Van Horn Housing Area. In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination write the USDA Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-Whitten Building 1400 Independence Ave., SW Washington, DC 20250-9410. For information on the summer lunch program, contact Pat Bell at 568-5054. Children’s special events Child and Youth Services will be sponsoring special events during the summer. Gus and Goldie will be visiting June 8 at Kelly Park; June 14 at Logan Height Center; June 17 at Main Post Center; June 20 at the Main YouthPlex and June 20 at Logan SAS. The EP Fitness health Van will be at the YouthPlex June 3 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and June 10 at Logan SAS from 9 to 11:30 a.m. El Paso Patriots Soccer team will be at Logan SAS from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All activities, special events are free and open to the public. Please join us this summer. For questions or information contact Pat Bell 569-5054. Kids bowling Starting in June and lasting throughout the summer the Fort Bliss Bowling Center will offer group bowling lessons for kids selected Saturdays, every month of summer. This is a great opportunity for kids to learn a very exciting sport and have fun at the same time! From noon to 2 p.m., kids will be able to learn new skills, bowl with friends, and have a free snack all for just $8. “A League of Their Own” will begin June 4 and the rest of the dates are as follows: June 18, July 9, July 23, Aug. 6, and Aug. 20. For information, call 568-6272. Get fit Mom and Friends Get-Fit Mom and Friends is offered at Stout Fitness Center in the aerobics room Monday and Wednesday from 1:15 to 2:15 pm. 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/Pilates strengthening and toning moves, hand-weight, stability ball and cardio vascular segments. A certified fitness instructor will teach the class with additional certification in pre and post-natal fitness. If moms choose to attend the class prior to 8 weeks after giving birth- bring a doctors release with you to your first class. For information, call 569-5162. Outdoor Adventues The Fort Bliss Outdoor Adventures is pleased to inform you of some of its upcoming outdoor adventures. Discover West El Paso: May 14, price is $10 per person, which includes transportation to the War Eagle Air Museum, Border Patrol Museum, Archeology Museum and if there is time to La Viña Winery. Star Party at McDonald Observatory: May 21-22, price is $79 per person, which includes transportation, solar viewing, tour, star party and one night hotel stay. White Sands Lake Lucero: May 28, price is $15 per person, which includes transportation, lunch, admission to White Sands and Lake Lucero, refreshments and snacks. For information, call 568-2784. Taco Tuesday The Centennial NCO Club on Biggs Airfield introduces its all-you-can-eat Taco Tuesday May 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening will feature an assortment of hard-shell and soft-shelled 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, call 562-5969. CDS special openings The Child Development Center now offers special hours of operation every Saturday at its main location in Bldg. 1730 on Haan Road. Hours are 1 p.m. to 12 a.m. Cost for payday weekend care is $3.50 per hour first child and 3 per hour for each additional child for CAT 2 and up- $2.50 per hour and $2 per hour for each additional child in CAT 1,ages 2 months to 12 years, are eligible for the care. For a special opening, a minimum reservation of 20 children is required. When there are not enough reservations to warrant opening, alternative care will be offered. For information, call 569-5040 or 568-6335. Gymnastics instructor wanted SKIESUnlimited is looking for a gymnastic instructor. For further information, contact Gabriele Johnson at 569-7732. Swim classes SKIESUnlimited is offering swim lessons now through May 25. For ages 3-5, lessons will be between 9 and 11:15 a.m., and for ages 5 and up, lessons will be 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. and 5:15 to 6 p.m. Spaces are limited and cost is $24 for eight lessons. If your child attends the Logan Center or the Main Center full time, staff will provide transportation. You can register your child at any CYS facility. Must be a CYS member in order to participate in the classes. For information, call 569-7732. Right arm Night A post-wide Bring Your Right Arm Night will be held May 20, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Officers’ Club. The event will include stand-up comedy from New Mexico native Russ Rivas. Attendees will have the opportunity to relax with co-workers and friends and enjoy a delicious tray of hors’ doeuvres, spirits of their choice, and side-splintering comedy. Door prizes will be given throughout the evening. Bring Your Right Arm Night is open to all Fort Bliss active duty and civilian personnel and give commanders and managers the opportunity to thank their “right arms”- those individuals who prove invaluable in the course of every work day. Commanders and managers may invite those individuals to this event as a means of showing their gratitude for all the hard work. Tickets are $6 each and they may be obtained at the Officers’ Club and ITR. Units may check out tickets and sell them on behalf of the Officers’ Club. For information. call 568-3164. Karaoke night The Fort Bliss Bowling Center hosts karaoke nights for MWR patrons and guests Thursday and Friday nights. Karaoke King takes to the stage at 7:30 p.m. and plays until 11 p.m. Thursday and 12:30 a.m. Friday in the center’s lounge. As a reminder, all non-active duty military guests, including family members and civilians, must be at least 21 to drink alcoholic beverages. For information, call 568-6272. The Centennial Club on Biggs Airfield hosts karaoke nights for MWR patrons and guests Friday nights from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. with Linda’s Carraoke Karaoke Entertainment. For information, call 562-5969. The club hosts karaoke in the Pershing Pub every Friday, coinciding with the popular unit sponsored nights/brass bartending. “Elvis” Rob Langford sets up at 5:30 p.m. and plays until 11 p.m., providing MWR patrons with one of the largest selections of karaoke songs in El Paso. For information, call 568-7013. Community Pool Join MWR June 25 and July 30 for a wet and wild time at the Community Pool’s first ever “Dive Inn”! Join us for friends, family, and food as we play great movies at the pool! Parents and kids can arrive at the starlit cinema at 7 p.m. or patrons can come early in the day and stay until night. Movie starts at 8:30 p.m. Cost is only $1 and snacks will be provided for an extra cost. Watching a movie will never be the same. Fort Bliss Community Pool Dive Inn- it’s like a Drive Inn, only not as dry. For more information contact Lauren Short at 568-7013. Wine and dinner club In keeping with the traditions for regular O’Club members but adding a new twist for the newer members, the Officers’ Club will host its first ever Wine and Dinner Pairing, June 10 at 6 p.m. The night will include a display of various wines from Blue Teal Vineyards to showcase their exquisite taste. A four course meal will be accompanied by music and candlelight in the historical ballroom. Our wine and dinner pairing is designed to showcase the wines of local producers, specifically those known for their high quality and unique characteristics. Each meal showcased will have a complementary pairing of wine – bringing out the taste in the food that will be presented. Tickets are on sale at the Officers’ Club. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. For information, call 568-3164. AER Fort Bliss AER office is running a pilot program - The Fort Bliss AER Office is going to do away with the appointment schedule and run a test program for 120 days on a walk in basis. This program is an effort to streamline the AER Loan process and to make AER more user friendly and decrease the amount of time the soldier is away from the unit. Soldiers wanting AER assistance can walk in and pick up a loan application or use forms flow and when they have completed the loan application return it to the AER office with all the required documentation and signatures. This program will run similar to the commanders referral program in which the loan application is dropped off by 1 p.m. the loan is ready for pick up the same business day, after 1 p.m. the loan is ready the following business day. Emergency leaves still have priority and will always be processed first. During the last couple of months the AER work load has increased nearly 60 percent we feel this is partially due to the changes made over the last year to better serve the soldier. Veterinary clinic services The vet clinic would like to apologize for the confusion over the last couple of weeks in regards to the clinic schedule. Additional veterinarians have been hired and this will allowed for a transition to a schedule which will provide improved service and more convenient access to care. The new schedule is: Walk-In Wellness clinics (vaccines, microchips, deworming, heartworm and feline leukemia tests) every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 to 3:30 p.m. If the pet needs to be seen for something other than vaccines, sick call appointments are offered every Tuesday and Thursday, call 569-2266 to schedule an appointment. The surgical service is up and running, offering spay/neuter for your pet. Call the appointment line 569-2266 to schedule your pet. The lobby hours for clearing, pet registration, sale of Heartguard medications and flea and tick preventatives are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Free practice testing The U.S. Army General Library Program offers free practice tests for a wide variety of college, graduate school and qualification exams at the online U.S. Army Library Education Resource Center, developed, designed, and hosted by Thomson Peterson. Available at base libraries all over the world through a customized Web site at www.petersons.com /army, the Center also offers information on colleges, graduate school programs, and scholarships, in addition to test preparation. Service personnel will find online practice tests for the SAT and ACT college admission tests, 10 subject tests for the CLEP exam program for earning early college credit, the GRE graduate school admission test, and the ASVAB, which is familiar to many as the exam used to admit enlistees and place them in the appropriate job. There are three separate full-length practice exams for each available test. Dates include May 7 and June 4. To get access, service personnel and their families should see the base librarian and ask for an activation key code. This code is also the Library Access Code of a particular base library. Test takers are prompted to type in the activation key code when registering for a practice test. Or, they can call 877-433-8277 to speak with a Thomson Peterson’s technical support representative. Access to the tests is free, unlimited, and available 24/7. The Army Library Education Resource Center also includes downloadable test-preparation handbooks for the DANTES Subject Standardized Test and the various aptitude tests to qualify as a military pilot, including the Army Flight Aptitude Selection Test. Wireless Internet access Centennial Club now have free wireless internet, so while having your favorite lunch or consuming your desired beer, surf the net free and wireless at the Centennial Pub and Dining Room. For information call 568-9330, 562-5969 or 562-7934. Bowling specials The Fort Bliss Bowling Center offers snack bar special 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 from opening to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday from opening to closing. Please note there is no open bowling Monday after 4:30 p.m. The center is closed Sunday. For information, call 568-6272. Storytime Mickelsen Community Library hosts Read Me a Story every Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. for children 2- to 5-years-old in the Children’s Room of the library. The library also hosts Family Story Time for 2- to 6-year-olds at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Each session lasts 30 minutes to 1 hour, and parents or guardians must stay with their child throughout the duration. Each week features a new theme and includes dance, singing, and crafts. Mickelsen Community Library is located in the basement of E-wing, Bldg. 2. For information, call 568-6156. Lock and Leave Storage Lock and Leave Storage invites all military personnel, their dependents, retirees and other individuals withmilitary ID cards to store their personal goods with us. Moving frequently with PSCs and TDYs, a person can accumulate a lot of stuff. Lock and Leave, your official on-post storage center, offers specials such as Welcome, Buddy and Frequent Renter Coupons. Come visit or call 566-8321 for more information. 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. What is YESS? Youth Education Support Services is responsible for assisting military youth on Fort Bliss with transition issues and providing extracurricular activities from arts to life skills. What can YESS do for me? 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. Along with CYS Outreach Services, provide parent classes related to youth education issues. For information call 569-7732. Kids on the Block The Kids on the Block Puppet shows are available for performances free of charge. The performances cover a variety of topics such as bicycle safety, school safety, vehicle safety, child abuse, bullying, and deployments. Shows can be performed for schools, FRG events/meetings, youth groups, daycare centers, and scout troops. For information, call Lyn Matsey at 568-1132, or at the Family Assistance Center located at Bldg 2494, on Ricker Road. Toddler and infant playgroups The Family Assistance Center conducts toddler and infant playgroups on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s of each month. The toddler playgroup ranges from ages 18 1/2 months -3 years of age at the Logan Child Development Center from 10 a.m. to noon. The infant playgroup is offered at the Youthplex every Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. This is an excellent way to interact with your children and meet other parents within the Fort Bliss community. For information contact Esylen Stephens at 568-1132. Free Spanish classes Army Community Service offers conversational Spanish classes Friday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the conference room. Participants should call 568-1132 or 569-7762 to register for the class. Free childcare is provided for participants. Children must be registered at the Child Development Center and participants must book their own childcare reservations by calling 568-1132. Classes are for ID cardholder’s age 18 and older. English as a second language Army Community Service offers English as a second language class Monday and Wednesday. Classes are from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Participants should call 568-1132 or 569-7762 to register for the class. Free childcare will be provided for participants. Children must be registered at the Child Development Center and participants must book their own childcare reservations by calling 568-1132. Classes are for ID cardholder’s age 18 and older. 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 is open Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The facility offers trap, skeet, rifle, pistol, archery, black powder, and plinking ranges, and a 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. PCS/ETS PCSing to a new installation? The Army Community Service relocation programs will provide you with automated welcome packets on any DoD military installation worldwide while you wait. Assigned to an isolated location far from an installation? Not a problem. Internet access will provide localized information. How do you find that isolated location within CONUS? Computerized route-maps will take you there. Soldiers clearing the installation are advised that strip maps, showing the location of all agencies that must be cleared, are available at the Army Community Service relocation desk at Bldg. 2494, which is also a required stop in the clearing process. Avoid becoming geographically challenged by clearing us first. For information, contact Relocation Services at 568-6291. Domestic violence briefings Domestic violence affects military readiness and families as well. It is a fact that children who witness domestic violence at home can become abusers themselves. Now is the time to schedule your unit’s annual domestic violence prevention and awareness brief. Additionally, feel free to schedule your FRG on the issues and concerns of family violence. To schedule your unit or FRG for a presentation call 568-4878. MWR briefings Fort Bliss MWR is available to make presentation briefs to Soldier units - active and reserve - on MWR’s installation role, operating budget, facilities, programs and services. Call MWR headquarters at 568-3724 or 568-3437 to schedule your brief and to find out about needed technical requirements. Circus tickets The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Hometown Edition will appear May 11 through 15 at the El Paso County Coliseum. Special half price military discount tickets will be available through the Fort Bliss ITR office. Dance classes Registration for next SKIESUnlimited dance class by Ubaldo Amenta is now open. Classes are May 4 to 24 and June 8 to July 1. All classes will be at the Teen Center and may be prepared in conjunction with the SKIES Dance and Gymnastic program. Must be registered with Central Registration to participate. Rhythm and dance 1: For 3-5 year olds Wednesday and Friday from 3 to 3:30 p.m.and from 3:30 to 4 p.m. Cost for classes is $35 per month.This class will combine gross motor skills such as skipping, jumping, gallops, and other moves to music. One recital per year will be presented to showcases students progress. Rhythms and dance 2: for elementary school age children Wednesday and Friday from 4 to 4:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 5 p.m.Cost is $35 per month. This class will help advance learning dances such as basic hip-hop and jazz, country line dances, and creative movement in preparation for more advanced classes. One recital per year will be presented to showcases students progress. For information contact 569-7732. Sunday brunches The Fort Bliss Officers’ Club offers a Champagne Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday except holiday weekends. The cost is $9.95 for members and $11.95 for nonmembers, $6. for children ages 7 to 11 and free for children 6 and under. Reservations are recommended. Call 568-7013. 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. New fitness facility A new fitness facility near the Officers’ Club called the Fort Bliss Tennis Club and Fitness Zone is scheduled to open May 13 at 7 p.m. The facility will offer a five-court tennis club and fitness area with a 20-piece circuit training room. The facility will also have two practice courts. Special promotions will also be conducted the entire month of May, including drawings for a free week of tennis instruction or week of personal training, and other gift certificates. For more information, call 568-6741. AAFES dividends The Army & Air Force Exchange Services has announced that it is returning $242.3 million to the services’ Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs. For 2004, this dividend represents an average per capita dividend of $277 for every Soldier and Airman, a 5 percent increase over last year. In 2003, AAFES paid a per capita dividend of $264. AAFES recognition The Army & Air Force Exchange Service received the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval from the Good Housekeeping Institute for its Baby’s Choice Infant Formula line. Products approved by the Good Housekeeping Institute may be advertised in Good Housekeeping Magazine and are backed by.