Fort Bliss Monitor

Community

Sisters of Spirit conference

The El Paso Community College is sponsoring a Sisters of Spirit Enrichment conference tomorrow at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. at the El Paso Community College conference center. The second night of the event will include a 6 p.m. concert. For information, call 821-2720.

ACAP Job Fair

A Job Fair sponsored by the Association of the United States Army and the Army Career and Alumni Program will be held May 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Centennial Club.

ACAP Center

Soldiers who are preparing to leave the service can visit the Army Career and Alumni Program in Bldg. 515A and take a look at what the civilian job market has to offer. This information can help guide the decision regarding future career paths. Soldiers may register with the ACAP Center up to one year prior to leaving the Army or two years prior to retirement. For more information, call 568-7996 or 568-3870 or visit the Center to establish appointments.

Polo with a Purpose

The American Cancer Society is sponsoring Polo with a Purpose, a polo match featuring Tommy Lee Jones and his Polo team, San Saba, to benefit El Paso’s Metro Market and the American Cancer Society. The festivities will include a catered meal and cold drinks throughout the event. Gates open at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Tarahumara Polo Club in La Union, N.M. For information, call Maria Ruiz at 544-4427 or e-mail maria.ruiz@cancer.org.

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. J.E.B. Stuart, Marshall, Robert E. Lee and Cassidy Gates will all be open for entry to the base. The event is open to the public. Seating is limited and around 2,000 people are expected to attend, therefore, early arrival or bringing your own chair is suggested.

AAU registration

The Amateur Athletic Union, the oldest and largest sports organization in the nation, is announcing its open sign-up and registration period for new and existing local amateur sports teams, clubs and other youth and adult sports organizations. The area AAU district office will provide all needed support. For more information, call 565-9738.

62nd Army Band recruiting

The 62nd Army Band is looking for rhythm section players and vocalists for its Show Band. The band performs a mix of swing music, rock, funk and R&B and other popular styles of music at numerous events in the community. This is a limited opportunity. Call 1st Sgt. Frank Suri at 569-2263 for more information.

Pool league sign-up

The Association for Pool league is coming to Fort Bliss. Sign-up today for a chance to play in local tournaments. For more information, call (888) 697-4827 or e-mail daniel.houck@us.army.mil.

Warrant officer selection

The Office of the Chief of Air Defense Artillery is assisting interested Soldiers in military occupational specialties 14E, 14J, 14R, 14S, 14T, 27X and others in putting together packets in preparation for upcoming warrant officer selection boards. Information on prerequisites and sample packets can be found at www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/ or call 568-1300 or 568-6157 for information.

AAFES/commissary meeting

The next combined AAFES/commissary council meeting will be held Tuesday at 9 a.m. in Bldg. 1717. The combined council meetings are open to all AAFES and commissary patrons.

Healthy cooking school

The El Paso Diabetes Association is conducting a Healthy Cooking School class today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the El Paso Diabetes Association Kitchen. Seating is limited, so call 532-6280 to pre-register as soon as possible.

Diabetes management

The El Paso Diabetes Association conducts Diabetes Management classes Monday through Thursday and every other Saturday. The class times are 9 a.m. to noon, 6 to 9 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 532-6280.

EPDA specialized class

The El Paso Diabetes Association will be conducting a specialized class on how to use an Animas Insulin Pump May 26 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Seating is limited, so call 532-6280 to pre-register as soon as possible.

Healthcare forum luncheon
The Military Coalition of El Paso will be holding a luncheon June 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fort Bliss Officers’ Club. The theme of the luncheon is Retiree and Veterans’ Healthcare Forum, and all military retirees, military widows and veterans are invited to attend. Congressman Silvestre Reyes will be the keynote speaker. For more information, call Lt. Col. John B. McKinney at 598-4348.

Dog training classes

The Onate Trail Dog Fanciers Association will hold a “Meet the Breed” and “Canine Good Citizen” testing Sunday at Nations Tobin Park. The club will offer literature and information about responsible dog ownership and dog training, as well as an opportunity to meet and learn about more than a dozen different dog breeds. For more information, call 479-5113.

Footprints of Heroes

Footprints of Heroes, a new book by historical novelist Robert Skimin, is now available. The book is a non-fiction story covering the heroic deeds of those who made the United States what it is today.

Church rummage sale

The Grace Lutheran Church is having a rummage sale Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 755-1323.

Korean War veteran reunion

The 11th annual Korean War Veterans reunion will be held Oct. 3 through 6 in Laughlin, Nev. The event will include a flag-raising ceremony, a trip to the American Hero’s Museum and a free show, entitled “Wings of Eagles.” For more information, or to register for the event, call Dick Poole at (800) 523-4715.

Cheerleader camp

A cheerleader camp will be held July 9 and 16 from 9 a.m. to noon for boys and girls, ages 4 to 13. Children can be registered at any one of the following locations:

July 9 camp – 11620 Vista Del Sol (855-4147) or 701 N. Glenwood (779-2799)
July 16 camp – 9301 Alameda Ave. (858-1929) or 4435 Maxwell (755-7566)
For more information, call Eliseo Duran at 533-3311.

Estate claims

Anyone who has a claim to the estate of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Leo C. Reynolds Jr. should contact Maj. Greg Weaver at 568-9403.

Chili cook-off

The El Paso Sergeants Major Association is sponsoring an Armed Forces Day Chili Cook-Off Saturday. 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.

Case lot sale

The commissary will hold a case lot sale Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For information, call 568-4022.

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 today. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 pilot program

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.

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 568-1132.

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, call 568-1132.

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? 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 ACS in Bldg. 2494. For information, call Relocation Services at 568-6291.



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	May 19, 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 Sisters of Spirit conference The El Paso Community College is sponsoring a Sisters of Spirit Enrichment conference tomorrow at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. at the El Paso Community College conference center. The second night of the event will include a 6 p.m. concert. For information, call 821-2720. ACAP Job Fair A Job Fair sponsored by the Association of the United States Army and the Army Career and Alumni Program will be held May 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Centennial Club. ACAP Center Soldiers who are preparing to leave the service can visit the Army Career and Alumni Program in Bldg. 515A and take a look at what the civilian job market has to offer. This information can help guide the decision regarding future career paths. Soldiers may register with the ACAP Center up to one year prior to leaving the Army or two years prior to retirement. For more information, call 568-7996 or 568-3870 or visit the Center to establish appointments. Polo with a Purpose The American Cancer Society is sponsoring Polo with a Purpose, a polo match featuring Tommy Lee Jones and his Polo team, San Saba, to benefit El Paso’s Metro Market and the American Cancer Society. The festivities will include a catered meal and cold drinks throughout the event. Gates open at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Tarahumara Polo Club in La Union, N.M. For information, call Maria Ruiz at 544-4427 or e-mail maria.ruiz@cancer.org. 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. J.E.B. Stuart, Marshall, Robert E. Lee and Cassidy Gates will all be open for entry to the base. The event is open to the public. Seating is limited and around 2,000 people are expected to attend, therefore, early arrival or bringing your own chair is suggested. AAU registration The Amateur Athletic Union, the oldest and largest sports organization in the nation, is announcing its open sign-up and registration period for new and existing local amateur sports teams, clubs and other youth and adult sports organizations. The area AAU district office will provide all needed support. For more information, call 565-9738. 62nd Army Band recruiting The 62nd Army Band is looking for rhythm section players and vocalists for its Show Band. The band performs a mix of swing music, rock, funk and R&B and other popular styles of music at numerous events in the community. This is a limited opportunity. Call 1st Sgt. Frank Suri at 569-2263 for more information. Pool league sign-up The Association for Pool league is coming to Fort Bliss. Sign-up today for a chance to play in local tournaments. For more information, call (888) 697-4827 or e-mail daniel.houck@us.army.mil. Warrant officer selection The Office of the Chief of Air Defense Artillery is assisting interested Soldiers in military occupational specialties 14E, 14J, 14R, 14S, 14T, 27X and others in putting together packets in preparation for upcoming warrant officer selection boards. Information on prerequisites and sample packets can be found at www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/ or call 568-1300 or 568-6157 for information. AAFES/commissary meeting The next combined AAFES/commissary council meeting will be held Tuesday at 9 a.m. in Bldg. 1717. The combined council meetings are open to all AAFES and commissary patrons. Healthy cooking school The El Paso Diabetes Association is conducting a Healthy Cooking School class today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the El Paso Diabetes Association Kitchen. Seating is limited, so call 532-6280 to pre-register as soon as possible. Diabetes management The El Paso Diabetes Association conducts Diabetes Management classes Monday through Thursday and every other Saturday. The class times are 9 a.m. to noon, 6 to 9 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 532-6280. EPDA specialized class The El Paso Diabetes Association will be conducting a specialized class on how to use an Animas Insulin Pump May 26 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Seating is limited, so call 532-6280 to pre-register as soon as possible. Healthcare forum luncheon The Military Coalition of El Paso will be holding a luncheon June 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fort Bliss Officers’ Club. The theme of the luncheon is Retiree and Veterans’ Healthcare Forum, and all military retirees, military widows and veterans are invited to attend. Congressman Silvestre Reyes will be the keynote speaker. For more information, call Lt. Col. John B. McKinney at 598-4348. Dog training classes The Onate Trail Dog Fanciers Association will hold a “Meet the Breed” and “Canine Good Citizen” testing Sunday at Nations Tobin Park. The club will offer literature and information about responsible dog ownership and dog training, as well as an opportunity to meet and learn about more than a dozen different dog breeds. For more information, call 479-5113. Footprints of Heroes Footprints of Heroes, a new book by historical novelist Robert Skimin, is now available. The book is a non-fiction story covering the heroic deeds of those who made the United States what it is today. Church rummage sale The Grace Lutheran Church is having a rummage sale Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 755-1323. Korean War veteran reunion The 11th annual Korean War Veterans reunion will be held Oct. 3 through 6 in Laughlin, Nev. The event will include a flag-raising ceremony, a trip to the American Hero’s Museum and a free show, entitled “Wings of Eagles.” For more information, or to register for the event, call Dick Poole at (800) 523-4715. Cheerleader camp A cheerleader camp will be held July 9 and 16 from 9 a.m. to noon for boys and girls, ages 4 to 13. Children can be registered at any one of the following locations: July 9 camp – 11620 Vista Del Sol (855-4147) or 701 N. Glenwood (779-2799) July 16 camp – 9301 Alameda Ave. (858-1929) or 4435 Maxwell (755-7566) For more information, call Eliseo Duran at 533-3311. Estate claims Anyone who has a claim to the estate of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Leo C. Reynolds Jr. should contact Maj. Greg Weaver at 568-9403. Chili cook-off The El Paso Sergeants Major Association is sponsoring an Armed Forces Day Chili Cook-Off Saturday. 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. Case lot sale The commissary will hold a case lot sale Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For information, call 568-4022. 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 today. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 pilot program 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. 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 568-1132. 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, call 568-1132. 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? 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 ACS in Bldg. 2494. For information, call Relocation Services at 568-6291.