Army Strong high school wrestling tournament
Local and regional high school wrestlers will compete in the Second Annual “Army Strong” High School Wrestling Tournament Friday and Saturday, with the action beginning at 9 a.m. each day at Stout Physical Fitness Center. U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program wrestlers will conduct a clinic today from 5 to 6 p.m. at Stout PFC. Trophies will be awarded to first-, second- and third-place teams, individual medals will go to the top six wrestlers in each weight class, and a fastest pin trophy, most outstanding wrestler plaque and team sportsmanship plaque will also be awarded. For more information, call 568-4508. Photo by Wilson A. Rivera.
Off Duty is a compilation of military-affiliated information and events focused for the Soldier, their family members and veterans. Information should be 100 words or less and contain no editorializing. An informational brief that is not time specific will not run for more than 30 days. All submissions are due no later than Friday for publication in the following week’s paper.
Thanksgiving baskets
The ASYMCA-JEFC is having their Thanksgiving baskets event Monday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the ASYMCA Residence Inn, located at 7060 Comington St.
Turkeys will be issued to military families in need.
Please bring a military ID.
DWI holiday campaign
During the holiday season, Nov. 23 through Jan. 3, all MWR facilities that serve alcohol will have free sodas available for designated drivers, as well as free taxi rides within city limits for those who need them. For more information, contact the associated facility or call 568-6741.
Flu shots
Flu shots and mists will be available from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today and Friday and Nov. 26 to 30 at the Fort Bliss Stayton Movie Theater across from the Soldier Family Medical Clinic.
Lions Club
The next Lions Club meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Trinity-First Methodist Church, Resler Bldg., Fellowship Hall, 801 North Mesa, on the corner of North Mesa and Yandell. The program will be presented by Bernie Olivas, CEO of the Sun Bowl Association, and his topic will be “Who is Coming to the Sun Bowl?” For information, call Gene Reimer at 585-1713.
Project Linus
Project Linus is an organization of volunteers who make blankets and quilts for seriously ill and traumatized children in the El Paso area. The next meeting will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Northeast Recreation Center in Veterans’ Park, 5301 Salem. For information, call 585-1492.
Waiting Families Thanksgiving
The Waiting Families program will be sponsoring a Thanksgiving Day celebration for all registered waiting families at Cattlemen’s Restaurant in Fabens from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. The cost will be $10 for the entire waiting family. Price includes dinner and a hayride. For more information or for reservations, call ACS at 568-1132.
Puerto Rico Discovery Day
Puerto Rico Discovery Day will be celebrated with a mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin of Providence, Patron Saint of the Island. The mass is at 6 p.m. Monday at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at 2709 Alabama St. For more information, call 491-8573 or (575) 589-2389.
Traffic court notice
Traffic Court scheduled for Tuesday has been reset for Nov. 27. All who have a scheduled traffic court date Tuesday must appear at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 27. For information regarding court, call Luz E. Juarez at 568-0761.
Understanding credit
There are so many credit card offers and loans out there, how do you know which is best for you? The Financial Readiness Program is offering a class to explain the different types of accounts that exist, the importance of viewing your credit report, knowing your debt-to-income ratio and more. The class is Nov. 28 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Army Community Service. To register, call 568-7088.
Waiting Families news
Fort Bliss Waiting Families will sponsor a free dinner for all registered waiting families from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 14 at the Centennial Club on Biggs Army Airfield. For more information or for reservations, call ACS at 568-1132.
Planning and budgeting
Do you feel like no matter how hard you try to pay all your bills, you still find your self living paycheck to paycheck – worse yet, strapped for cash? If so, this class is for you. In this class, you will evaluate your current financial situation, create a budget and begin planning for the future. The class is from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Nov. 30 at Army Community Service. To register, call 568-7088.
Sun Bowl Parade
The 71st annual FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade will begin at 10 a.m. Nov. 22 on the corner of Montana Avenue and Ochoa Street and end at Copia Street. The military grand marshals are Col. Heidi V. Brown, Fort Bliss deputy commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Lee G. Handy, Air Defense Artillery School command sergeant major.
Children’s craft class
Old Fort Bliss will host the first After-Thanksgiving Craft Class for Kids from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 23. Children will learn how to make cornhusk dolls and hear the lore of this legendary craft. For each child, the class will cost $3 for one doll or $5 for two dolls. Reservations are not necessary but are appreciated, as supplies must be purchased.
For more information or to make reservations, call Lauri-Anne Disinger at the Children’s Bicultural Living History Program office at 568-3137.
Exhibit ends
“Bodies Human: Anatomy in Motion,” an exhibit of real human bodies preserved by a process of plastination, will close its doors Nov. 25. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. A military discount is available. For more information, call 533-4330.
Pre-martial counseling
Those wishing to marry in a Fort Bliss chapel must have pre-marital counseling. A one-day class is offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first Thursday of every month in Bldg. 448. Lunch is provided. Reservations must be made by the last Thursday of the preceding month by calling 568-1519. For information, call Chaplain (Maj.) Blundell at the Family Life Chaplain’s office at 568-2623.
German Christmas bazaar
Aid for the Needy and Helping Hands organizations are sponsoring a German Christmas Bazaar from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 2 at the German Community Center on Robert E. Lee Road. Patrons will have the opportunity to buy handmade Christmas gifts and enjoy German food and beverages. Proceeds will be donated to charity projects for underprivileged families. Admission is free. For information, call 568-0259 or 568-4824.
Sun Bowl reservations
Reservations are currently being accepted for the Sun Bowl. Seats are limited and reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Payments are accepted in cash, check or credit card. For information, call Terri Sirois at 568-6056.
Sun Bowl Brunch
Reservations are being accepted for the Sun Bowl Brunch, scheduled for 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 31 at the Fort Bliss Officers’ Club. For information, call Terri Sirois at 568-6056.
New Year’s Eve parties
Come blow out the New Year 007-style Dec. 31 at the Fort Bliss Officers’ Club. The celebration features entertainment, dinner and breakfast. Cost for members is $85 per couple or $65 for singles. Non-members are $95 per couple or $75 for singles. Call 568-7013 for information and reservations. The Centennial Club New Year’s Dance party begins at 10 p.m. in the Metro Station Nightclub, lasting until 4 a.m. Champagne and a breakfast buffet will be served. Cost is $20 per couple or $12 for singles. Call 562-5969 for reservations and information.
Tickets to either event are non-refundable. After Dec. 17, tickets for either event must be purchased at ITR.
CID reward
A reward is being offered by the Fort Bliss Criminal Investigation Division Office for information leading to the identification, apprehension and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the suspected housebreaking and larceny of one Ruger 9 mm pistol, serial number 311-11363; five X-box video game systems, serial numbers 8033208457, 0552992389, 8222403581, 9002448 and 34928041; one JVC DVD player, serial number 14826783; one Toshiba 42” plasma television, serial number 79X64237; one Proview 17” television, serial number F9F25B197990U; one JVC 29” television, serial number AV-29VS24MAT; one decorative sword; four binders containing approximately 1,000 music compact discs; and three binders containing approximately 900 DVD movies. The theft occurred at 4419 Fineman Circle, Fort Bliss. Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is urged to contact the CID office at the following numbers: DSN 978-1700/6333 or commercial at (915) 568-1700/6333. Your identity can remain confidential.
Hometown news
Fort Bliss personnel looking for a convenient way to submit hometown news releases can now click on the link located on the Fort Bliss Web site, www.bliss.army.mil. Fill in pertinent information, select “submit” and then click “go.” An option for attaching photos or supporting documents is also provided. Staff there will turn the information into a press release and submit it to the hometown media outlets identified through the Soldiers’ family members’ ZIP code. For information, contact your brigade public affairs office, call 568-2497 or e-mail Donita.schexnaydre@us.army.mil.
MOAA scholarships
The El Paso Chapter, Military Officers Association of America, announces the MOAA 2008-2009 scholarship, grant and interest-free loan programs. Eligibility requirements for scholarships and grants are at www.moaa.org/education. Interest-free loans are available for students younger than 24 who are children of MOAA members (former, active, retired and Reserve or National Guard officers), and children of active-duty, Reserve, National Guard or retired enlisted military personnel. Online applications are available through March 1. Applicants must have a 3.0 grade point average and be planning to attend an accredited college or university as a full-time student. For information, call (800) 234-6622.
EFMP
The Exceptional Family Member Program is a program designed to provide assignment coordination and support for military families. If you are interested in additional information, please contact the EFMP coordinator at 568-3052.
The Exceptional Family Member Program is looking for volunteers to assist with monthly support group meetings and recreational or cultural outings for the children. For information, call 568-7088.
Crimeline
The Fort Bliss Directorate of Emergency Services has implemented a telephone tip line for reporting criminal activity. This new tip line is called Crimeline and is intended as a means for individuals with information on criminal activity to provide that information to the authorities while remaining anonymous. Crimeline is monitored by Fort Bliss Military Police only. The number is 744-COPS (2677).
Special Forces PT
Soldiers in the rank of staff sergeant and below are invited to participate in the Special Forces Physical Training Program. SFPT consists of runs, ruck-marches and upper-body conditioning. Learn about the physical requirements, commitment and challenge to be a Green Beret. There will also be classes on foot care, rucksack packing and land navigation. Anyone interested in SFPT must sign in by 6:30 a.m. Monday to Friday at the recruiting office, Bldg. 273, Club Road, near Cassidy Gate. For information, call 569-6432 or 569-6433.
Newcomer orientation
This class covers all programs offered by Army Community Service as well as community resources. This is a mandatory class for all newly-assigned Soldiers, private through staff sergeant. Classes are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday in the ACS ballroom. Child care is free for all children registered with Child and Youth Services. For information, call 568-1132.
PWOC
Protestant Women of the Chapel meets Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Center Chapel 1. Participate in worship and Bible study with other women. Child care is provided, along with a home school room. For more information, call Jane Ahl at 564-3936 or Trudy Wyant at 433-5342.
Spouse employment
The Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce and Workforce Commission have developed an online database for military spouses who are on orders to PCS to Fort Bliss and for spouses currently stationed here seeking employment. This is not a database for existing jobs; this is a site from which businesses can recruit candidates and possibly create a position should the right person come along. Registration is open to all military spouses. Spouses and businesses can register online at www.elpasojobregister.com.
Red Cross volunteers
The ARC is actively recruiting volunteers. Those interested in volunteering must first attend a volunteer orientation, fill out the volunteer packet and complete the background check. Volunteer orientations are held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Fridays at the Fort Bliss Red Cross, Bldg. 45, Slater Road, and at the El Paso Red Cross, 3620 Admiral St., from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays. To register, call 568-4898 or 592-0208.
NCO Wives Club
The Noncommissioned Officer Wives’ Club helps enhance the morale and welfare of the Fort Bliss and surrounding communities. Learn what it means to be the spouse of an NCO. The meetings are at 9:30 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month at Bldg. 2009, Sheridan Road. For information, call 851-2311 or 590-7202.
Employment readiness
The Employment Readiness Program located at Army Community Service, Bldg. 2494, Ricker Road, was created to address the employment needs of today’s military spouses by providing them the tools they need to successfully search for, obtain and maintain employment. Spouse employment orientation is at 10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Visit www.blissmwr.com and click on ACS employment to download an employment handbook with the answers to frequently asked questions. Ongoing workshops are available in RESUMIX/Ten Steps to a Federal Job, Writing a Winning Resume, Networking for Job Search and Career Success, Jumpstart Your Job Search, Job Interviewing Techniques, Career Exploration and Planning and How to Mobilize Your Home Business. For information, call 568-1132. Other useful sites are http://workintexas.com, www.militaryspousejobsearch.org and www.military.com/spouse.
Domestic violence awareness
If domestic violence is to end, each one of us in this community must form a partnership that focuses on creating a safe, violence-free environment. This partnership reinforces that everyone has a right to feel safe and takes a stand against domestic violence. Please contact Yadira Velasco at 569-5058 to schedule your unit’s annual mandatory domestic violence awareness training.
Promotion points
Soldiers can earn promotion points for completing Army Family Team Building and Instructor Training classes. Classes are held at Army Community Service, Bldg. 2494, Ricker Road, or online. For information, call 568-2382.
Blood shortage
The Armed Services Blood Program is critically short of types O negative and AB blood. Personnel with those and any other blood type can make an appointment to donate at www.militaryblood. dod.mil Blood donated through the ASBP is used for the military community.
Sexual assault awareness
Active and Reserve Components are required to receive annual sexual assault training. Call 569-5374 for more information.
Cancer volunteers
The Rio Grande Cancer Foundation/ GreenHouse is looking for volunteers to donate their time and talent to cancer patients. For information, call Kylene Davis at 562-7660 or visit www.rgcf.org.
UTEP ROTC
The University of Texas at El Paso Green to Gold active-duty option allows Soldiers to continue on active duty with full pay and benefits. For more information, call 747-6692 or attend their weekly Green to Gold brief at 1 p.m. Wednesdays at the Fort Bliss Education Center.
Madatory POV training
In accordance with HQDA implementation and training guidance for the Army Traffic Safety Training Program (ATSTP), successful completion of the POV classroom training is required for all Soldiers under 26 years of age. All Army personnel newly assigned to Fort Bliss will receive local traffic hazards (30 minutes) training and the Intermediate Traffic Safety Training (2 hours). These training courses are scheduled and given by the Installation Safety Office, Bldg. 515-B, 2nd Floor, Room 208. For course registration or additional information, please contact Mr. Bautista at 568-7772. Units can schedule their Soldiers, 25 per class, for the morning class or afternoon class given on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If units wish to submit an attendance roster of their Soldiers, please hand carry to the Safety Office or fax it to the Safety Office at 568-7952, ATTN: Mr. Bautista.