Rhinos Miitary Night
The 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 5th Brigade, 1st Armored Division, will support military appreciation night. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., Jan. 26, at the El Paso County Coliseum. The public is invited to view military equipment on display and interact with Soldiers. The Hanson Brothers will perform. Courtesy photo.
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.
PWOC
Are you overwhelmed? Lonely? We have the place for you. PWOC is a group of women getting together once a week to study God’s Word. We offer several Bible Studies. Come join us Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at Bldg. 449 next to Chapel 1. Watch care is provided for newborn and up. We also have a home school room for older children.
Award ceremony
Stoddert-del Norte Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, will recognize the nominees for Texas Armed Services’ 2007 Outstanding Company Grade Officer during a ceremony scheduled for 2:45 p.m. today at the Fort Bliss Museum & Study Center. DAR State Regent Lynn Forney Young will announce the recipient for this year’s award.
For more information, contact Terri Sirois at 568-6056 or Jane Golden at 584-1566.
Credit repair workshop
Why pay someone else for something an individual can do themselves. If your credit report has some imperfections or blemishes that you want to correct or you want to learn how to improve your credit score, come to a credit repair workshop 9 to 11 a.m. today at the Army Community Service. To register, call 568-7088.
Gold Star Wives luncheon
The Gold Star Wives of America, El Paso Del Norte Fort Bliss Chapter, is hosting a luncheon Noon today at the Fort Bliss Officers Club. Guest speaker Charlie Hooten, former El Paso County commissioner will talk benefits available to seniors in the El Paso city and county limits. For more information, contact: Jeanne Thompson at 598-0981.
Family childcare training
Family Child Care Program will be conducting a weeklong training for military spouses who want to provide child care in their home. Applicants must be 21 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent. This applies to families living on post and families who live off post as the FCC program has homes off post. The training will be conducted 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today to Feb. 1. Classes include USDA food program, child growth and development, business practices, food handlers, fire, safety, health, child abuse prevention and others. Orientation for the class will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Friday for all applicants and former providers. To register for the classes and initiate background checks, all interested individuals are requested to come by the FCC office, Bldg. 1743, Victory Road. For more information, call 658-4198.
Planning and budgeting
Do you feel like no matter how hard you try to pay all your bills, you still find yourself living paycheck to paycheck, worse yet; strapped for cash? This class will evaluate your current financial situation, create a budget, and begin planning for the future. Class is from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Friday, at the Army Community Service. To register, call 568-7088.
Race for the Cure
MWR is teaming up to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The event is going to be held Feb. 17 at the Smith Bliss Field on Fort Bliss. Contestants may participate in a 5-K competitive coed run at 8 a.m.; 5-K non-competitive coed run/walk or one- mile coed fun run/walk at 9 a.m. If you would like to join the MWR team, fill out an application and drop it off by noon Friday at the MWR marketing office, Bldg. 11 on Pershing Road. Applications can be picked-up at all Fort Bliss gyms, the ITR located inside the PX mall, at the MWR marketing office, or printed off www.elpasokomen.org. For more information about the race, call the race office at 533-4433. MWR team questions can be directed to 568-6741.
Framing classes
Learn from certified instructors how you can professionally frame pictures, diplomas, or certificates. Framing classes are held every other Saturday from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30.The $30 fee includes a picture, materials and instructions. Individuals are able to do self projects after completion of instructional class. For more information and to sign-up stop by Framing Bliss, Bldg. 820 or call 568-5563.
Environmental forum
The Bi-monthly Environmental Forum meeting is from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday at the Fort Bliss Museum and Study Center, Bldg. 1735. Agenda topics include, Archaeological Resource Protection Act, Recycle Outreach Coordinator and Water Conservation. The public forum is intended for environmental compliance officers, hazardous waste generators, vehicle maintenance personnel, paint booth operators, fuel handlers, pesticide applicators and water and waste water systems operators. For more information, call Stan Green at 568-7041.
Identity theft class
Come learn new strategies on how to protect yourself and your money from identity theft and consumer scams by attending a Military Smart Consumer class presented by the Better Business Bureau of El Paso from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesday at your ACS office. Please call 568-7088 to enroll. Free child care available.
FEW job workshops
The Three Crosses Chapter of Federally Employed Women is sponsoring a regional training program to be held Tuesday and Feb. 1 at the Hotel Encanto in Las Cruces. Registration for this year’s “Mountain of Opportunity” event is open and includes a variety of workshop sessions dealing with leadership qualities, resume building, webpage development and organizational skills. For more information, contact Joyce Hageman (575) 678-6519 or Marcia Davis (575) 678-5328.
Dressing on a budget
Dressing professional, casual or out on the town can still be done while on a budget. Come and learn some tips to help you achieve style for less. All bargain shoppers are welcome. Class is from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 31 at the Army Community Service. To register, call 568-7088.
Brass bartending
The Fort Bliss Officers’ Club would like to invite you and your unit/battalion/ brigade to have a Brass Bartending event starting Feb. 1. Brass Bartending is a fun and creative way to raise funds for you unit. Unit, brigade or battalion commanders assist in tending the bar in exchange for tips to go toward their unit fund. For a list of available dates and to sign- up call 569-5715, 568-7013 or stop by the O’Club, Bldg. 250.
Mardi Gras party
“Metro Station”, located in the lower level of the Centennial, will host a Mardi Gras Party 11 p.m. Feb. 2. The New Orleans-style party will feature DJ entertainment, free snacks and beads for party guests. Admission is free from 10 to 11:59 p.m.; there is a $5 cover charge from midnight to 4 a.m. The Pub and Metro Station encourages the Don’t Drink and Drive campaign and can assist with courtesy taxi rides to residences off post when necessary. Residences are limited to those within the El Paso city limits. Also, individuals who volunteer to be designated drivers receive free soft drinks all evening. For more information, contact the Centennial at 562-5969 or visit www.blissmwr.com.
Super Bowl parties
MWR facilities will be hosting Super Bowl XLII parties Feb. 3. The Centennial Club will host its Super Bowl Party beginning at 2 p.m. in The Pub and the Officers’ Club will begin its festivities at 2 p.m. in the Down Under Club. For more information, call 562-5969 or 568-7013.
JEFC
The Junior Enlisted Family Center will start plastic canvas craft classes for Valentines Day from 9:30 to 11:30 Feb. 5 and 12, Bldg. 51, Slater Road. First class is free. For more information and to join a class, call 474-3942 or 568-7291.
Society of Military Widows
The Society of Military Widows, Desert Sun Chapter 30 is hosting a lunch meeting starting at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Officers’ Club. For reservations and more information, call 598-3835.
BOSS trip
BOSS is offering a Las Vegas trip from Feb. 8 to 11. The bus will depart Fort Bliss Feb. 7 at 10 p.m. and depart from Las Vegas Feb 11 at 8 a.m. Single Soldiers, Soldiers and their significant other are invited to attend. Participants must be at least 18 years of age. Interested patrons may sign-up at the ITR offices, located in Bldg. 1743 and inside the PX mall. Feb. 4 is the deadline to sign-up. The $150 trip includes bus transportation and three-night stay at Hooters Hotel and Casino. For more information, call 526-4264 or email BOSS2@conus.army.mil.
Women’s club
The Wome’s Club of El Paso is hosting a card and game party Feb. 9 at 1460 N. Mesa Street from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The $25 fee includes a continental breakfast, buffet lunch and a raffle ticket for an egg pendant from Russia. For more information, call 591-6445.
Valentine’s Day dinner
Treat a loved one to a romantic night Feb. 14 at the historic Officer’s Club for an intimate evening dinner The menu includes a Salad with Arugula, parmesan crusted tenderloin with grilled shrimp, grilled asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, dinner roll, feta cheese with fresh fruit, dessert, served with wine. Club member’s price is $25 per person, non-members is $30 per person. For mor information and reservations, call 568-7013.
Youth trout tournament
Fort Bliss CYS and the Ascarate Fishing Club will conduct a free Youth Trout Tournament from 8 a.m. to noon Feb. 16 at Ascarate Lake. Tournament will be open to the El Paso/Fort Bliss community. CYS will host a cook out and awards presentation afterward. Bait limited rods and reel will be on hand to borrow with a picture ID card as collateral. Park admission is $1 per car. Catch and release policies will be enforced with participants. on-site registration will begin at 7:30 a.m.. at the Ascarate Fishing Club pavilion. Bus rides are available to military ID card holders. For additional info call 568-0834 or to download a map of the lake, visit www.blissmwr.com/SAS.
Black history program
In celebration of “Black History Month” Maestro Phillip Gabriel Garcia, EPYSO, and Vista Hills Rotary present “Held in Trust,” A one-man, one-act play about the first African-American U.S. Army Officer performed by George Snead, local artist, actor, and commissioner on the Arts for the State of Texas. Jazz musician Billy Towns will be performing before the show and again after the play while our patrons enjoy appetizers and refreshments in the Atrium. This one time performance is a 7 p.m. Feb. 29 YISD Cultural Arts Theater, located at 9600 Sims. Tickets are $20. Proceeds go to local charity. For more information, call 820-2952 or e-mail Maestro@epyso.com.
Spring bazaar
The Fort Bliss Officer, Civilian and Spouse Association will have their Annual Spring Craft Bazaar March 1 and 2, at Stout Gym.
The bazaar will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 1 and continue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 2. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children age 10 to 16. Children younger than age 10 are free. The bazaar features artisans, handcrafted crafts, antiques, quilts, jewelry and food. Stout Gym is located on Cassidy Road and can be accessed through the Remagen Gate off of Airport Road. No pass is needed through Remagen Gate, but driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance are required. This event is open to the public. For more information, call 630-9309.
FAP
Mandatory domestic violence awareness training AR 608-18 – If domestic violence is to end, each person in this community must form a partnership that focuses on creating a safe violence-free environment. Call Yadira Velasco at 569-7749 or e-mail Yadira.velasco@us.army.mil, to schedule your unit’s annual mandatory domestic violence awareness training.
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.
Team Bliss scholarships
Applications are now available for 2008 Team Bliss Merit Scholarships. Spouses and children of active-duty or retired enlisted servicemembers of any rank may apply. Applicants must be planning to enroll, or be enrolled, in a two-year college (resident or online), four-year college or university (resident or online), or vocational school and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. The postmark deadline for completed applications is March 15. For a copy of the application and instructions, e-mail blissscholarships@yahoo.com or for more information, call 261-7599.
Hometown News release
Fort Bliss personnel looking for a convenient way to submit hometown news releases can now click on the link located at 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.
Lifeguard training
This training teaches lifeguard candidates the skills and knowledge needed to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies as a professional lifeguard. Certification includes CPR/AED for the professional rescuer, lifeguard training and First Aid. Optional training is available for bloodborne pathogens, oxygen administration, and as a shallow water guard. Participants must be at least 15 years old and must demonstrate specific swimming and strength capabilities. . Classes are as follows:
Section 1015: March 24 through 28 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Spring Break)
Section 1017: April 4 through 13 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Section 1018: May 2 through 11 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Section 1019: June 3 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost is $125, paid to the Red Cross and an additional $40 for a pool fee. Interested individuals must register at the Red Cross, 3620 Admiral Street, 592-0208.
For more information, contact Edward Wiles at 568-7431 or 568-5380 or visit www.blissmwr.com.
O’ Club membership
Officers’ Club membership is open to all officers, command sergeants major, and civilian personnel GS-7 and NF-03 and above. Club membership has many valuable benefits to include: Monthly members only cultural program, annual membership appreciation night; discounted lunch entrees, dinner and special event prices; special pricing at the Underwood Golf Complex, Auto Crafts, Fort Bliss Bowling, and more.
For a complete list of entitlements as members, call 568-4444.
Bowling special
The Bowling Center will be offering a free game coupon for those patrons that throw a strike when the blue pin is the head pin. The front desk must be notified of the blue pin shot before the actual delivery is made. If a strike is earned, a free game coupon will be issued for use during a future visit to the bowling center. For more information, call 569-6272 or visit Bldg. 2949.
Ruidoso specials
Ruidoso, located 140 miles north of El Paso, has exclusive offers available for active and retired military personnel. Visit the Information, Ticketing, Registration offices located inside the PX mall and Bldg. 1743 or visit www.ruidosorrr.com/ for a complete list of participating hotels and businesses.
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.
Voice your complaint
Feeling wronged or have you had an unpleasant experience with an area business? Do you have a complaint? Complain effectively, promptly, and make it matter by contacting the ACS office. Contact Shalita Moore at 568-7088 or email shalita.moore@us.army.mil.
Pre-marital 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.) Paul Blundell at the Family Life Chaplain’s office at 568-2623.
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, 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).
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.
Newcomer’s 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.
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.
American Red Cross
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.
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.
Catholic Women Council
Military Council of Catholic Women meets from 9 to 11:30 a.m. every Friday at Bldg. 449. First Friday of each month Mass is held at 9 a.m. in Chapel 1 followed by a business meeting and fellowship. The second and fourth Friday, rosaries are made for Soldiers. The third Friday a Bible study is held. Free child care is provided. For more information, call Marilyn Christman at 772-0453 or Karen Fletcher at 231-5802.
Best Sapper competition
The fourth annual Best Sapper Competition, sponsored by the U.S. Army Engineer School’s Sapper Leader Course, will be held May 6-8 at Fort Leonard Wood. Registration for the competition is underway and is open to all Soldiers serving in the 21-series career field. The competition, organized in two-man buddy teams, is designed to test the knowledge, physical ability and mental strength of Engineer Soldiers throughout the regiment. For 52 hours, teams will compete in several grueling events, which involve demolitions, mountaineering, U.S. and threat weapons and land navigation. Military and non-military awards, along with bragging rights, will be given to the top three teams. For more information, contact the Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office at (573) 563-6212 or to register, visit http://www.wood.army.mil/sapper/.
Sheriff volunteers
The El Paso County Sheriff is looking for retirees available to volunteer at the Sheriff’s Academy, Crime Records, and Public affairs. Duties will include veterans’ affairs, fingerprinting, and maintaining media records. A background check is required. Contact Ron Murphy at 546-8117 or Cell 227-0256.
Warrior Adventure Quest
Fort Bliss’ MWR Outdoor Recreation will be implementing the Warrior Adventure Quest Program. WAQ is an Army outdoor recreation program that provides adventure activity skill instruction for Soldiers returning from deployment. The WAQ introduces or enhances lifetime leisure skills while serving as a deterrent to destructive conduct. Family members participation is welcome. Adventure programs include: paintball, scuba diving, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and rock climbing. For more information, look for updated MWR calendars in the Monitor, or visit www.blissmwr.com.