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 member 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. 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.
Valentine’s Day contest
The Monitor is looking for the most romantic phrases personnel from Team Bliss would like to say to their loved ones. The top five phrases will appear in The Monitor along with the winners’ photos. No clichés! Deadline is Feb. 7.
The Monitor is also having a contest for the most romantic story. Please limit the entry to no more than 500 words. The top three stories will be published in The Monitor Feb. 14 and the first-place winner will get a $25 gift certificate from Steak and Ale restaurant.
A six-judge panel will select the winners. Send your romantic phrases and stories to virginia.reza@us.army.mil.
For more information, call 568-6374.
Biggest Loser competition
Biggest Loser begins its new season Feb. 8. To join the Biggest Loser program, visit Stout Gym and pick up a packet at the juice bar and pay the $300 fee. The fee covers a pedometer, water bottle, a “Six Weeks to Weight and Training Success” book, a grocery list, meal plans, diet tips and giveaways throughout the program and, most importantly personal training sessions, which can average from $25 and up an hour in the community. Winners will receive a package of goodies and the satisfaction of looking good.
Dressing on a budget
Dressing professionally, casually or for a night 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. The class is from 9 to 10:30 a.m. today at Army Community Service. To register, call 568-7088.
Brass Bartending
The Fort Bliss Officers’ Club would like to invite you and your unit to have a Brass Bartending event starting Friday. Brass Bartending is a fun and creative way to raise funds for your unit. Unit, brigade or battalion commanders assist in tending the bar in exchange for tips to go to toward their unit funds. For a list of available dates and to sign- up, call 569-5715 or 568-7013 or stop by the O’ Club.
Mardi Gras party
Metro Station, located in the lower level of the Centennial Club, will host a Mardi Gras party at 11 p.m. Saturday. 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., and there is a $5 cover charge from midnight to 4 a.m. The Pub and Metro Station discourage drinking and driving and can assist with courtesy taxi rides to residences off post when necessary. Individuals who volunteer to be designated drivers receive free soft drinks all evening. For more information, call 562-5969 or visit www.blissmwr.com.
Super Bowl parties
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 classes
The Junior Enlisted Family Center will hold plastic canvas craft classes for Valentine’s Day from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday and Feb. 12 at Bldg. 51 on Slater Road, next to the fire station. The first class is free. For more information or to join a class, call 474-3942 or 568-7291.
Military widows lunch
The Society of Military Widows, Desert Sun Chapter 30 is hosting a lunch meeting at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at the Officers’ Club. For reservations or more information, call 598-3835.
Improv comedy contest
Help MWR win a $5,000 comedy show by visiting www.ArmyMWR.com and looking for the “Should You Have Been in Vince Vaughn’s Latest Movie?” promotion. Find the topic of the day on the movie promo page and enter your joke or humorous comment. One winner will be selected each day to receive a Flip video camera recorder. The contest ends Feb. 8.
BOSS Las Vegas trip
BOSS is offering a Las Vegas trip from Feb. 7 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 others 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 a three-night stay at the Hooters Hotel and Casino. For more information, call 526-4264 or e-mail BOSS2@conus.army.mil.
Waiting families
Those with spouses on an unaccompanied tour for one year or more can join the Fort Bliss Waiting Spouses and Children Group. They provide resources to help cope with the separation and maintain your long-distance relationship. You’ll learn relaxation methods and share experiences with others who are coping with the same challenges. Child care is free for all children registered with Youth Services.
The Fort Bliss Waiting Families will sponsor free bowling Feb. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Fort Bliss Bowling Center. For more information, call 568-1132.
Valentine’s Day dinner
Treat a loved one to a romantic night Feb. 14 at the O’ Club for an intimate 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 and dessert served with wine. The price for club members is $25 per person, $30 for non-members. For more information and reservations, call 568-7013.
Family fishing day
Fort Bliss CYS and the Ascarate Fishing Club will conduct a free youth trout fishing tournament from 8 a.m. to noon Feb. 16 at Ascarate Lake. The tournament will be open to the El Paso and Fort Bliss communities. CYS will host a cookout and award presentation afterward. Bait and a limited number of rods will be available to borrow with a photo 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 cardholders. For additional information, call 568-0834 or, to download a map of the lake, visit www.blissmwr.com/SAS.
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 ages 10 are free. The bazaar features artisans, handcrafted crafts, antiques, quilts, jewelry and food. Profits from the bazaar go to community programs and scholarships. Stout Gym is located on Cassidy Road and can be accessed through the Remagen Gate off 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.
MOAA scholarships
The El Paso Chapter, Military Officers Association of America, announces the MOAA 2008 to 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.
MADD sponsors walk
Mothers Against Drunk Drivers is sponsoring a walk to create safer roads and safer communities March 22 at Noel Field. The ceremony begins at 7:30 a.m. proceeded by the walk at 8 a.m. The walk supports local communities’ efforts to stop drunken driving, support victims and prevent underage drinking by engaging employees and their families in a fun and healthy activity. Anyone over 14 years old may volunteer. For more information, visit www.stridesforchange.com or call 779-1987.
SMA scholarship
The El Paso Sergeants Major Association is now taking applications for the 2008 scholarship grants. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors from the El Paso area that hold a B average or above and are family members of active-duty or retired noncommissioned officers.
Students who wish to apply need to send a No. 10-size self-addressed stamped envelope to El Paso Sergeants Major Association, Attn: Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 6050, Fort Bliss, Texas 79906-0050.
Application forms and a letter detailing requirements will be sent to the applicant.
Deadline for applications should be postmarked no later than April 30.
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 p.m. The $30 fee includes a picture, materials and instructions. Individuals are able to do self projects after completion of the instructional class. A framing contest based on skills and personal creativity is scheduled for May 16. Prizes will be awarded to the top three participants. For more information and to sign up stop, by Framing Bliss, Bldg. 820, or call 568-5563.
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.
• 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.
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 the Replica Aquatic Center, 568-7431 or 568-5380, or visit www.blissmwr. com.
New ITR hours
Starting Friday, the Information, Ticketing and Reservations satellite office located in the PX food court will change their operation hours to the following: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 2 to 2:30 p.m. closed for lunch and closed Sunday and holidays. For more information, travel and event specials, call 569-6424 or visit www.blissmwr.com.
Family advocacy
If domestic violence is to end, each person in this community must form a partnership that focuses on creating a safe, violence-free environment. The Family Advocacy Program reinforces that everyone has a right to feel safe and takes a stand against domestic violence. Contact Yadira Velasco at 569-7749 or e-mail Yadira.velasco@us.army.mil to schedule your unit’s annual mandatory domestic violence awareness training.
O’Club memberships
Officers’ Club membership is open to all officers, command sergeants major and civilian personnel GS-7 and NF-03 and above and members of the El Paso, Hispanic and Black chambers of commerce. Club membership has many valuable benefits including monthly members- only cultural programs, an annual membership appreciation night, discounted lunch entrees, dinner and special event prices and special pricing at the Underwood Golf Complex, Auto Crafts, Fort Bliss Bowling and so much more.
For a complete list of entitlements as members, call 568-4444 or stop by the O’Club, Bldg. 250.
Bowling specials
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.
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 through Friday at the recruiting office, Bldg. 273, Club Road, near Cassidy Gate. For information, call 569-6432 or 569-6433.
Voice complaints
Feeling wronged, or have you had an unpleasant experience with an area business? Do you have a complaint? Com-plain effectively and promptly, and make it matter by contacting the ACS office. Contact Shalita Moore at 568-7088 or email shalita.moore@us.army.mil.
Premarital counseling
Those wishing to marry in a Fort Bliss chapel must have premarital 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.
Hometown news
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.
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).
Newcomers’ 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. Registration is open to all military spouses. Spouses and businesses can register online at www.elpasojobregister.com.
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, call 568-3052.
EFMP is looking for volunteers to assist with monthly support group meetings and recreational or cultural outings for the children. For information, call 568-7088.
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 10 a.m. Monday and Wednesday. Visit www.bliss mwr.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.
NCO Wives’ Club
The Noncommissioned Officer Wives’ Club helps enhance the morale and welfare of the Fort Bliss and surrounding communities. 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.
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 564-3936 or 433-5342.
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 Fridays, 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.
Cancer volunteers
The Rio Grande Cancer Foundation/ GreenHouse is looking for volunteers to donate their time and talent to cancer patients. For information, call 562-7660 or visit www.rgcf.org.
Sexual assault awareness
Active and Reserve Components are required to receive sexual assault training. Call 569-5374 for more information.