Wounded warrior discounts
MWR offers a “Wounded Warrior Card” to individuals who are entitled for the following discounts: free games of bowling and shoe rental at the Bowling Center; free club rental, cart rental and green fees at the Underwood Golf Complex; and free usage of park facilities and free equipment rental at park facilities.
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 today.
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 Thursday 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.
Awards class
A class will be held today from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at ACS and will discuss information on awards available to recognize volunteers, as well as skills to write a justification for nominations worthy of recognition. For more information or to sing up, call 568-1132.
DIMHRS
The Defense Integrated Military Human Resource System goes online Oct. 1. There will be a town hall meeting today from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Sage Hall. DIMHRS will provide each servicemember with a single, comprehensive record of service featuring a self-service capability that will allow them to update portions of their personal information. Personnel records will be available to human resource professionals, combatant commanders, personnel and pay managers and other authorized users throughout the Army 24 hours a day.
From 1 to 2 p.m. their will be a change-network session for sponsors from G1 and AG at Sage Hall.
There will be a DIMHRS executive overview today from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Sage Hall.
Improv comedy contest
Help MWR win a $5,000 comedy show just 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. The contest ends Friday.
Biggest Loser competition
Biggest Loser begins its new season Friday. To join the Biggest Loser program, visit Stout Gym, 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, giveaways throughout the program and, most importantly, personal training sessions, which can average from $25 per hour and up in the community. Winners will receive a package of goodies and the satisfaction of looking good.
Women’s Club
The Women’s Club of El Paso is hosting a card and game party Saturday at 1460 N. Mesa St. 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.
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 Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Fort Bliss Bowling Center. For more information or to reserve your spot, please call ACS at 568-1132.
Consumer Awareness Fair
ACS will host a Consumer Awareness Fair Tuesday from 1 to 3 p.m. at ACS, Bldg. 2494. Attendees will learn how to be informed consumers and steps one can take to complain effectively. Child care is available, but patrons must call CDC at 568-5689. For more information, contact Shalita Moore at 568-7088.
Valentine’s Day dinner
Treat a loved one to a romantic night Thursday at the historic Officers’ 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 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.
Youth fishing tournament
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 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.
Auto crafts
Auto Crafts will be extending its operating hours due to an increased demand. Beginning Feb. 17, the shop will be open Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ROW meeting
The ROW club meets monthly at the O’Club every third Tuesday at noon. Memberships are available for $10 annually. The next meeting is Feb. 19 in honor of past club presidents. For more information, contact Regina Meigel at 755-9694 or e-mail rgmeigel@aol.com.
Filipino American Association
The Filipino American Association of El Paso is hosting its annual Mrs. Philippines-El Paso Coronation at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Centennial Club. Formal attire is requested. For more information, call Socorro Montague at 630-5104 or Dawn Lubas Thompson at 549-9659.
Black History Month play
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 patrons enjoy appetizers and refreshments in the atrium. This one-time performance is at 7 p.m. Feb. 29 at the Ysleta Independent School District 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 ages 10 to 16. Children younger than 10 are free. The bazaar, a Fort Bliss OCSA event for the past 20 years, features artisans, handcrafted crafts, antiques, quilts, jewelry and food. Profits from the bazaar go to community programs and scholarships. This event is open to the public. For more information, call 630-9309.
Volunteer Appreciation Week
Volunteer Appreciation Week is from April 27 through May 3. Please assist in identifying outstanding Fort Bliss volunteers by submitting nomination packets no later than March 14. Packets can be downloaded at www.blissmwr.com/volunteer/2008_volunteer_nomination.pdf. For more information, contact Tephanie Hopper at 568-1132.
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.
FRG fundraiser
Family Readiness Groups have an opportunity to raise money for their units by bringing a wide range of food, games, crafts and other booths to this year’s Eggstravaganza. The event will be held at Biggs Park March 15 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. To sign up and for more information, contact Lora Diem at 588-8247.
MADD 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., followed 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 older than 14 may volunteer. For more information, visit www.stridesforchange.com or call 779-1987.
Bataan memorial march
Register for the Bataan Memorial Death March, scheduled for March 30 at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. The march is conducted to honor the heroic servicemembers who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II, sacrificing their freedom, health and – for many – their lives. Choose between two routes: a 26.2-mile competition marathon and a commemorative 15.2-mile route. Registration is $50 per individual and $200 per five-man team. For more information and to register, visit www.bataanmarch.com.
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.
SMA scholarships
The El Paso Sergeants Major Association is now taking applications for 2008 scholarship grants. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors from the El Paso area who 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, TX 79906-0050.
Application forms and a letter detailing requirements will be sent to the applicant. Applications must be postmarked no later than April 30.
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 through 8 at Fort Leonard Wood. Mo. 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. For more information, contact the Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office at (573) 563-6212, or to register, visit www.wood.army.mil/sapper/.
Framing classes
Framing Bliss offers framing classes every other Saturday from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $30 per person and includes a picture, materials and instructions. The next class is Feb. 16. Interested patrons must sign up two days prior to the class. For more information or 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 or 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 March 28 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Section 1017: April 4 through April 13 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Section 1018: May 2 through May 11 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Section 1019: June 3 through June from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The cost is $125, paid to the Red Cross, and an additional $40 pool fee. Interested individuals must register at the Red Cross, 3620 Admiral St., or by calling 592-0208.
For more information, call Edward Wiles at 568-7431 or 568-5380 or visit www.blissmwr.com.
AUSA grants
The Omar N. Bradley Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army is offering five $1,000 academic grants to qualified applicants. Grants are open to all active-duty and Reserve Soldiers as well as their dependent spouses and children. Applicants must be more-than-part-time students or have been accepted by an accredited two- or four-year college, university or technical school. Application packets must be mailed by June 13. For more information, call Frederick Jones at 569-5759 or 238-4749.
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.
New ITR hours
Starting Friday, the Information, Ticketing and Reservations satellite office located in the PX food court will change their hours to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed for lunch from 2 to 2:30 p.m.; and closed Sunday and holidays. For more information, travel and event specials, call 569-6424 or visit www.blissmwr.com.
Family advocacy
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 mandatory annual domestic violence awareness training.
Veterans golf pass
Veterans can apply for membership to the George V. Underwood Golf Complex. All applicants must bring a copy of either a veteran ID card or a DD Form 214 to the Pro Shop. Membership fee for single veterans is $85 per month and $125 per month for veterans with families. Memberships are available for a one, three, six, nine or 12-month time period. Dues must be paid at time of application. For more information, call 562-7255.
O’Club memberships
Officers’ Club membership is open to all officers, command sergeants major, 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; 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
Blue Pin: The Fort Bliss Bowling Center will be offering a free game coupon for those patrons who throw a strike when the blue pin is in the head pin or (1) pin position. If a strike is earned, a free game coupon will be issued for use during a future visit to the bowling center. Free games can not be combined with other offers. For more information stop by Bldg. 2949 or call 568-6272.
Lunch special: Any authorized patron purchasing a lunch special at the Bowling Center will be able to bowl one free game during the same-day visit. The offer is good from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Patron must present receipt to front desk for free game coupon. Free games can’t be combined with other offers. Call the Bowling Center at 568-6272 for more information.
Consumer complaints
Are you 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.
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.
Premarital 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.
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. 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.
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 CYS. 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 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.
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.
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, Net-working for Job Search and Career Success, Jumpstart Your Job Search, Job Interviewing Techniques, Career Explora-tion and Planning and How to Mobilize Your Home Business. For information, call 568-1132. Other useful sites are http://workintexas.com, www.military spousejobsearch.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.
PWOC
Protestant Women of the Chapel meets Wednesdays from 9:30 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.