Spring bazaar
The Fort Bliss Officer, Civilian and Spouse Association will have its 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 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. Photo by Virginia Reza.
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.
FRG fundraisers
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. The cut off date for sign up is Friday. There will be a meeting for all who have signed up March 5 at 5:30 p.m. at Bldg. 11 on Pershing Road. To sign up and for more information, contact Lora Diem at 588-8247.
Fish dinner
American Legion Post 832, Col. Louis A. Carter post, located at 2400 Bassett Ave. off Piedras, is hosting a fish dinner for Black History Month Saturday from 12 to 5 p.m. The $7 donation includes catfish or whiting, green beans, potato salad and bread. For more information, call 534-9395.
Filipino American Association
The Filipino American Association of El Paso is hosting a Mrs. Philippines-El Paso Coronation at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Centennial Club. Formal wear is requested. For more information, contact Socorro Montague at 630-5104 or Dawn Lubas Thompson at 549-9659.
ACS volunteer briefing
Several nonprofit agencies will brief the history and mission of their organizations and how volunteers contribute to their success from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesday at Army Community Service, Bldg. 2494. There will be a question and answer session complete with cake and cookies.
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.
Gold Star Wives lunch
The Gold Star Wives of America, El Paso Del Norte Fort Bliss Chapter, is hosting a luncheon at noon Thursday at the Fort Bliss Officers’ Club. Guest speaker retired Col. Christina Leech, an Army nurse, will discuss keeping humor in your life. For more information, contact Jeanne Thompson at 598-0981.
Motto competition
Fort Bliss is holding a motto competition to help promote Fort Bliss and El Paso. Feb. 29 is the deadline for all entries. Mailed entries must be written on a 3-by-5-inch card and mailed to Motto Contest, Strategic Planning Office, 2 Sheridan Road, Fort Bliss TX 79916. Entries may also be e-mailed to Ashley.Hernandez2@ us.army.mil. For more information, call Ashley Hernandez at 568-3033.
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) or 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.
Veterans Bike Parade
The Third Annual Veterans Bike Parade will be March 2 to benefit World War II veterans. Registration is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Goodtimes, located at 4912 Dyer St. The required donation is $8 per person or $15 per couple. The parade will proceed to the Fort Bliss Cemetery, where an American flag raising ceremony will be held in honor of all veterans. Food, music and rodeo games like the slow drag and balloon toss will take place at the end stop. Military veterans among the Rising Eagle Motorsport Association, Rough Riders Motorcycle Club, American Legion Riders, In Country Vets MC, Marines MC, Organized Chaos and the Ruff Ryders are sponsoring this event. For more information, call 328-8838.
Traffic court changes
Traffic court appearances originally scheduled for Tuesday have been rescheduled to 8:30 a.m. March 4. For more information, call Luz E. Juarez at 568-0761.
Volunteer Appreciation Week
Volunteer Appreciation Week is 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. Volunteers will be recognized during the annual Fort Bliss Awards Ceremony at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center May 1. 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.
Intranet training
The Fort Bliss Directorate of Information Management has free training available to users of the new Fort Bliss Intranet. This one-day user course will cover SharePoint navigation, features and capabilities of this brand-new collaborative tool. The new Fort Bliss Intranet, using SharePoint 2007, is projected to be available to users in March.
Course dates run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 17 through 28 in Room 223 of Bldg. 2.
To register for this free course, e-mail blis_sharepoint_training@conus.army.mil. For more information about this course or MOSS 2007, call the SharePoint Team at 569-7111.
Strides for Change
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.
SMA scholarships
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 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 http://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. 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 6 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The cost is $125, paid to the Red Cross, and a $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.
DA Fellows Program
The Department of the Army is currently recruiting for the fellows program individuals who graduated or will soon graduate with a bachelor’s degree, have exceptional academic records and are mobile and willing to move around and take on new and diverse challenges. The DA Fellows Program is a five-year program designed to build a multi-functional, mobile cadre of highly qualified civilian personnel for the Department of the Army and its organizations.
DA fellows are full-time federal civilian employees and are afforded many opportunities, including the opportunity to earn a fully-funded graduate degree. The first 14 months of the program provide a combination of graduate studies at AMC Logistics Leadership Center and Texas A&M University-Texarkana that gives each fellow the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in business. The remaining 47 months of the program consist of a series of geographical on-the-job training rotational assignments. If you are interested and would like to find out more about this program please go to the following Web site for additional information: http://dacareers.com/fellows.html.
For more information, contact the Army Continuing Education System Branch IMCOM-West Region Fort Sam Houston, Texas, at DSN 421-2236, (210) 295-2236 or e-mail Anthony.clarke@us.army.mil.
Speed Dating
Speed Dating will be held at the Centennial on the first Friday of every month from 7 to 10 p.m. There is a $5 entry fee and registration is the day of the event. Please arrive before 7 p.m. to ensure a seat. The exchange of personal information will be completely voluntary the night of the event. Participants will be given a card to keep track of their date’s information. All off-post guests should enter, with current car insurance and registration, through Biggs Gate to obtain a gate pass. Those who participate in Speed Dating will have their cover charge waived for Junior Enlisted Night. For more information, call 568-6741.
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 Fort Bliss Bowling Center; free club rental, cart rental and green fees at the George V. Underwood Golf Complex; free usage of park facilities; and free equipment rental at park facilities.
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.
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 one-, three-, six-, nine- or 12-month time periods. Dues must be paid at time of application. For more information, call 562-7255.
New ITR hours
The Information, Ticketing, and Reservations satellite office located in the PX food court has changed its operation hours to the following: 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 Program
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, 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; annual membership appreciation night; discounted lunch entree, 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.
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.
Special Forces AS
Special Forces Assessment and Selection has changed from 24 days to 14 days. For Soldiers interested in volunteering for SFAS, there is a PT program scheduled to begin in March. This program is to make candidates ready for the rigors of SFAS. The Special Forces Recruiting Team is located at Bldg. 273. Soldiers can visit or call 569-6432 or 569-6433.
Consumer complaints
Are you feeling wronged, or have you had an unpleasant experience with an area business? Do you have a complaint? Complain effectively and promptly, and make it matter by contacting the ACS office. Contact Shalita Moore at 568-7088 or e-mail shalita.moore@us.army.mil.
Sheriff volunteers
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office 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 227-0256.
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, https://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.
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.
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 the 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 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.
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.