Veterans Bike Parade
The Third Annual Veterans Bike Parade to benefit World War II veterans will be Sunday. Registration is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Goodtimes, located at 4912 Dyer St. The donation required to participate is $8 per person or $15 per couple. The parade will proceed to the Fort Bliss Cemetery at 1 p.m., 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. 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.
Garfield Green notice
Anyone who has debts to be collected or services which belonged to Staff Sgt. Garfield Green, who died Jan. 11, should contact 1st Lt. Mark Hamstra at 490-4072.
Spring bazaar
The Fort Bliss Officer, Civilian and Spouse Association will have their annual Spring Bazaar Saturday and Sunday 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.
5035th deactivation
The commander of the 5035th Garrison Support Unit will be hosting its deactivation ceremony and Welcome Home Citizen-Warrior Award Ceremony 10 a.m. Saturday at Soldier Hall, Bldg. 2. The unit deactivation comes as part of the Army’s transformation and BRAC recommendations. In the past the unit has provided instillation support with military police, unit movements branch, Staff Judge Advocate, inspector general, public affairs, finance and base operations support for rapid mobilization and deployment of military units. For more information, contact Jacqueline Sabo at 568-1050 or e-mail Jacqueline.sabo@us.army.mil.
Gold Star Wives lunch
The Gold Star Wives of America, El Paso Del Norte Fort Bliss Chapter, is hosting a luncheon at noon today 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.
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. Friday 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.
Motto competition
Fort Bliss is holding a motto competition to help promote Fort Bliss and El Paso. Friday 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 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) and children of active-duty, Reserve, National Guard or retired enlisted military personnel. Online applications are available through Saturday. 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.
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 from 6 to 6:45 p.m. the day of the event. 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.
Gemini & Apollo astronauts
U.S. Air Force retired Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford and USAF retired Brig. Gen. Charles M. Duke Jr. will speak at the New Mexico War Eagles Air Museum March 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. The War Eagles Air Museum is located at the Doña Ana County Airport at Santa Teresa, N.M. This exhibit features an actual lunar rover and space suit from the Apollo 10 Mission. Also on display: the Omega Speedmaster Collection, official watch of NASA and the first and only watch worn on the moon. The event will culminate with a spectacular presentation by the astronauts. For information, call the YWCA El Paso del Norte Region at 533-2311, ext. 242.
AFTB in Spanish
Army Family Team Building is an educational program which provides training that prepares everyone in America’s Army to function at the highest level, given any situation. Learn about community resources, military terms, benefits, leadership skills and more. Spanish classes are free and are as follows: Level I, March 7. For more information and to sign up, call ACS at 568-2382.
Event planning classes
The class will identify different types of events. Participants will learn and utilize the basics of planning, implementing and evaluation of any special event and apply basic protocol to special functions. The class will be held March 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. at ACS, Bldg. 2494, Ricker Road. For more information, call 568-3503.
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.
Volunteer training
Whether you are a volunteer overseeing other volunteers, a manager of volunteers or a program manager with additional responsibilities for volunteers, the Fort Bliss Volunteer Management Training will give you the volunteer management tools, resources and support you will need to recruit, oversee, support and recognize this invaluable resource. Training is scheduled for March 14 from 9 to 11 a.m. at ACS. For more information, call 568-3503.
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 for 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 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from March 17 through 28 in Room 223 of Bldg. 2.
To register for this free course, please send an email to blis_sharepoint_training@conus.army.mil. For more information about this course or MOSS 2007, call the SharePoint Team at 569-7111.
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 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 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 under way 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/.
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.
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.
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.
Veteran nomination
The Air Defense Artillery Association is accepting veteran nominations to honor and recognize at their annual gala in November. The veteran nomination form must include a summary of wartime service, dates, location, awards and decorations and subsequent community service information. Nominees must have served during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. Submissions must be received by Aug. 17. For more information on how to obtain or submit the form, contact Edith Fanning at 568-2711 or e-mail fanninge@conus.army.mil.
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. For additional information go to http://dacareers. com/fellows.html.
For more information, call the Army Continuing Education System Branch IMCOM-West Region Fort Sam Houston, Texas at DSN 421-2236 or (210) 295-2236, or e-mail Anthony.clarke@us.army.mil.
ACAP Express
The Army Career and Alumni Program offer Soldiers and their family members services to plan their next career via the Internet beginning today. ACAP Express allows individuals to access job assistance training tutorials and automated resume and cover-letter programs for Soldiers separating active duty within one year or retiring within two years. Deployed Soldiers are able to use the program by phone or e-mail. Soldiers out-processing still are required to visit ACAP for a DD Form 2648. For more information, call 568-7165 or 568-0592.
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.
Top El Paso bowler
With 52 lanes, the Fort Bliss Bowling Center is not only the largest in the Army, but also employs one of the top professional bowlers worldwide.
George Gaucin applied for membership to the Professional Bowling Association, was accepted and participated in an imperative bowling competition – the 2008 Bayer Classic. Gaucin bowled in the seven game block Feb.13, during which he finished fifth out of more than 50 participants, making him the top ranking El Paso bowler. He further went on to bowl in the 64 Exempt Tour Field with some of the world’s best professional bowlers and was able to achieve an impressive 59th place rank. To personally meet Gaucin and get professional bowling advice, stop by the Fort Bliss Bowling Center’s Pro Shop or call 568-6272.
ACS training
The Unit Service Coordinator program at ACS has been employed to assist commanders and rear detachment commanders with meeting the needs of their Soldiers and family members. For each unit, the USC will serve as the unit’s single point of contact to coordinate ACS services, training and ensure command teams get the support and assistance they need from ACS. For more information, call ACS at 568-1132.
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.
ITR hours
The Information, Ticketing and Reservations satellite office located in the PX food court has changed their hours of operation 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 entrees, dinner and special event prices; special pricing at the Underwood Golf Complex, Auto Crafts, Fort Bliss Bowling Center; 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 cannot 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 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 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).
Special Forces
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. A 30-foot rope climb will be available by next month. The Special Forces Recruiting Team is located at Bldg. 273. Soldiers can visit or call 569-6432 or 569-6433.
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.
POV training
Training is required for all Soldiers under the age of 26. New Army personnel to post must take a three-hour training class. Classes are given by the Installation Safety Office located in Bldg. 515-B, second floor, Room 208. For more information and to register, contact Ernie Bautista at 568-7772.
ACS classes
ACS offers a variety of free educational classes, ranging from financial and employment readiness, to Newcomer’s Orientation and parenting classes. Childcare is free for all children registered with Child and Youth Services. For more information call 568-1132.
Sexual assault awareness
Active and Reserve Components are required to receive annual sexual assault training. Call 569-5374 for more information.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
EFMP is looking for volunteers to assist with support group meetings and recreational or cultural outings for the children. For information, call 568-7088.
Catholic women’s council
Military Council of Catholic Women meets from 9 to 11:30 a.m. every Friday at Bldg. 449. The 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.