Rock crawling
The Tabasco Twister (Extreme) 4x4 adventure will take place Saturday. OL’Skool and Armywheeling will camp at the end of the trail and everyone is welcome to camp overnight. All stock 4x4s can drive to the end of the trail and park. The hike down the trail is not really easy, but is easy enough for the kids to have a great time. To participate in this free event and for more information, visit www.olskool4x4.com or call 744-1168. 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.
Special Olympics volunteers
Volunteers are needed for the Special Olympics, scheduled for Saturday at Riverside High School, 301 Midway Drive. Military units and personnel interested in volunteering can arrive at 8 a.m. and check-in at the volunteer stand. For more information, contact Kelly Walker at 832-4830 or 433-3221.
Days of Remembrance
William Beaumont Army Medical Center will host a Days of Remembrance Commemoration from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. today at Soldier Hall, Bldg. 2.
Citizenship honor
Any foreign national servicemember serving in the U.S. Army and stationed at Fort Bliss interested in being honored can apply. If you are an active-duty, National Guard or Army Reserve Soldier who has been naturalized as a U.S. citizen or are working toward that goal, you are eligible for the “Adelante Con Ganas” award. If you are in this category, contact Public Affairs at 568-4601.
Post Wide Yard Sale
Fort Bliss is scheduled to host the annual Post Wide Yard Sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in all housing units on main post, Biggs, Beaumont, Logan Heights, Hayes and 801 housing, located by Martin Luther King Boulevard. Those who want to participate in the yard sale may simply display their items during the designated times. This event is open to the El Paso and surrounding communities. All guests entering Fort Bliss property will be required to have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, car registration and safety inspection sticker, and will be subject to vehicle search. All Fort Bliss residents are encouraged to participate. For information, call 568-6741.
OIF and OEF Soldiers wanted
Every day, Soldiers fighting the Global War on Terrorism risk their lives in operations that help secure the freedom of all American people. Whether they are veterans of the Iraq or Afghanistan wars, Operation Tribute to Freedom, the Army’s program designed to honor Soldiers and give them opportunities to thank the American people for their support, is seeking OIF and OEF Soldiers who have recently returned from extended deployments in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to share their stories; Soldiers who have occupations in the engineering, medical or technical field to share their stories at events; and Soldiers who participate heavily in alternative sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding, wakeboarding, surfing or BMX and are willing to share their stories through potential speaking or recognition engagements, or through select media outlets. Interested Soldiers should contact Jean Offutt, Fort Bliss public affairs officer, at 568-4505.
Murder mystery dinner
The Officers’ Club is hosting a murder mystery dinner themed “Roaring ’20s: Mugsy Sent Me” Friday. Participants can dress up in 1920s fashion. The popular event sells out quickly. Purchase advance tickets at the O’Club, Bldg. 250. Cost is $30 per person for members and $35 per person for non-members and includes an authentic Sicilian buffet. Call 568-7013 for additional information.
Scout Expo ’08
The Greater El Paso Council of Boy Scouts, Yucca Council, presents “The Spirit of Adventure.” The event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Cohen Stadium. Hosts for the expo are the mayors of El Paso and Las Cruces. More than 70 display booths and events are expected to include a mayor’s competition at 3 p.m. People interested in volunteering may call 772-2292 or e-mail bdickson@bsamail.org.
Junior Ranger Day
Chamizal National Memorial will celebrate National Junior Ranger Day Saturday. Activities will include a ranger talk, self-guided explorer walk, paper bag puppet making, a puppet show with the Chamizal Puppets, a special swearing-in ceremony for junior rangers, and free cotton candy and popcorn for the children. Also present will be a park ranger from Franklin Mountains State Park who will be providing a children’s coloring activity and information about the great stuff families can do while visiting our community’s beautiful state park. All Junior Ranger Day events are free of charge.
The schedule of events includes:
• Ranger talk, 11:30 a.m.
• Puppet making, 11:45 a.m.
• Puppet show, 1:15 p.m.
• Junior ranger swearing-in ceremony, 1:45 p.m.
The self-guided explorer walk will be available throughout the day for children to earn their badges. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/cham or call 532-7273.
Theater performance
The Department of Theatre, Dance, & Film at UTEP hosts a performance of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth Friday. The performance will take place at the Wise Family Theatre, 2nd Floor, Fox Fine Arts Center, starting at 8 p.m. All military with a valid ID are eligible for a buy one get one free offer. In addition, military with a valid ID can buy an unlimited amount of tickets for this or any other performance at a military price of $9. Other show dates include today and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. This offer is only valid at the Wise Family Theatre Box Office, which is located right next to the theatre. For more information, call 747-5118.
WWE Backlash
Watch WWE Backlash free on pay-per-view Sunday at the Warrior Transition Center, Bldg. 2445, located on the corner of Cassidy and Carrington. Doors open at 6 p.m. For more information call 588-2858.
Texas Night at Old Fort Bliss
Sunday, Texas Night at Old Fort Bliss features chuckwagon vittles, and silent and live auctions. Festivities start at 4:30 p.m. and the cost is $20, cash or check, payable at the door. Proceeds benefit the Fort Bliss Officer, Civilian and Spouse Association’s Scholarship and Community Giving funds. Make reservations by Friday. For more information, call 307-3658 or e-mail ftblissocsareservations@yahoo.com.
Rebuild El Paso
Rebuilding Together El Paso is a volunteer organization that repairs and rejuvenates the homes of elderly or disabled owners at no cost. Funds are raised throughout the year to purchase materials and supplies, and to pay for skilled labor. A group of volunteers will give up one day, Saturday, to do some of the unskilled labor required on 16 to 22 homes. Anyone interested in volunteering, call 832-7010.
Traffic changes
The Remagen access gate is under construction until sometime in June. The gate will remain open for normal operating times and dates with current access control procedures remaining in effect. Traffic entering and leaving through the Remagen gate will be detoured to an alternate access control point. Traffic control devices and signs will be provided to better direct motorists.
A single Van Horn housing area access gate located on Morgan Circle North (adjacent to the perimeter fence line along Airway Drive) will be secured during the entire Remagen gate construction time frame. No other entry or exit from the Van Horn housing area will be affected.
Teacher of the Year
Teachers’ Insurance Plan will recognize one teacher in Texas for their contribution made toward the betterment of their school, students or educational community. TIP awards a $1,000 cash prize. In addition, the winning teacher’s school receives $500. Submission deadline is Wednesday. For more information and the nomination form, visit www.teachers. com/toty or write Teachers’ Insurance Plan, Teacher of the Year Committee, 500 S. Broad St., Meriden, CT 06450.
Society of Military Widows
The Society of Military Widows Desert Sun Chapter 30 is having a luncheon May 1 starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Fort Bliss Officers’ Club. For more information, call 598-3835.
SMA scholarships
The El Paso Sergeants Major Association is now taking applications for its 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 Wednesday.
Stimulus payments
Starting in May, economic stimulus payments of up to $600 for individuals and $1,200 for married couples will be issued by the IRS based on 2007 tax returns. Parents also get $300 for each eligible child. People must file a 2007 tax return to receive the payments. The IRS needs help assisting millions of people who are eligible but may not know it. These are certain retirees, disabled veterans and low-wage workers who normally do not file a tax return but must file to receive the payments. People who have earned at least $3,000 from wages or certain benefits from Social Security, Railroad Retirement and Veterans Affairs may be eligible.
Cinco de Mayo party
Celebrate the bravery and victory of General Zaragoza’s army over the French at the Battle of Puebla. Club Metro, located downstairs at the Centennial on Biggs Army Airfield, will kick off the Cinco de Mayo party at 11 p.m. May 3. Enjoy beverage specials, music and a good time with your friends. Cover is $5. For more information, call 562-5969.
WBAMC change of command
Col. John A. Powell, William Beaumont Army Medical Center commander, will relinquish command at the northeast lawn starting at 8:30 a.m. May 2. Powell’s next assignment will be with the Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq Surgeon as assistant chief of staff, Health Affairs Lead Partner.
Rummage sale
There will be a rummage sale at the American Legion on 4724 Vulcan from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 3. For more information, call 755-8096.
Stress management class
The Fort Bliss Family Advocacy Program will host an 8-hour stress management and reduction class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 6. Active-duty Soldiers, family members and civilian employees are invited to attend the free seminar. The class covers causes of stress and coping skills, along with creative relaxation, a one-hour yoga class and more. Civilian and NAF employees must submit an approved DD Form 1556 through CPAC. Both the A.M. & P.M. sessions must be attended to receive training credit. For more information, call 568-1132 or stop by ACS, Bldg. 2494. Registration is required.
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 www.wood.army.mil/sapper/.
Military spouse appreciation
Military spouses are the backbone of the Army. May 9, the Officers’ Club and Centennial will honor their sacrifices with a free dessert and MWR coupons during lunch.
Change of responsibility
Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan E. McGhee will have a change of responsibility ceremony for 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade held at 9 a.m. May 9 at Memorial Circle. Command Sgt. Maj. Garland Sullivan, 11th ADA Bde., will assume responsibility.
DRMO training
The Directorate of Logistics is sponsoring training sessions from 8:45 to 11:45 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. May 9 at Bldg. 2527 for Soldiers, DA civilians and contractors who create and process turn-in documents to any of the Fort Bliss FORSCOM and TRADOC supply support activities. For more information, contact Michael Armstead at 568-3407 or e-mail michael.armstead1@us.army.mil.
Contracting course
The Fort Bliss Directorate of Contracting will conduct a contracting officer representative course May 12 through 16 in Bldg. 2021. For more information, call 568-3995 or e-mail reynalda.pallaya@conus.army.mil.
Homebuyer seminar
The Homebuyer Information Seminar provides you with a wealth of information in your home buying process. This seminar is composed of speakers from various organizations. The seminar will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. May 13 at Army Community Service, Bldg. 2494. Call 568-7088 to reserve your seat. Child care will be provided through CDC for registered children. For more information on child care during the seminar, call 568-5689.
Thanks USA scholarships
Thanks USA, a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to spouses and dependents of active-duty military personnel, including National Guard, Reserves and families of those killed or wounded in action, is accepting applications for its 2008 scholarships. Those interested should visit www.ThanksUSA.org for an application and more information. Applications will be accepted until May 15.
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 1018: May 2 through 11 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Section 1019: June 3 through 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 568-7431 or 568-5380 or visit www.blissmwr.com.
Bark in the Park
The Millennium Optimist Club of El Paso is hosting the third annual Bark in the Park scheduled for 10 a.m. May 10 at Veteran’s Park, 5301 Salem Drive. The event is open to the public. Registration for the various dog show competitions is $10 in advance and $12 at the show; military receive a $1 discount. Microchipping will be available for $15. For more information, call 422-6121.
Walk Me Home
El Paso will host the Walk Me Home 5k Run/Walk, sponsored by the National Foster Parent Association, May 3 at Memorial Park, 1701 N. Copia St. To participate in the event, walkers must collect at least $30 in donations. Upon completing the course, each walker will tie a blue ribbon to a tree. Blue ribbons symbolize children in foster care and are used during National Foster Care Month in May. Walkers can participate as individuals or on teams.
For more information in participating, volunteering or early registration, call 781-3330 or visit www.walkmehome.org.
Chili Cook-Off
The El Paso Sergeants Major Association is hosting the 2008 Chili Cook-Off at Noel Field May 17. The event is open to the public at a price of $2 to taste all the participating teams’ chili. Teams must not exceed five members. There is a $40 registration fee, and any members handling food must have a food handler’s card. For information, call 568-9052 or e-mail john.a.mclaughlin@emh10.bliss.army.mil.
ROWC luncheon
The ROWC will have a luncheon at noon May 20 at the Fort Bliss Officers’ Club. The guest speaker will be Carolyn Moore of the Alzheimer’s Association. For more information, call 755-9694.
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.
Scenic Drive Sundays
The City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department will close Scenic Drive from Rim road to Alabama Street every Sunday in April through August from 6 a.m. to noon. No vehicular traffic will be allowed during the set time for citizens to walk, ride a bike or walk a dog. For more information, call 541-4331.
D-Day, World War II celebration
A D-Day and World War II commemorative celebration and cookout begins at 11 a.m. June 6 at the “Home of the Airborne,” 2608 Fort Blvd., at the intersection of Fort Boulevard and Alabama Street.
For more information or to make reservations, call 494-9698 or (757) 874-1004.
Veteran nominations
The Air Defense Artillery Association is accepting nominations for veterans 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, contact Edith Fanning at 568-2711 or send an e-mail to edithfanning@conus.army.mil.
Exchange students, hosts
Interested in hosting a teenager from another country and culture starting in August? All kinds of families can host, from two-parent households to one-parent households, with or without children. The most important characteristic for host families is to be eager and excited to share life and activities while providing the same kind of care, support and comfort you would to your family members. For more information, call (800) 237-4636 or visit www.afs.org/usa/hostfamily.
High school students can apply for a summer study abroad program. AFS has been sending high school students abroad for 60 years. Financial aid is available. For more information, call (800) 237-4636 or visit www.afs.org/usa/hostfamily.
Furniture sale
The Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation at Fort Bliss will be selling excess furniture until all excess property is sold. Available items include tables, chairs, barstools, bar chairs, TVs, bed frames, sofas, cabinets, light fixtures, refrigerators and much more.
Interested individuals should call 568-3779 or 568-4501 to make an appointment to look at available items. Hours are from 8 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday. The location is Bldg. 643, Taylor Road. All transactions will be on a cash or credit card basis, with Visa and MasterCard accepted, and all items will be sold “as is.” There will not be exchanges or refunds available. Off-post visitors must present a valid drivers license, vehicle registration and insurance to get a day pass from the pass office.
Bunco Fridays
You are invited on the first Fridays of May and June to indulge yourself in an evening of fun, food, friendly chatter and Bunco, an easy to learn and entertaining dice game. Games will start at 5:30 p.m. May 2 and June 6 at the Officers’ Club, Bldg. 250. Reservations are not required, but seating will be on a first come, first served basis. Participants must be 18 or older and all players will be entered into a national grand prize drawing for a $4,000 spa package. For more information, call 588-8247.
Debt collection notices
Amber Raquel Crowder: Anyone who has debts to be collected or services which belonged to Spc. Amber Raquel Crowder, who died March 18, should contact Capt. Marylou Bosveld at 892-1065.
Kendrick Torris Johnson Jr.: Anyone who has debts to be collected or services which belonged to Pvt. Kendrick Torris Johnson Jr., who died April 1, should contact 2nd Lt. Ji Hoon Yoo at 744-1197 or (520) 249-3268.
ACS classes
ACS offers a variety of free educational classes ranging from financial and employment readiness to Newcomer’s Orientation and parenting classes. Child care is free for all children registered with Child and Youth Services. For more 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. 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.
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. Friday 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. Thursday. To register, call 568-4898 or 592-0208.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. For more information, call ACS at 568-2382.
Framing classes
Framing Bliss offers framing classes every other Saturday from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The next class is Saturday. Interested patrons must sign up two days prior to the class. The cost is $30 per person and includes a picture, materials and instructions. For more information, call 568-5563.
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 more information, visit 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. 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.
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.
PWOC
Protestant Women of the Chapel meets Wednesday 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.
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.
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.
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).
Child Crisis Center
The mission of the Child Crisis Center’s TRIAD Program is to assist American military families of all branches and veteran status who have unmet needs due to death, injury or any other physical or mental detriment, or financial hardship as a result of service in Iraq or Afghanistan, and are receiving services in Texas by providing outreach, case management and emergency shelter for their children. The Child Crisis Center is an emergency shelter, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to serve families who need a safe place for their children when family emergencies occur. For more information, call 562-7955.
Fort Bliss Thrift Shop
The Fort Bliss Thrift Shop accepts credit and debit cards for purchases over $20. Purchases under $20 must be in cash. The shop is located at 1301 Cassidy Road and is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the first and third Saturdays of the month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Consignments from military personnel and their dependents are taken on those days from 9 to 11 a.m. during weekday hours and 10 a.m. to noon during the weekend hours.
Special Forces Assessment
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 available to make candidates ready for the rigors of SFAS. A 30-foot rope climb will be available soon.
Country Junction store
Country Junction sells handcrafted and vintage items including Fort Bliss and Texas plaques and signs. Country Junction is located at 2011 Sheridan Road. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 562-7467.
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.
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.
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 568-2623.