National Police Week events
May 10: SWAT and SRT competition at Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club; May 12 and 13: McGruff appearances at child daycare centers from 9 to 11 a.m.; May 14: Open house at Kelly Park with traffic, SRT, K-9, Range Riders and EST demonstrations;
May 14: Dinner at Centennial Club from 6 to 8 p.m.; May 15: Memorial service at Soldier Hall for fallen military and law enforcement officers; May 16: Safety fair at Balfour Beatty First Light Credit Union, softball tournament begins at 6 p.m.; May 17: Hot Rod show from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Society of Military Widows
The Society of Military Widows Desert Sun Chapter 30 is having a luncheon today starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Fort Bliss Officers’ Club. For more information, call 598-3835.
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. Friday. Powell’s next assignment will be with the Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq Surgeon as assistant chief of staff, Health Affairs Lead Partner.
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. Saturday. Enjoy beverage specials, music and a good time with your friends. Cover is $5. For more information, call 562-5969.
Rummage sale
There will be a rummage sale at the American Legion on 4724 Vulcan from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 755-8096.
Warrant officer briefings
A warrant officer recruiting team from Headquarters, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, Fort Knox, Ky., will brief the qualifications and application procedures to all Soldiers interested in becoming U.S. Army warrant officers in any career field. The briefing is for Soldiers considering applying as a warrant officer in any MOS, all Soldiers are encouraged to attend. The briefings will be held at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday at Bldg. 2, C-Wing, Room 125. The meetings last for about an hour. One-on-one counseling is available before and after each briefing. For more information, call (502) 626-0484, DSN 536-0484 or go to www.usarec.army.mil/warrant. Information can also be obtained by calling 568-6157 or 568-1300.
Stress management class
The Fort Bliss Family Advocacy Program will host an eight-hour stress management and reduction class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday. 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 morning and afternoon sessions must be attended to receive training credit. For more information, call 568-1132 or stop by ACS, Bldg. 2494. Registration is required.
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.
Speed Dating
Speed Dating will be held at the centennial staring at 7 p.m. May 9. There is a $5 entry fee and registration is from 6:15 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 dates’ information. Those who participate in Speed Dating will have their cover charge waived for Junior Enlisted Night. For more information, call 568-6741.
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.
Pay Day Activity
The Fort Bliss Bowling Center would like to invite you to participate in Bliss’ Pay Day Activity. Entry fee is $5. The event will start at 11:30 a.m. May 16. A total of $1,000 in gift certificates will be given away as prices. Team Bliss members are highly encouraged to participate. Interested parties must sign-up the Bowling Center, Bldg. 2949 by May 14. For more information contact the Bowling Center 568-6272.
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.
World War II vets
World War II Veterans are invited for the unveiling of an all-services plaque and to receive a token of appreciation from 2 to 5 p.m. May 17 at VFW Post 8918 on Saluki Drive in Northeast El Paso. World War II veterans are encouraged to attend and contact Mark Jahnig at 328-8838 for participation. Event sponsored by the Veteran’s Biker Alliance of El Paso and VFW Post 8919.
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. Certifi-cation 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: Friday through May 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, Friday 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.
Saturday Socials
Saturday Socials is a cultural enrichment program for Officers’ Club members and their guests and brings members together. The next Saturday Social will be held at 3 p.m. May 17. Events are limited in size to the first 50 people. For more information, call 569-5715.
Kids-N-Co.
El Paso Kids-N-Co. presents Snow White and the Seven Samurai, Carol Viescas adaptation of the classic fairy tale at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. May 17 at the Chamizal National Memorial theater. The production then moves to the Kids-N-Co. Performance Center, 1301 Texas Ave., for performances at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays, until June 8. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for children, students, seniors and the military. For more information, call 351-1455.
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.
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 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, call 568-2711 or e-mail to edith.fanning@conus.army.mil.
Host an exchange student
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.
Chuck Wagon Buffet
There is a Chuck Wagon Buffet scheduled for 6 p.m. May 16 at the Officers’ Club. The cost is $12.95 for members and $14.95 for non-members. For more information call 568-7013.
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.
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. Friday 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
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.
William R. Edmond: Anyone who has debts to be collected or services which belonged to Pvt. William R. Edmond, who died April 20, should contact Capt. Eliezer D. Rivera at 494-5998 or e-mail eliezer.d.riveralopez@us.army.mil.
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, 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.
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 offers 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.
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).
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.
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.
Country Junction
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 is available to become ready for SFAS. This program is to make candidates ready for the rigors of SFAS. A 30-foot rope climb will be available soon.
Framing class
Framing Bliss offers framing classes every other Saturday from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 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.
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.
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.
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 568-2623.