Amigo Airsho
Toyota presents the 27th annual air show Friday and Saturday, at Biggs Army Airfield, featuring the Canadian Snowbirds and other military and civilian aerial troupes. Advance tickets: $10 ($5 ages 6-11; $8 military dependents and seniors). At the gate: $15 ($10 ages 6-11/military dependents/seniors). Admission is free for ages 5 and younger and all soldiers, active or retired. Amigo Chalet: $30 ($20 ages 6-11). VIP Chalet: $100 (food and beverages included). Advance tickets available at area Circle K stores and through Ticketmaster. For more information, call 562-6446 or amigoairsho.org. 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.
Blessing of the animals
Oct. 4 is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment. Chaplain Don Van Alstyne, Fort Bliss Catholic pastor, will bless pets at 10 a.m. Saturday in front of Center Chapel 1. Christians have long commemorated Saint Francis on the first Sunday in October by blessing animals.
NDE awareness picnic
U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program and Consortium of Community Partners hosts the National Disability Employment Awareness Month Picnic from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 17 at Kelly Park. The event is to recognize employees with disabilities and their outstanding achievements.
Expansion conference
The Federal Manager’s Association is hosting a one day conference, “Fort Bliss and El Paso: Change is Here.” Oct. 22 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Fort Bliss Officers’ Club. Representatives from Fort Bliss and the city of El Paso will provide presentations on the expansion and transformation of Fort Bliss and El Paso. The conference is open to all Bliss personnel. Registration and supervisor approval are required to attend. This will be in place of duty with confirmed attendance. To register, call 568-2701, 568-5780 or e-mail aurora.castaneda@ us.army.mil or shannon.r. navarro@us.army.mil.
Bliss maps now available
Fort Bliss maps are now available at the Public Affairs Office. Pick one up or bring a stack back to your brigade. For more information, call 568-4505.
Seeking outstanding people
The Monitor is looking for outstanding, interesting or otherwise notable Fort Bliss servicemembers, Department of Defense employees and contractors to feature in the newspaper. If you know of anyone who possesses these special qualities, call 568-5945 or e-mail monitor@conus.army.mil.
Society of Military Widows
The sit down luncheon of the Society of Military Widows Desert Sun Chapter 30, Fort Bliss will be held 12:30 p.m. today at the Fort Bliss Officers Club.
ACS extended hours
Beginning today and running through Dec. 30, Army Community Service has extended their hours to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. After 4:30 p.m. on those days, services will be limited to computer and internet access, copy and fax use, and information and referral services. Business hours will remain from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with AER closing at 4 p.m. For more information, call 568-1132.
Electronic absentee ballots
Texas State Bill 90 requires secretaries of state to evaluate the use of e-mail by sending blank ballots and balloting materials to military voters overseas and those who applied by FPCA during the Nov. 4 general election. To be eligible to receive balloting material by e-mail, you must be a registered resident of select Texas counties, have completed an FPCA, requested to receive an electronic ballot and have an overseas address. This only affects military personnel who are deployed or will deploy overseas, and military personnel and family members who are overseas or on orders to an overseas area and have an overseas mailing address. For those who will be deploying to a designated hostile area, you may fax your voted ballot back to your county election department. The Texas deadline for registering to vote and requesting a ballot is Monday for permanent registration and Oct. 28 for temporary registration. For more information, call 568-7432.
AFTB Basket Bingo
Army Family Team Building will host Basket Bingo at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center on East Fort Bliss. Tickets may be purchased through any AFTB instructor or at ACS, Bldg. 2494. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For more information, call 568-1132.
ACAP/AUSA job fair
The Army Career and Alumni Program and the Association of the United States Army will sponsor a job fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at the Centennial Club on East Fort Bliss. The fair is open to all Soldiers and family members approaching separation from the military. Bring resumes, as many of the employers will be accepting them for possible employment opportunities. Approximately 80 employers are expected to be represented at the job fair.
Karaoke contest
The Wounded Warrior Karaoke Contest will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Mulligan’s North Bar and Grill, located at 10710 Gateway Blvd. North. A donation at the door buys admission to the event. There will be a cash prize for the first-place winner. The contest is one of several fundraising events that benefit the Home for the Holidays program. Proceeds buy airplane tickets to send wounded Soldiers who are away from their families home during the holidays. For more information, call 525-3646.
Speed dating
Speed dating will be held at the Centennial Oct. 10 for ages 35 and under. There is no entry fee. Pre-registration is highly recommended. Walk-in registration is from 6:30 to 7 p.m., but space is limited to 25 male and 25 female participants. All off-post guests should enter with current car insurance, car registration and valid picture ID through Biggs Gate to obtain a gate pass. For more information, call 562-5969.
Framing class
Framing Bliss will offer a framing class from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 11. The class costs $30 per person and includes a picture, materials and instructions. If you participate as a couple or bring a friend, the cost will be $25 per person. For more information and to sign up, stop by Bldg. 820 or call 568-5563.
Beef and Burgundy
The O’Club continues its special Beef and Burgundy buffets Wednesday nights. Oct. 15, Beef and Burgundy will feature wiener schnitzel, goulash, mashed potatoes, red cabbage, sauerkraut and more. Members pay $13.95 and non-members pay $15.95.
Boss’ Day
Both the Centennial and the Officers’ Club are serving free dessert from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 16, in celebration of Boss’s Day.
Pre-retirement briefing
Army regulations require that all retiring Soldiers attend a pre-retirement briefing 120 to 180 days before retirement, permissive TDY or transition leave. Pre-retirement briefings are Oct. 16, Nov. 20 and Dec. 18. Upon receipt of orders, contact the Retirement Services Office at 568-5204 to schedule a briefing.
Payday activites
The Underwood Golf Complex and Fort Bliss Bowling Center would like to invite you to participate in Bliss’ pay day activities. Entry fee is $5 for both locations. (Extra costs for cart, range balls and golf club rental may occur at the golf course.) Gift certificates totaling $1,000 will be given away.
Dates and times are as follows:
• 1 p.m. Oct. 17 at the golf complex
• 3 p.m. Nov. 14 at the bowling center
Sign up at the facility by the Wednesday before the event. For more information, call 562-1273, 568-6272 or 568-1685.
Saturday Socials
Saturday Socials offer a cultural enrichment program to Officers’ Club members once a month. The next planned Saturday Social is a beer tasting and education at 3 p.m. Oct. 18. Events are limited to 50 people. To reserve a space, call 569-5715.
ROWC
The ROWC next luncheon will be held at noon Oct. 21 at the Fort Bliss Officers’ Club. Guest speaker will be retired Marine Col. T. T. Kelley, intelligence supervisor for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Field Intelligence Center. Spouses are welcomed to attend. For more information, call 755-9969.
Monster Bash
The first annual Monster Bash is from 6 to 11 p.m. Oct. 24. There will be three different scare levels of haunted houses, from barely scary ($1 admission), to pretty scary ($2 admission), to really scary ($3 admission). The haunted houses will be on Smith-Bliss field directly in front of Bldg 11. On the other half of Smith-Bliss field will be a stage with a DJ, dance floor, food, bounce houses, and more. All are encouraged to wear costumes. For more information, call 588-8247.
Halloween party
Club Metro, located in the lower level of the Centennial, will host a Halloween costume contest and party at 10 p.m. Oct. 25. Complimentary snacks will be served through midnight. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. For more information, call 562-5969.
Post-wide yard sale
The next post-wide yard is from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 25 at all housing on main post. No formal permission is required, simply display items during the designated times. This event is also open to the El Paso, Juarez and surrounding communities. For more information, call 568-6741.
Ghosts of Fort Bliss
The Officers’ Club will host the Ghosts of Fort Bliss tour at 6 p.m. Oct. 27 and 28. A barbecue buffet dinner is included with a walking tour and tales of unexplained occurrences throughout history, as told by Ken Hudnall. Tickets are $14 for members and $17 for non-members, and children age 7 and over are $8. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the O’Club. Children under 7 years old need reservations.
Halloween dinner theater
Celebrate Halloween at the Officers’ Club with a Halloween dinner theater at 7 p.m. Oct. 31. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes and for solving the mystery. Members are $30 per person, non-members and guests are $35. Tickets can be purchased at the Officers’ Club.
South Padre Island trip
BOSS is hosting a trip to South Padre Island, Texas, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3. The trip will cost $160 per person and includes a three-night stay at the Holiday Inn Express, a half-day deep sea fishing trip, and transportation. Travel time is 14 hours each way and you must be 18 to attend. There are only 40 spaces available for this trip. For more information, call 568-6556.
WW motorcycle run
The Wounded Warriors Motorcycle Run will be Nov. 9. Registration is from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Barnett Harley Davidson, 8272 Gateway Blvd. East. The registration fee is $10 per rider and $5 per passenger. The destination is Mulligan’s North, 10710 Gateway Blvd. North; last rider in at 2 p.m. Proceeds buy airplane tickets to send wounded Soldiers who are away from their families home during the holidays. For more information, call 525-3646.
ASE exams
The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Services will offer the Automotive Service Excellence Exams for all Department of Defense active-duty and reserve-component servicemembers who have an automotive MOS or have had previous experience in the automotive field. Exams will be administered at 7 a.m. Nov. 12, 17 and 19 at the Education Center Testing Center, Bldg. 639. Soldiers are entitled to take three basic exams free; however, there is a $32 registration fee. For more information, call 568-5315.
O’Club appreciation night
The Officers’ Club will host a special Member Appreciation Night at 5 p.m. Nov. 14. The evening will be filled with music and complementary hors d’oeuvres. A cash bar is available and door prizes will be awarded. Future Officers’ Club members are also invited to attend. For more information, call 568-7013.
Thanksgiving brunch
The historic Officers’ Club will serve the traditional Thanksgiving brunch from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Nov. 23. The menu will feature a delicious assortment of breakfast items, including crepes and omelets made to order. The lunch selections will consist of Thanksgiving turkey with dressing, along with other traditional mouthwatering Thanksgiving entrees, side dishes and desserts. Cost is $14.95 for members and $16.95 for non-members. For reservations, call or come by the O’Club.
Flu shots
Mass influenza immunizations for active-duty Soldiers will be from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through Dec. 9 at the Fort Bliss Stayton Theater, Bldg. 2495, Ricker Road. Patients must be 18 years or older. Pediatric immunizations are given at the Soldier and Family Medical Clinic or the Pediatrics Clinic at WBAMC. For more information, call 568-9963 or 569-3121.
Wreaths Across America
Members of the Civil Air Patrol’s El Paso Composite Squadron volunteered to find donors to place 500,000 wreaths in more than 200 veterans’ cemeteries throughout the nation in December. The goal is to place 5,000 wreaths for the Fort Bliss National Cemetery Dec. 12. A dedication ceremony at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery will be at 10 a.m. Dec. 13. For more information, call 595-1946, e-mail elpasowreaths@yahoo.com or visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Debt collection notice
All services under the name of Pfc. Irvin Lee Cady should be put on hold. Cady died Aug. 31. All those with debts to be collected under the name of Pfc. Irvin Lee Cady should contact 1st Lt. Christopher Marion at 208-8949.
American Red Cross
The Fort Bliss Red Cross office holds volunteer orientations from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday at Bldg. 45, Slater Road. A background check is required before volunteering. For more information or to register, call 568-4898.
Language survival kit
The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center activated its new Language Materials Distribution System Web site July 1. The Web site offers pocket-size booklets with audio CDs in more than 30 languages. DLIFLC also offers new Headstart language DVD programs designed to teach survival phrases in Iraqi Arabic and Afghan Dari and Pashto. Language materials can be viewed, downloaded and ordered at www.dliflc.edu under the Products tab. You must register and receive DLIFLC account approval before placing your order.
SBP briefing
U.S. law mandates that every Soldier and their spouse be counseled on the Survivor Benefit Plan prior to retirement, permissive TDY or transition leave. To schedule a one-on-one SBP briefing and to establish a retirement pay account, call 568-5204.
Donate balm to Soldiers
Make donations to send jars of Skincando’s Combat-Ready Balm to Soldiers deployed overseas. The balm protects against sand flea bites, sunburns and dry skin. To donate, visit www.skin cando.com and click on the Donations button. Once the donation is received, a jar of Combat-Ready Balm and a thank-you note will be sent.
ADA Gift Shop
The Fort Bliss/ADA Museum in Bldg. 1735, Marshall Road, carries custom scale models of military equipment. We feature quality air defense and Team Bliss clothing items along with our new FCS and 1st Armored polos and caps. The traditional 3-inch brim black cavalry Stetson hats are available and usually arrive within a week. We also have a great variety of military and Fort Bliss prints and souvenirs. For a custom order of unit coins, lapel pins or charms, call at 564-4331.
Furniture sale
The DFMWR at Fort Bliss is selling excess furniture from 8 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday at Bldg. 643, Taylor Road, until supplies are gone. Available items include dining tables, dining chairs, barstools, bar chairs, TVs, bed frames, sofas, cabinets, light fixtures, refrigerators and much more. All transactions are cash or credit only and all items will be sold as is, with no exchanges or refunds. Off-post visitors must present valid drivers license, vehicle registration and insurance to get a day pass from the gate pass office. For more information, call 568-3779 or 568-4501.
People Encouraging People
This is a three-day newcomers’ orientation geared toward spouses. The first day is an informational classroom day with lunch at the dining facility. The second day is a tour of Fort Bliss, Biggs Army Airfield, WBAMC and a tour through El Paso with shopping downtown. The third day is a trip to Mesilla, N.M. For more information, call at 568-1132.
ACS renovations
Through March 2009, Army Community Service is undergoing a massive renovation project that will limit classes, computer and Internet access. The Yellow Ribbon Room is also temporarily under construction and unavailable until further notice. For more information, call at 568-1132.
SAMC study group
Fort Bliss chapter of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club conducts a study group every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy’s Learning Resources Center, Bldg. 11291 on Biggs Army Airfield. The study group assists Soldiers preparing for a board. For more information, call 569-6275 or e-mail adrianne.berkley@conus.army. mil.
Legal education program
The Office of the Judge Advocate General is now accepting applications for the Army’s Funded Legal Education Program. The course begins in the fall of 2009. Interested officers in the rank of second lieutenant through captain should review Chapter 14, AR 27-1, to determine their eligibility. For more information, call 568-4606.
Family life consultants
The Military and Family Life Consultant Program is designed to provide support and assistance to active-duty Soldiers, National Guard and Reserves, family members and civilian personnel. A consultant will be available from 2 to 4 p.m. each Tuesday at Mickelsen Community Library. For information, call 568-6156 or 490-3868.
Waiting Families
Fort Bliss Waiting Families is a program designed to assist families who are geographically separated from their sponsors build friendships and ease the stresses and demands on families during times of separation. Free monthly dinners and bowling for all registered waiting families are available. For more information, call 568-1132 or 569-7088.
Employment readiness
The Employment Readiness Program hosts spouse employment orientation at 10 a.m. Monday and Wednesday. Various employment workshops and job-finding sites are available. For information, call 568-1132 or visit www.blissmwr.com.
ACAP Express
ACAP Express is a new online program that allows Soldiers approaching ETS or retirement to register and schedule services. All Soldiers within one year of ETS or within two years of retirement may register with ACAP. To register, visit www.acapexpress.army.mil.
Veterans Day ceremony
The Veterans Day Ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. Nov. 7 at Memorial Circle. For more information, call 568-0405.
BOSS meeting
Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers meetings are held at 3 p.m. every Wednesday. Call 526-4264 or e-mail BOSS2@conus.army.mil for locations.
Strip maps offered
ACS offers Soldiers clearing Fort Bliss strip maps showing the location of all agencies that must be cleared. In addition, ACS provides incoming and outgoing Soldiers and families with information packets on Fort Bliss or any Department of Defense military installation worldwide. For information, call 568-6291.
Child care at bowling center
The Fort Bliss Bowling Center’s child care room will be closed until further notice due to construction in the building. For additional information, call 568-6272.
Financial Track Club
This is an opportunity to increase your financial knowledge through the sharing of information and resources. Whether you are financially challenged or savvy, if you are interested in improving your financial health, this club is for you. All servicemembers, family members and civilians are welcome. The Financial Track Club meets from noon to 1 p.m. every second and fourth Wednesday at USASMA’s West Auditorium. For more information, call 568-7088.
Satellites not permitted
The installation of a private satellite dish or rooftop antennas is not permitted in or on government facilities. This includes landscaping and unaccompanied personnel housing. The only facility type excluded from this policy is Army Family Housing. For information, call 568-5933.
Consumer advocacy
Take the appropriate steps in making your voice heard. There are several avenues to take to effectively make a difference for all. For more information, call 568-7088.
Fiesta Fridays
The Centennial Pub and Patio will host Fiesta Fridays beginning at 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 562-5969.
Auto Crafts
The Fort Bliss Auto Crafts “do-it-yourselfers” online provides step-by-step instructions on automotive repairs for free. The Auto Crafts Shop also offers free tire rotation and brake inspection for all passenger cars with original wheels with the purchase of an oil change. Texas vehicle safety and emissions inspections are available, as well. For more information, call 568-7280.
Junior enlisted nights
The Centennial’s Club Metro is open to junior enlisted Soldiers every Friday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. with no cover charge. For more information, call 562-5969.
Designated driver rides
Designated driver rides from the brigade staff duty desk are available from Highlander Village to the Centennial from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday nights. For more information, call 744-1631.
Cars Under the Stars
The 10th annual Rio Grande Wheels Car Club’s “Cars Under the Stars Car Show” will be held at Cohen Stadium Oct. 11, from 3 to 11 p.m. The event is the largest car show conducted in El Paso and will feature some of the best hot rods, street rods, race cars, classics, customs, and modern performance vehicles from throughout the southwest. Musical entertainment and concessions will be provided.
Admission for servicemembers is free, with presentation of an active duty ID. Tickets: adults (18 and older) $5, children (10-17) $3, and children under 10 are free.
For more information, call 256-0856.
Conversational Spanish
This class offers conversational beginners’ and advanced Spanish from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday and Wednesday, Tuesday and Thursday, or Friday at ACS. For more information or to register, call 568-1132.
Lock n Leave
The Fort Bliss Lock n Leave at Bldg. 643, Missiles Road, has a variety of storage options. For information, call 566-8321.
AAFES now hiring
Various positions are available for the Biggs Mini Mall scheduled to open in November: store associates, reorder assistants, laborers and stockers, warehouse workers, supervisors and food service workers, with pay ranging from $6.70 to $8.61 per hour. Apply online at www.aafes.com or call 562-9551, ext. 101, for more information.
Customer evaluation system
The ICE system is a Web-based tool for collecting customer feedback from authorized Department of Defense users via online comment cards. The purpose of the ICE system is to determine customer satisfaction levels for services at the installation. They can be submitted by postage-paid comment cards available from service providers, online at http://ice.disa.mil, or from the Fort Bliss homepage at www.bliss.army.mil. For more information, call 568-1612 or e-mail melissa.house@us.army.mil.