Fort Bliss Monitor

Tour De Tolerance

The third annual Tour De Tolerance bike race and fun ride, sponsored by the El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center, will be held Oct. 19 at Fort Bliss’ Smith Bliss Field. The 100-kilometer bike event will begin at 8:30 a.m., the 60-kilometer event at 9:30 a.m., and the 10-kilometer fun ride at 10:30 a.m. Those interested can register online at www.tourdetolerance.com. For more information, call 351-0048.

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.

Oustanding people sought

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.

Club off-limits

The commanding general has placed D’Club, located at 12821 Monatana Ave., on the off-limits list for all servicemembers assigned to Fort Bliss. The establishment has been deemed unsafe and poses a threat to the health and welfare of our servicemembers.

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. today 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. today 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.

Long wait during MOB/DEMOB

Today through Oct. 17, the CAC section in Bldg. 500 will be assisting in the mobilization/demobilization mission. Customers may experience a longer wait than usual.

ADA School library closing

The Air Defense Artillery School Library will be closed Friday through Monday in observance of Columbus Day. It will reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday.

ASAP, EAP holiday closing

The Army Substance Abuse Program and the Employee Assistance Program in Bldgs. 2436, 2437 and 2438 will be closed Friday through Monday in observance of Columbus Day. Normal hours will resume Tuesday. For more information, call 568-1033 or 568-7011.

Centennial holiday hours

The Centennial Club will be open regular hours on Friday; however, lunch will not include the hot lunch line. The club will have made-to-order sandwiches and burgers and a soup and salad bar from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday evening events, including Fiesta Friday and Junior Enlisted Night, will follow regular hours. We will be closed on Monday for the Columbus Day holiday.

Framing Bliss holiday closing

Framing Bliss will close at 1 p.m. Friday and will be closed Saturday in observance of Columbus Day.

Library holiday closing

Mickelsen Community Library will be closed Saturday through Tuesday in observance of Columbus Day. It will reopen at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

Waiting Families night out

The Waiting Families program will sponsor a night of free bowling and pizza at the Fort Bliss Bowling Alley for all registered waiting families from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday. For more information, call 568-1132 or 568-7088.

Framing class

Framing Bliss will offer a framing class from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday. 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. Wednesday, 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.

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 Thursday, and Nov. 20 and Dec. 18. Upon receipt of orders, contact the Retirement Services Office at 568-5204 to schedule a briefing.

Boss’ Day

In celebration of Boss’ Day, both the Centennial and the Officers’ Club are serving free dessert from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday.

Speed Dating

Speed dating will be held at the Centennial Friday 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.

NDE awareness picnic

The U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program and Consortium of Community Partners will host 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. For more information, call 569-8047.

Family volunteer recognition

The Fort Bliss Family Volunteer Recognition Award recognizes families who volunteer their time and talents in an effort to improve the well-being of Soldiers, family members and retirees within the Fort Bliss community. Active duty, reserve, National Guard, retiree, Fort Bliss civilian employees and El Paso civilians are eligible for recognition. Nomination packets can be found at www.blissmwr.com/volunteer/ or picked up at Bldg. 2494, Ricker Road. Nominations are due by Oct. 17. For more information, call 568-1132.

Payday activities

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

Harlem Starz in El Paso

The Harlem Starz, dubbed the younger, hipper version of the Harlem Globetrotters, will bring their tricks to Austin High School, located at 3500 Memphis, Oct. 18. For tickets, contact Shooting Stars Youth Basketball Academy at 313-4133 or e-mail at sstarsacademy07@yahoo.com. Children 12 and under are free with adult purchase.

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 welcome to attend. For more information, call 755-9969.

Expansion conference

The Federal Manager’s Association is hosting a one day conference, “Fort Bliss and El Paso: Change is Here,” from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 22 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.

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.

Bliss pumpkin harvest

The annual family pumpkin harvest will take place from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 25 at Kelly Park. Activities will include face painting, a pumpkin-painting contest, scariest and most original costume contests, ghost storytelling and a cake walk. Admission is free. For more information, call 568-3137/568-4518.

Make a Difference Day

Make a Difference Day, the nation’s largest day of volunteering, is Oct. 25. You can make a difference by volunteering on a project or starting your own project. To participate, complete a Fort Bliss Make a Difference Day project entry form at the Fort Bliss Army Volunteer Corps office. Visit www.myarmylifetoo.com to find volunteer opportunities. All forms should be returned by Oct. 10 to the Fort Bliss Army Volunteer Corps coordinator at Bldg. 2494, Ricker Road, or faxed to 568-4357.

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.

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.

Kooky spooky

Build-A-Bear Workshop gives Toys for Tots a jumpstart on the holidays. Make a special furry friend for free to be donated to Toys for Tots at 10 a.m. Oct. 25. The first 100 people to visit each Build-A-Bear Workshop store across the United States and Puerto Rico are invited to make a special furry friend, including Boorific Ghost, for free to be donated to Toys for Tots. Participating Build-A-Bear Workshop locations in the El Paso-area include Cielo Vista Mall, 8401 Gateway Blvd. West. For more information, call 772-2026.

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.

Electronic absentee ballot

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 Oct. 28 for temporary registration. For more information, call 568-7432.

TSP class

Army Community Service will sponsor a Thrift Savings Plan and investing class from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 29 at ACS. Everyone can save, even if it’s $10 or $25 a month. You don’t need to have a lot of money to save money. There are three types of saving accounts you should have: emergency, short-term goals and retirement. If you have all three, you’re in great shape. If you have just one or none, come to the Saving, Investing and TSP class to learn how. To register call, 568-7088.

WBAMC open house

William Beaumont Army Medical Center will celebrate National Physical Therapy Month with an open house from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Physical Therapy Clinic on the second floor of the main hospital. Personnel attending the open house will be able to learn what physical therapy has to offer and receive information on injury prevention and treatments for typical Army-related aches and pains. Refreshments and door prizes will be offered.

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.

Veterans Day Gala

The Air Defense Artillery Association is hosting the 2008 Veterans Day Gala at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Centennial Club on Biggs Army Airfield. There will be a silent auction benefiting the Fort Bliss Museum and dinner following. For more information or reservations, call 568-2711.

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.

Marine Corps birthday

The commanding officer of Marine Corps Detachment Fort Bliss invites you to the commemorative celebration of the U. S. Marine Corps’ 233rd birthday at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Camino Real Hotel, 101 S. El Paso St. Dress code is dress uniform for military and formal attire for civilians. RSVP by Oct. 31. For more information, call 568-6094 or e-mail Alvin.Bassfield@us.army.mil.

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

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.

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.

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.

ACS extended hours

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.

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.

Ob-gyn sick call

The Women’s Health Clinic at William Beaumont Army Medical Center is offers obstetrics/gynecology sick call from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. The sick call does not have to be pregnancy related. Sick call for obstetrics/gynecology illnesses is not available on weekends, holidays or training holidays.

Fort Bliss step team

Members are being sought for a newly formed Fort Bliss step team known as Just Blazon’. The team is coached by Spc. Jonathan Wright, and practices are held at 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the outdoor basketball courts next to Stout Gym. No costs or experience are required, and team membership is open to all Fort Bliss Soldiers and family members age 17 and older. For more information, call Wright at 345-0889.

General awareness training

Environmental Management System general awareness training for DA civilians, military personnel, tenant organizations and contractor support personnel is available online at https://imcom.bliss.army .mil/DPW/ED/ems/default.aspx and at http://blisfsdoe1a05/fb_training/gen_aware/page114.html. This is a one-time mandatory training requirement. At the end of the training module is an online exam you must complete to get credit for the training. Print your certificate at the end of the exam as proof of training completion. Individuals who do not have access to the Fort Bliss intranet may request a CD of the interactive training. Group training is also available by calling 568-0931 or e-mailing david.felix1@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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Spouse orientation

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.

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.

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.