New physical fitness and recreation center opens at East Fort Bliss
In efforts to accommodate the ever-growing populations of the brigade combat teams, a physical fitness compound has been constructed on East Fort Bliss in an existing, vacant motor pool area across from Joint Task Force North. The new fitness facility opens Oct. 24 and will operate from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, holidays and training holidays. The compound includes a functional training circuit, free weights, nautilus equipment and space for combatives. Adjacent to the main fitness area is a separate building with cardio equipment. A separate building with an Internet café, TV, video gaming and computer stations will also be available. Representatives from Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers and Morale, Welfare and Recreation will be on site to facilitate additional programs and activities. Hours of operation for this building are still pending.
Photo by Virginia Reza.
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.
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. Friday 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 Friday. For more information, call 568-1132.
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, Saturday. 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. Saturday. Events are limited to 50 people. To reserve a space, call 569-5715.
Thanksgiving assistance
The Army Community Service Center and MWR will host their annual Thanksgiving Assistance Program. This program is intended to assist active-duty Soldiers and their families with Thanksgiving dinner. The vouchers will be redeemable only at our Fort Bliss Commissary. To apply, Soldiers must complete a nomination form, and return it to Bldg. 2494, Ricker Road. Nomination memorandums can be picked up from ACS or your unit commander through Monday. MSC’s will be notified via e-mail of selected recipients, distribution location, and schedule. For more information, call 568-7088.
ROWC
The next ROWC luncheon will be held at noon Tuesday 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.
MADD conference
The third annual Help, Hope, Healing Conference is scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Region 19 ESC Multi Purpose Center, 9600 Chito Samaniego. Military and family members are invited to attend. Online registration is available at www.epcounty.com/register. This is a free event and lunch will be provided for registered individuals.
Framing class
Framing Bliss will offer a framing class from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 25. 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.
CFC
The Combined Federal Campaign is under way. It will run through Oct. 31. The theme for this year is “Change for a Better Future.” Fort Bliss’goal is $400,000. This is truly people making a difference in our Soldiers’ and families’ lives. Each brigade has a representative who will be able to answer any questions and get you started with the contribution process. For more information, call 568-7088. Download the list of charities, view videos and check the current amount collected at http://blissmwr.com /cfc/.
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.
NAUS and SMW luncheon
The El Paso Chapter of the National Association for Uniformed Services and its affiliate, the Desert Sun Chapter 30 of the Society of Military Widows, will hold a joint luncheon meeting from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Fort Bliss Officers’ Club. The theme for this event will be “The Economy and Me.” The keynote speaker will be Robert Sweet, a professional financial officer with First Light Federal Credit Union. Reservations are required no later than Oct. 27. For further information, contact retired Chief Warrant Officer Emiliano Gorgas at 594-0444 or GorgasELP@ aol.com.
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.
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.
Speed Dating
Speed dating will be held at the Centennial Nov. 14 for ages 35 and over. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Going to Fort Sill?
If you are relocating to Fort Sill, Okla., you can visit the “Fort Sill ADA BRIC (BRAC Reception and Integration Cell)” Web site to access relocation information such as housing, schools, Fort Sill photos, and numerous links to Fort Sill and Lawton, Okla. You can also participate in a forum, asking specific questions with feedback from personnel located at Fort Sill. All you need is an AKO login. Visit www.us. army.mil/suite/page/563941. For additional information, call (580) 442-0754/0756.
BRAC employee placement
The deputy garrison commander and the NAGE Local R14-89 recently negotiated and approved the Fort Bliss Garrison Placement Program. This is an opportunity available for excess Air Defense Artillery School and Center employees affected by BRAC. The objective of this program is to give first consideration for reassignment and placement of these excess employees for newly authorized vacancies in the Fort Bliss Garrison. For more information, visit the CPAC SharePoint site under General Information Documents, title “Garrison Placement Program,” or by using the link https://imcom.bliss.army.mil/CPAC/General%20Access%20Documents/ Garrison%20Placement%20Program.pdf.
Peer safety video
The U.S. Army Safety Center Combat Readiness Center is sponsoring a safety video competition that puts safety in the hands of Soldiers, and challenges them to create short video messages that promote off-duty safety awareness. All military ID cardholders can submit videos, 30 to 90 seconds in length, on any topic relating to off-duty safety (e.g. POV driving, motorcycle/ATV operation, use and handling of privately owned weapons, hunting and water-related or sports activities). Your experience and safety knowledge can help keep others safe. Deadline for submitting video is March 31. Winners will receive recognition for their efforts. For more information, visit https://crc.army.mil/videocompetition/ or call 569-5701.
Drivers training
Soldiers wishing to enroll in the Basic Motorcycle Safety Course, Advanced/ Experienced Motorcycle Safety Course, or the Intermediate Drivers Training Course (age 26 and under) must enroll online at https://airs.lmi.org. For more information, call 568-7772.
Centennial Food Pavilion
Coming soon, MWR’s first Food Pavilion. The Food Pavilion will be located inside the Centennial where the existing lunch line is located. It will consist of three Army-brand restaurants including Primo’s Pizza, Habaneros and Java Café, offering daily specials with signature homestyle dishes. Construction will continue through January. Lunch will still be offered throughout the construction phase in our Ultima Room. For more information, call 568-9330.
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.
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 information, call 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. Group training is also available by calling 568-0931 or e-mailing david.felix1@us.army.mil.
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 USAMA’s Learning Resources Center, Bldg. 11291 on Biggs Army Airfield. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Financial track club
This is an opportunity to increase your financial knowledge through the sharing of information and resources. All servicemembers 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.