Troop Talk

To be Army Strong, we must make sure we’re also Family Strong. That philosophy was emphasized with the creation of the Army Family Covenant a little more than one year ago. The covenant was a promise to families from the Army’s leadership, saying that families are the core and strength of our fighting force, and they should be treated in a way that corresponds to the depth of their service and sacrifice. As Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. said in a recent forum with Army spouses, “It’s one thing to say that families are important. It’s another to put your resources and efforts behind it.” 

The Army has increased the resources allotted for Army family programs from $1.4 billion last year to $1.7 billion this year. We know the Army hasn’t been perfect in the way it has supported families, but things are absolutely changing for the better. One of the promises included in the Army Family Covenant is to improve Soldier and family housing. There is no doubt that Army families should have clean, safe and well-maintained quarters. 

At Fort Bliss, our Residential Communities Initiative privatized housing partner is Balfour Beatty Communities, which is building new homes, conducting renovations and performing upkeep on our legacy homes. Our new neighborhoods have features like walking trails, playgrounds, several community centers, basketball courts, a swimming pool, a splash park and a miniature golf course. In the older homes – except Van Horn, which recently received new master cooling systems – swamp coolers are being replaced with refrigerated air, and roofs and appliances are being updated as needed, along with other improvements. 

It is the responsibility of residents to maintain their homes, and keep them in the best condition possible. However, as with any home, there will be problems. Certain items, such as furnace filters, light bulbs and extra keys can be picked up from the BBC maintenance facility in Bldg. 2022. Some problems can be avoided with occasional maintenance and upkeep, but as anyone who has ever tried to fix plumbing themselves knows, sometimes you need a professional. That’s when you call BBC for maintenance.

Work orders can be requested in person at the BBC offices at 2022 Sheridan Road or by calling the BBC offices at 564-0459. When a resident calls, he or she will be given a window of time for an appointment. The resident should get the name of the representative and a work-order number so there is an easy way to reference the order after it has been placed. Work orders, except for emergency service, can also be placed online at www.ftblissfamilyhousing.com under the tab “service request.” The Soldier or spouse must be at home when the work is done unless the residents have a signed an Authorization to Enter form on file with BBC. If no one is home, the work will need to be rescheduled. Appointment times can be changed through the BBC office. 

If you have a problem with maintenance at your home, you can follow up with the maintenance supervisors by calling 564-0459 or the community manager or assistant at 564-0795. There is also a military liaison at Kelly Park Community Center in Bldg. 1941 on Marshall Road who can assist residents. BBC is a partner with Fort Bliss, and we must work together to make sure our Soldiers and families have safe and well-maintained homes. Your Fort Bliss leadership is dedicated to keeping our installation at the height of excellence.

 

Maj. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg

Fort Bliss Commanding General