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. 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.
Monster Bash
The first Monster Bash is from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday on Smith Bliss field directly in front of Bldg. 11. There will be three different scare levels of haunted houses: barely scary, $1 admission; pretty scary, $2 admission; or really scary, $3 admission. On the other half of Smith Bliss field will be a stage with a DJ and music, dance floor, food, beverages, tents, tables and chairs, bounce houses and more. All are encouraged to wear costumes. For more information, call Lora Diem at 588-8247.
Waiting Families dinner
There will be a free monthly dinner for all registered members of Waiting Families from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. For location or more information, call 568-1132.
Post-wide yard sale
The next post wide yard sale will take place from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at all housing on main post. Simply display items during the designated times; no formal permission is required. This event is open to the El Paso, Juarez, and surrounding communities. For more information, call 568-6741.
MADD conference
The third annual Help, Hope, Healing Conference is scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 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.
FAA 37th anniversary
The Filipino American Association of El Paso will be hosting its 37th anniversary and annual Miss Philippines-El Paso Coronation at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Centennial Club on East Fort Bliss. Festivities include dinner, a ceremony, entertainment and dancing. For advance ticket information, call Socorro Montague at 630-5104 or Nayma Lubas at 346-1976.
Metro Halloween party
Club Metro, located in the lower level of the Centennial, will host a Halloween costume contest and party at 10 p.m. Saturday. Complimentary snacks will be served through midnight. The costume contest will be held at midnight and prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. For more information, call 562-5969.
Scary bowling
The Fort Bliss Bowling Center will host a Halloween costume contest and party Saturday. Bowl for just $1.50 a game from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The costume contest will take place in the newly renovated lounge. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes in the youth and adult divisions. Patrons are then invited to stay for the center’s state-of-the-art sound and glow-in-the-dark light show, Thunder Alley, which begins at 10 p.m. For more information, call 568-6272.
Ghosts of Fort Bliss
The Ghosts of Fort Bliss tour starts at 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the Fort Bliss Officers’ Club. Author Ken Hudnall tells spooky and suspenseful tales of ghosts and unexplained events that have occurred here throughout history. The event includes a walking tour, a campfire buffet dinner and a chocolate fountain. Tickets are $14 for members, $17 for non-members and $8 for children 10 years and under, and may be purchased in advance at the O’Club.
WBAMC open house
WBAMC will celebrate National Physical Therapy Month Thursday with an open house from 12:30 to 4 p.m. 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.
Hallelujah Festival
A Christian alternative to Halloween will be held from 6:15 to 8:20 p.m. Oct. 31 at Center Chapel Four on the corner of JEB Stuart and Ricker roads. The activities will begin at 6 p.m. with a worship service especially for children. A large variety of game booths, moon jump, giant slide, cake walk, costume judging of biblical costumes and activities for the entire family will be available. Hot dogs and chips will be served free of charge. For information, call 568-0360.
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. For information, call 568-6556.
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/.
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.
Stout Gym closures
Stout Gym will experience shortened hours and closures between Oct. 30 and Nov. 2 for the NCO Wives’ Club Bazaar. The gym floor will be closed at 8 a.m. Oct. 30 and the entire complex will be closed at 8 a.m. Oct. 31 through Nov. 2. Normal hours will resume Nov. 3.
Holiday Bazaar
The Fort Bliss NCO Wives’ Club is hosting the 20th annual Holiday Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 1 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 2. at Stout Gym. Admission is $1 and Wounded Warrior Walk participants get in free. There will be 134 vendors. For more information, call 590-7202 or 309-0970.
Herschel Walker at Fort Bliss
Herschel Walker will speak about mental health issues at Soldiers Hall on Fort Bliss at 2 p.m. Nov. 6. Walker, a former running back for the Dallas Cowboys, will be speaking about overcoming mental disorders. The event is free to all Fort Bliss Soldiers, family members and employees. For more information, call 525-8314 or email tim.bullock@ubhelpaso.com.
Veterans Day ceremony
Fort Bliss Soldiers will conduct a Veterans Day Ceremony at 9 a.m. Nov. 7 at Memorial Circle. The ceremony will be hosted by Brig. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg, Fort Bliss commanding general, and will honor veterans of the past and present, and those still serving our country. During the ceremony the 62nd Army Band will provide patriotic music for the event. All El Paso area veterans’ organizations, individual veterans, family members, the Fort Bliss community and the public are invited to this free event to the ceremony to honor America’s veterans. Veterans’ organizations are encouraged to bring their colors to the ceremony.
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.
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 O’ Club members are also invited to attend. For more information, call 568-7013.
Thanksgiving brunch
The Officers’ Club will serve the traditional Thanksgiving brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 23. The menu will feature a delicious assortment of breakfast items, including crepes and omelets made to order. 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.
Senior bowlers
The Golden Age Bowling Mixed League meets Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. and needs two bowlers for the league. Teams are composed of four bowlers. All bowlers 50 years and over are welcome to join or substitute. For more information, call 751-1340 or visit Mary at the Fort Bliss Bowling Center Wednesday morning.
Customer assessment survey
Everyone who lives, works or does business on Fort Bliss is invited to participate in the first customer assessment survey. The survey is open to all servicemembers, family members, retirees, veterans and civilian employees. This survey gathers your feedback on how important the services at Fort Bliss are to you and how well the Garrison is providing them. Your voice will tell us what we’re doing well and where we can improve to serve you better. Visit www.myarmyvoice.org/Community2008 to take the 20-minute survey. For information, call 568-1612.
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.
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 ADA 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 information, call 568-9330.
Outstanding 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 offers obstetrics/gynecology sick call from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Sick call for OB/GYN illnesses is not available weekends, holidays or training holidays.
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.
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.
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.
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 the 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.
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.
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.skincando.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.
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.