¡blissNOW! Summer 2012

taking the plunge! leap into summer | leap into fun | leap into family and mwr

summer 2012

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Superior cuStomer Service • Quality merchandiSe • immediate delivery • payroll and allotment expertS • poWer of attorney accepted EL PASO, TX 1430 North Lee treviNo Dr., 915-591-3143 / 1-877-787-4177

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one world. one voice. one magazine.

SUMMER 2012

VOLUME EIGHT • ISSUE THREE

one great staff.

COMMANDING GENERAL Maj. Gen. Dana J.H. Pittard GARRISON COMMANDER Col. Brant V. Dayley FAMILY & MWR DIRECTOR Melinda S. Sorrell ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE Anthony Lovett BUSINESS OPERATIONS Ronald Telles CHILD, YOUTH & SCHOOL SERVICES Pat Smith NAF SUPPORT MANAGER Indri O’Hara RECREATION & SPORTS Eric Hildreth MARKETING & SPECIAL EVENTS William Ketcherside ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP Monica Castillo Michele Wiernicki WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER Heather Wilburn MARKETING ASSISTANTS Marlo Brestar Darline Goyea Rosalinda Herrera OFFICE MANAGER Martina Grise GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Kenny Broomfield Raymond Sanchez MARKETING INTERN Peter Carrillo BlissNOW is a Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation magazine published quarterly for activities on Fort Bliss, Texas.

BlissNOW is mailed to all Fort Bliss homes and George V. Underwood Golf Complex members, inserted in welcome packets, and distributed to all Family and MWR facilities, along with the Fort Bliss Commissary, Post Exchange at Freedom Crossing, Army Lodging Fort Bliss and the Personnel Processing Center. Circulation: 30,000 quarterly The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Army, Department of Defense or federal government.

The information in this issue is current at the time of publication; activities and events are subject to change without notice. For more information, please call the individual facilities. Family and MWR Marketing is located in Building 12, Pershing Road, Fort Bliss, TX 79916 and may be reached by calling (915) 568-6741.

www.blissmwr.com

4 calendar JULY 8 calendar AUGUST 12 calendar SEPTEMBER 17 recognition Family and MWR 18 feature (VERY) SHORT ESSAY CONTEST 22 feature MWR’S “EMBEDDED” REPORTER 23 recognition SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT 25 clubs FOOD & FUN 28 recreation SOUTHWEST ADVENTURE 31 recreation sports & fitness 32 recreation LEISURE 35 family cyss 40 community acs

46 fort bliss map 44 east fort bliss map 46 directory phone numbers

Family & MWR Director’s Comments Once again summer is upon us, the kids are out of school and opportunities abound within Family and MWR to enjoy the sunshine! We have the perfect solutions for the “dry heat” of El Paso with the outdoor Community Pool, the newly refurbished Replica Aquatic Center and the splash park at Biggs Park. The Soldier Activity Center will open in late July with a small recreational pool geared toward the Soldiers who live and work on East Fort Bliss. Right across the street, the Aquatics Training Facility is under way and will open in the spring. This 50,000-square-foot facility houses three indoor pools, all designed to support mission requirements then convert to recreational activities in the evening. Training and recreational opportunities are endless!

Did you know that many active-duty Soldiers are non-swimmers? Family and MWR offers free swimming lessons to activeduty service members who want to learn this important life skill. Fort Bliss Family and MWR is also an active member of the El Paso Drowning Prevention Coalition, whose mission is to ensure that all children respect the water. Swimming lessons are available for kids age 3-18 through SKIES Unlimited and the aquatics program at Replica Pool.

We are excited to again host the El Paso Symphony Orchestra for Pop Goes the Fort, our Independence Day celebration at Biggs Park. This year, we also have special guests: the USO Liberty Bells, a show troupe that specializes in patriotic standards with a showtunes twist. July also brings Rock the Fort, featuring rockers Sick Puppies and five more amazing bands.

Two important events welcome new families to Fort Bliss: the Bienvenidos a Bliss Relocation Fair and the K-12 Education Information Fair. Both are designed to help newcomers learn about their community and get the children ready for back to school. Child, Youth and School Services will be offering camps and classes all summer. Check it out.

Another exciting Mega Bingo is set for August…come and try your luck! This time, the Centennial has two grand prizes: a UTV courtesy of Viva Powersports and $10,000 in cash.

Outdoor Recreation will be active all summer long; come experience backpacking, camping, mountain biking and more.

Speaking of active, our friends at Freedom Crossing are staying busy with their summer entertainment series. Check out Friday by the Fire for a relaxed experience, or head to one of the “Let Freedom Sing” shows to catch big-name headliners.

See you out there!

Melinda Sorrell

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2012 • 3

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21

Rock the Fort

Are you ready to rock?

Then you don’t want to miss Sick Puppies with special guests Street Drum Corps, Gabe Kubanda, School Boy Humor, Lost in Atlantis and Sobredosis del Sabor when Rock the Fort returns to Biggs Park Saturday, July 21.

Admission to Rock the Fort is free. Gates open at 4 p.m. No outside food or beverages are permitted. Coolers, glass containers, alcohol and pets are also prohibited. There is no ATM at Biggs Park – bring cash to take advantage of food, beverage and merchandise vendors.

Enjoy the ever-popular Rock the Fort Beer Garden for just $10 and receive 10 beer samples and preferred tent seating. Only guests age 21 and older, with valid ID, are permitted in the beer garden. No children or strollers are allowed.

This year, with help from the Epic Proportions Tour, Rock the Fort is back and

4 • Summer 2012 • ¡blissNOW!

bigger than ever! We’ve got six bands lined up for your listening pleasure.

Headliners Sick Puppies don’t do anything halfway. This Australian band has shared the stage with the likes of Seether, Shinedown, Breaking Benjamin, Evanescence, Deftones, Velvet Revolver and more.

The band’s sophomore release, Tri-Polar, has sold more than 300,000 copies and includes four Top 10 rock tracks. Listen to Sick Puppies at sickpuppies.com.

Street Drum Corps has conquered Warped Tour, Coachella and more, performing alongside Chris Cornell, Busta Rhymes, The Bravery and Linkin Park.

What started as just “a couple guys playing buckets at parties” quickly morphed into a mini-empire. Learn more at streetdrumcorps.com.

Gabe Kubanda, who has played with music legends including Paul Stanley, Marky Ramone and Sammy Hagar, can be

seen on VH1’s reality show “Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp.” His music is like an acoustic version of Death Cab for Cutie and Maroon Five. Find him online at gabekubanda.com.

School Boy Humor makes music that remains true to their pop-punk roots while incorporating Top 40 elements. Be on the lookout for this band, built upon the foundation of twin brothers Phil and Anthony Evans. Explore School Boy Humor at facebook. com/schoolboyhumor.

Lost in Atlantis is a danceable, upbeat synth-oriented pop rock that will have you on your feet dancing from the first beat. Visit them at facebook.com/lostinatlantis.

Hailing from Havana, Cuba, Sobredosis del Sabor now calls El Paso home.. The band brings all the warmth of the tropics to their music, infusing it with the rhythms, flavor and culture of Cuba.

To learn more about Rock the Fort, visit blissmwr.com or call (915) 588-8247.

www.blissmwr.com www.blissmwr.com

photos by heather wilburn \\ family and mwr marketing

photos by heather wilburn \\ Family and mwr marketing

www.blissmwr.com

vendors will also be available. There is no ATM at Biggs Park – be sure to bring cash for games, crafts and vendors.

Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome.

Pets are prohibited.

Currently celebrating its 80th season, the El Paso Symphony Orchestra is the oldest performing arts organization in El Paso and the longest continuously running symphony orchestra in the state of Texas.

The USO Liberty Bells travel the world performing for service men and women, their families, veterans and audiences. The troupe is comprised of Broadway and off-Broadway professionals who are chosen each year after an extensive audition process.

For more information on Pop Goes the Fort, call (915) 568-6741.

USO Photo

calendar JULY

Celebrate Independence Day with Family and MWR and the El Paso Symphony Orchestra! The second annual Pop Goes the Fort celebration is set for Wednesday, July 4 at Biggs Park.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and the music begins at 7:30 p.m., with fireworks to follow the performance. The El Paso Symphony Orchestra, with special guests the USO Liberty Bells, have lined up a show featuring patriotic music, Sousa marches and Broadway showtunes sure to please the entire family.

In addition to the musical entertainment, Fort Bliss family readiness groups will be on hand to provide games and crafts for a nominal fee; all money raised will benefit FRG/unit funds.

Guests are welcome to bring picnic baskets and coolers; however, glass containers and outside alcoholic beverages are not allowed.

Food and beverage

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¡blissNOW! • Summer 2012 • 5

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27

Fort Bliss Torch Run

The Olympic Torch didn’t make its way through Fort Bliss, so we’ll observe the opening of the 2012 Olympic Games with a torch run of our own!

The 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies are set for Friday, July 27, and we’re ringing them in with a torch run that spans the installation. Starting at 9 a.m., Soldiers from Fort Bliss’ Warrior Transition Battalion will run the Fort Bliss torch from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division footprint on East Fort Bliss to the fireplace at Freedom Crossing.

The 10-mile run is expected to take around 3.5 hours and will culminate

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around 1 p.m. with the lighting of the fireplace at Freedom Crossing, using the Fort Bliss torch.

A guest speaker will follow, and the opening ceremonies will be broadcast on outdoor TVs at 2 p.m. Stay in the Olympic spirit as Buffalo Wild Wings shows broadcasts throughout the games.

Line the streets to cheer on our Soldiers as they take on the challenge of the Fort Bliss Olympic Torch Run. The best viewing areas will be at the 3-1 AD footprint at the start of the run, and at Freedom Crossing at the end of the run.

Show your American pride and deck yourself in red, white and blue for the event.

For information, call (915) 588-8247.

17

Learn basic auto care, including changing oil, checking tire pressure and more at the Relocation Assistance Program Auto Care Clinic from 1:30-4 p.m. Tuesday, July 17.

The free clinic will be held at Auto Crafts, Bldg. 820 Marshall Road, and is limited to 10 participants. Child care vouchers will be provided for CYSS-registered children.

Pre-registration is required; register online at blissmwr.com/ relocation. To learn more, call Army Community Service at (915) 569-4ACS (4227). m

mwr.co

bliss

6 • Summer 2012 • ¡blissNOW!

julyevents PGA Family Golf Month July 1-31 • Underwood Golf Complex Month of the Patriot - Great specials all month long!

July 1-31 • Desert Strike Lanes Pop Goes the Fort July 4 • 6pm • Biggs Park Midnight Laser Tag July 5 • 9pm • Soto Gym Family Camping Trip with Southwest Adventure July 7 • White Sands National Monument, N.M. SKIES Unlimited Cheerleading Camp July 9-13 • SKIES Unlimited Gymnastic Center Golf Post Championship Tournament July 13-15 • Underwood Golf Complex The Air Up There Backpacking and Camping Trip July 13-16 • Crestone Range, Rio Grande Nat’l Forest, Colo.

SKIES Unlimited Fun with Mozart Piano Camp July 16-20 • SKIES Unlimited Center, Logan Heights FREE Auto Care Clinic - Pre-registration required July 17 • 1:30-4pm • Auto Crafts Individual Aquathlon July 20 • 6am • Replica Aquatic Center Rock the Fort July 21 • 4-10pm • Biggs Park Paintball Swap Meet - Buy, Sell, Trade!

July 22 • 9:30am-3pm • Biggs Park Paintball Field Education Information Fair July 26 • 8:30-11:30am • Centennial Fort Bliss Olympic Torch Run July 27 • 9am-1pm • 3-1 AD Footprint to Freedom Crossing BIGG Laser Tag July 27 • 8pm • Biggs Park Dodgeball Post Championship Tournament July 28 • 8am • Soto Gym Tower Day - Unlimited use of Tango Tower for $6 July 28 • 10am-4:30pm • Tango Tower, Biggs Park

www.blissmwr.com

www.blissmwr.com

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PARTY Kick off National Family Fun Month with the Post-Wide Paper Mache Party from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Saturday, August 4 at Biggs Park.

We’re having fun and helping the environment by reusing old newspapers. We’ll provide all you need to make a paper mache balloon, including an apron and gloves, balloons and paper mache materials. You can also make unique paper mache crafts by using repurposed items you bring from home ... don’t toss it in the trash, make it a work of art!

There’s more fun to be had – we’re planning water games, a DJ with karaoke and line dancing, face painting, balloon animals and more. SKIES Unlimited programs will entertain with demonstrations of their skills and fun performances. Food and beverage vendors will be present to provide tasty snacks.

We’ve also got a paper-mache craft contest: Make your own paper mache project at home, bring it to the park for the contest, and win cool prizes. You could take home gift

cards and fun stuff – even a pinata full of candy.

The rules are that there are no rules. Well, there are some rules. Your project must be made of classic paper mache materials, like any type of paper and glue or flour and water.

Your project can be any size, as long as you can get it to ... and into ... the park.

Categories of competition include most detailed paper mache project; best re-use of paper; oldest competitor under age 18; and best overall.

A special prize goes to the biggest group of paper mache-ers, because we’ve got a spirit award for the unit or family readiness group that best supports the event and participates in the arts and crafts.

The Post-Wide Paper Mache Party is going to be messy – we’re providing protective gear, but don’t wear your Sunday best.

For more information, call (915) 588-8247.

www.blissmwr.com

calendar AUGUST

Frontier Day

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Learn what life was like in the 1800s with a historical reenactment and more during Frontier Day at the Old Fort Bliss Replica.

From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, August 18, living historians will reenact what life was like for Soldiers living at Fort Bliss (then called Magoffinsville). They will perform drills and routines that were a part of life while the garrison was located in central El Paso, from 1853-1868.

Watch as the daily chores get done, and find out what Soldiers did during their leisure time back when the West was wild.

Visit the replica’s 1850s-era shops and explore cooking, sewing, pottery, saddlemaking and blacksmithing, as it was when El Paso was still on the nation’s frontier.

Picnic baskets and blankets are welcome, but glass containers and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Pets are not allowed on the replica grounds during this event.

The Old Fort Bliss Replica is located at Bldg. 5054 on the corner of Pershing and Pleasonton on main post. For more information, call (915) 568-4518.

The U.S. Army Soldier Show The 2012 U.S. Army Soldier Show rolls into El Paso Friday, August 24 and Saturday, August 25 for a quartet of shows sure to please everyone from new recruits to seasoned veterans.

An evening performance will be held at 7 p.m. Friday and a matinee performance will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Abraham Chavez Theater in downtown El Paso. Admission is free and open to the public. Ticket availability dates will soon be announced via blissmwr.com. Tickets are not required for admission, but ticketholders will be seated first.

Active-duty Soldiers bring the emotional, mental, physical, spiritual and family pillars of military life to the stage in this year’s Soldier Show. Themed “Army Strong,” the 90-minute revue is “entertainment for the Soldier, by the Soldier.” Each moment of the show reflects the strength of our nation as embodied in the Soldier.

The El Paso performance is a homecoming for two Fort Bliss Soldiers touring with the show: Staff Sgt. Melvin Williams Jr. and Pfc. Justin Easter.

Williams, a driver from Austin, Texas, grew up performing with his family’s gospel group

24+25 and never stopped singing rhythm and blues and gospel music.

Easter is a health care specialist/combat medic who hails from Bossier City, La. His grandfather encouraged him to nurture his musical talent when he started singing in church as a young child.

The 2012 U.S. Army Soldier Show is sponsored by I. A.M. Strong, the Army’s campaign to combat sexual assault and sexual harassment.

For more information, call (915) 568-6741 or visit blissmwr.com.

Andrew P Rosen MD FACOG

Dual Board Certified In Obstetrics & Gynecology & Family Practice

Obstetrics • Gynecology • Infertility Evaluation • Laparoscopy Menopausal Care • Urinary Incontinence Therapy • 4D Ultrasound Complete Personalized Women’s Healthcare • Nurse Lactation Educator In Office Accepting New Patients • Tricare & New Mexico Medicaid Accepted El Doctor Habla Español • Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm

915 261 0326

After Hours

915 838 7946

1600 Medical Center Street • Suite 307 • Medical Center Plaza Building • www.andrewprosenmd.com AdId: R 3364558 - 01 www.blissmwr.com CustId: 1511086947

103944 ¡blissNOW! •YPH: Summer 2012 •9 Physicians & Surgeons Doctors

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Wagon Trails Market

augustevents PGA Driving Range Month - Buy one bucket, get one free August 1-31 • Underwood Golf Complex Wagon Trails Market at Old Fort Bliss August 3, 10, 17, 24 + 31 • 4:30-6:30pm • Old Fort Bliss Postwide Paper Mache Party August 4 • 10am-2pm • Biggs Park Family Camping Trip with Southwest Adventure August 4 • White Sands National Monument, N.M. Bienvenidos a Bliss Relocation Fair August 8 • 1-5pm • Centennial Fort Bliss Hiring Fair August 9 • 9am-1pm • Centennial Gila Camping Trip with Southwest Adventure

heather wilburn \\ family and mwr marketing

Shop for produce and food items, crafts, services and more at the Wagon Trails Market at Old Fort Bliss.

From 4:30-6:30 p.m. every Friday through September 28 (except those associated with a federal holiday weekend), head to the Old Fort Bliss Replica at the corner of Pershing and Pleasonton for a fun family shopping experience. The market began this spring, and is under way now.

Browse vendors, enjoy entertainment and find a great way to spend a Friday evening ... you might even

EVERY

FRIDAY

find something to take home for dinner!

Vendors and entertainers of all sorts are welcome to contact the replica’s education program manager for more information on setting up at the market.

For more information, call (915) 568-4518 or (915) 588-8482.

ACS Community Overview

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Learn about Army Community Service resources and what the program offers to the community during the ACS Community Overview Tuesday, August 28.

The community overview is an informational session open to all Family and MWR patrons – Soldiers, family members, retirees and DoD/DA civilians. The session will run from 9:3011 a.m. at the Family Resilience Center, Bldg. 250 Club Road on main post.

For more information, call (915) 569-5500.

August 10-13 • Gila National Forest, N.M. 10-Mile in the Heat Run August 11 • 7am • Soto Gym Mega Bingo - Win a UTV or $10,000!

August 11 • 2pm • Centennial Mini Golf Post Championship August 14-15 • Kelly Park Midnight Laser Tag August 16 • 9pm • Soto Gym Tower Day August 18 • 10am-4:30pm • Tango Tower, Biggs Park Frontier Day August 18 • 11am-3pm • Old Fort Bliss Replica Intramural Flag Football League Begins August 20 • Various sites Durango to Moab Cross-Country Mountain Biking August 21-31 • Colorado and Utah U.S. Army Soldier Show August 24, 7pm • August 25, 2pm • Abraham Chavez Theater ACS Community Overview August 28 • 9:30-11am • Family Resilience Center Wheeler Peak Bagger with Southwest Adventure August 31-September 3 • Wheeler National Forest, N.M.

   

 

10 • Summer 2012 • ¡blissNOW!

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ARTS & CULTURE VIVA! El Paso Enjoy breathtaking sunsets followed by a spectacular display of pageantry as the story of El Paso unfolds in the majestic McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre.

Friday & Saturday nights • Through August 12 McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre • viva-ep.org

Plaza Classic Film Festival Get swept into the golden age of cinema as the El Paso Community Foundation presents the fifth anniversary of the world’s largest classic film festival.

August 2–12 • The Plaza Theatre • plazaclassic.com

FAMILY FUN Movies in the Canyon This FREE series brings families together in scenic McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre to enjoy blockbuster double features every Friday and Saturday night.

Friday & Saturday nights • August 17–September 29 McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre

moviesinthecanyon.com

Disney’s Phineas and Ferb Live: The Best Live Tour Ever It’s the ultimate end to summer vacation, so seize the day because Phineas and Ferb are gonna do it all.

Don’t let the family miss this interactive musical that will leave everyone howling in laughter.

September 14–16 • Abraham Chavez Theatre

ticketmaster.com

LIVE MUSIC ALL WEEKEND Cool Canyon Nights Start your weekend right with live music every Thursday night! This FREE summer concert series will host a variety of local musical talent on two stages.

Thursdays • Through August 30 McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre

coolcanyonnights.com

Alfresco! Fridays 10th Anniversary Season Alfresco! Fridays brings hot, local, live music to the Arts Festival Plaza every week. Great food, cold drinks and a relaxed vibe await.

Fridays • Through September 28 Arts Festival Plaza • alfrescofridays.com

Dancing in the City You’ve been tapping your feet all week in anticipation of the weekend — now let them free to jump, dance and spin to the beats of salsa, disco and even some country two-step.

Saturdays • Through July 28 Arts Festival Plaza (next to The Plaza Theatre)

elpasoartsandculture.org Scan to win a $100 to

Sun City Music Festival More than 30 international acts cover three stages to rock your feet and blow your mind during Labor Day weekend at El Paso’s largest electronic outdoor music festival.

September 1 and 2 Ascarate Park

suncitymusicfestival.com

www.blissmwr.com

The Outlet Shoppes at El Paso!

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2012 • 11

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German-American

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Oktoberfest Night Run

Get out your running shoes and head over to Freedom Crossing Saturday, September 8 for the 19th annual German-American Oktoberfest Night Run, presented by FirstLight Federal Credit Union, the German Air Force Air Defense Center and Family and MWR. You don't have to be a runner to enjoy the event.

Pre-race activities start at 4 p.m. and include the sale of German coffee and pastries, along with soft drinks, snow cones and more. Children's activities include a bounce house, games and the Freedom Crossing play areas.

The run starts at 6 p.m. and features an 8-kilometer race and 5-kilometer fun run/walk. There is also a military unit team division.

The top three male and female finishers will win prizes.

Last year, more than 1,000 registered participants hit the pavement at this event. Organizers hope even more will join this year, as the run marks its second year at Freedom Crossing.

After the race, stay to enjoy German bratwurst and beer, and more entertainment, including live music.

For more information, visit ganightrun.com or blissmwr.com, or call (915) 568-0259 or (915) 568-6741.

photos by heather wilburn \\ family and mwr marketing

12 •• Summer Summer 2012 2012 •• ¡blissNOW! ¡blissNOW! 12

www.blissmwr.com www.blissmwr.com

Channel your inner beer connoisseur and explore the world of brews at the Centennial’s beer pairing dinner at 7 p.m. Thursday, September 20.

Enjoy a five-course dinner, each course paired with a unique beer.

The combinations are designed to enhance the flavors of both the food and the beers, providing an indulgent experience that tantalizes the senses.

There’s more to beer than you might think: Come explore the complexities of flavor that different malts, hops and yeasts can create.

Ticket pricing and on-sale dates will be announced soon at blissmwr.com.

The Centennial Banquet and Conference Center is located at Bldg. 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St. on East Fort Bliss.

For more information, call (915) 744-1171.

Martini and a Manicure

14

Pamper yourself with Martini and a Manicure at 4:30 p.m. Friday, September 14 at the Centennial, Bldg. 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St. on East Fort Bliss. For just $10, kick off the weekend in style with a manicure and one of our spe-

cialty martinis. Martini and a Manicure is a great way to relax after a hard week’s work.

Guests must be age 21 or

darline goyea \\ family and mwr marketing

older to attend. No children are allowed.

For more information, visit blissmwr.com or call (915) 744-1171.

Strongman Competition

mission essential fitness - fort bliss photo

calendar SEPTEMBER

20

Beer Pairing Dinner

22

Do you have what it takes to conquer the Strongman Competition? You won’t know until you try!

The 2012 Fort Bliss Strongman Competition will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 22 at Soto Gym. The competition consists of four events: the tire flip, farmer walk, log press and truck pull.

Registration is free and open to active-duty military and their spouses. Register at Stout or Soto Gym by close of business Saturday, September 15.

Trophies will be awarded in each of three divisions – men’s lightweight, men’s heavyweight and women’s – as well as to the overall winner.

For more information, call (915) 744-5201.

Family camping trip to White Sands Load up your family and head out to experience one of nature’s wonders when you join Southwest Adventure for a family camping excursion to White Sands National Monument in New Mexico Saturday, September 29.

For just $15 per person or $50 per family, campers will enjoy games in the sand, camping under the stars, hamburgers and hotdogs and any camping equipment required. The fee covers park admission, as well.

Campers will provide their own transportation and meet at the park.

Tickets must be purchased in advance and can be obtained at ITR in Bldg. 1743 Victory Ave., the

29

ITR kiosk at Freedom Crossing, or the Southwest Adventure Equipment Outpost in Biggs Park on East Fort Bliss.

To learn more, call (915) 317-5618. photos by heather wilburn \\ family and mwr marketing

www.blissmwr.com

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2012 • 13

calendar SEPTEMBER

Border Rumble Boxing Smoker septemberevents Team Bliss Sports, Fitness and Aquatics and El Paso Golden Gloves present the Border Rumble boxing smoker Friday, September 21 at Stout Gym. Bouts begin at 6 p.m. Spectators are welcome and admission is free.

Active-duty military with five or fewer amateur fights can participate. Both male and female participants are welcome.

Weigh-ins will take place Thursday, September 20 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Stout Gym. Participants need to complete all requirements before allowed to fight. Requirements include recent physical,

Midnight Laser Tag September 6 • 9pm • Soto Gym Wagon Trails Market September 7, 14 and 21 • 4:30-6:30pm • Old Fort Bliss German-American Oktoberfest Night Run September 8 • 6pm • Freedom Crossing NFL Sunday Ticket Begins September 9 • 11am • Strike Lounge in Desert Strike Lanes Intramural Indoor Soccer League Begins team bliss sports, fitness and aquatics photos

21

pre-fight physical and a sworn statement that Soldier has five or fewer amateur fights signed by commanding officer.

The event is sanctioned by the USA Boxing Border Association.

For more information, call (915) 7445790.

NFL Sunday Ticket

September 10 • Biggs Gym Hispanic Heritage Month Lunch Special September 11 • 11am-1pm • Centennial Martini and a Manicure September 14 • 4:30pm • Centennial Beer Pairing Dinner September 20 • 7pm • Centennial BOSS Bash

9

Strike Lounge at Desert Strike Lanes has got the ticket, and it’s NFL Sunday Ticket. Starting September 9, Strike Lounge opens at 11 a.m. every Sunday. Get there early to choose which game is shown on the big screen, order up some pizza and wings, and have a great time. Admission is free.

The only thing you need to figure out is who’s coming with you! For more information, call (915) 568-6272.

September 21 • TBD • Biggs Park Border Rumble Boxing Smoker September 21 • 6pm • Stout Gym BIGG Laser Tag September 21 • 8pm • Biggs Park Sport Climbing with Southwest Adventure September 22 • Rough and Ready Hills Range, N.M. Strongman Competition September 22 • TBD • Soto Gym Fall Open Softball League Begins September 22 • Omar Bradley Softball Complex Inaugural Iron Soldier Sprint Triathlon September 29 • 7am • Replica Aquatic Center Family Camping Trip with Southwest Adventure September 29 • White Sands National Monument, N.M.

FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN BECOME A SPONSOR TODAY FAMILY AND MWR COMMERCIAL SPONSORSHIP AND ADVERTISING PROGRAM

Your benefits are great:

• Direct exposure to a large military community • Display your company name/logo on promotional material • Event recognition: “Sponsored in part by…”

• On-site signage, product displays, sampling and demonstrations • Events / Sponsor booth • Pre-event publicity and advertising

CALL 915-568-3415 OR LOG ONTO BLISSMWR.COM/SPONSORSHIP 14 • Summer 2012 • ¡blissNOW!

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¡blissNOW! • Summer 2012 • 15

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Vista College Online is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

• www.blissmwr.com

16 • Summer 2012 ¡blissNOW!

CIRCLE AWARD

Peter Carrillo, Family and MWR Marketing

Working with children has always been a passion for Elizabeth Jusino. Having two daughters of her own and being a military spouse for 20 years now, Jusino knew that she would someday be helping military children and their families.

Jusino is the newly appointed director of the Milam School Age Center, one of the newer additions to Fort Bliss’ Child, Youth and School Services program.

Milam SAC provides care for children in first through fifth grades.

Anyone who knows and who has seen the way Jusino works would have to agree, this is the perfect fit for her and for Family and MWR. With a smile always on her face and confident and calm tone to her voice, Jusino makes anyone feel respected and comfortable.

“I have passion with what I do,” Jusino said.

“Teamwork and respect are essential to bring more children into this program.”

As director, Jusino plans to spread the word that programs like SAS are here to help military members and their families.

“I understand what families need,” says Jusino.

Jusino began her career with Family and MWR as a lifeguard at the young age of 19, in Sabana Seca, Puerto Rico. Driven by her passion to work with and help children, Jusino earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Puerto Rico.

Jusino’s journey from Puerto Rico to Fort Bliss did have its pit stops, courtesy of being a military spouse. These stops consisted of South Carolina and Chicago. Throughout this time frame, Jusino showed great work ethic by teaching at various institutions and volunteering her time as a coach and as an official in multiple sports.

Here at Fort Bliss, Jusino was first a very active staff member at Logan Heights Physical Fitness Center as recreational supervisor before her move to the position of director at the Milam SAC. On top of her many responsibilities, Jusino continues to volunteer her time to coaching and officiating and also to lend a helpful hand to anyone who simply asks for it.

Jusino and her family have been at Fort Bliss for three years now and she says she plans to stay in El Paso for good.

www.blissmwr.com

Winner’s Circle Employees go above and beyond

Each quarter, Family and MWR holds the Winner’s Circle award ceremony to recognize employees who have gone above and beyond to provide excellent service for the Soldiers, families, retirees and civilians we serve. Winner’s Circle is a directorate-level incentive awards program primarily designed to recognize outstanding customer service and teamwork by Family and MWR staff members. Each quarter, staff members are nominated by their peers, patrons of Family and MWR or outside agencies, or are identified by name in an ICE comment.

The following staff members are “Commitment to Excellence” winners for routinely going above and beyond to provide exceptional service to internal and external customers.

2nd quarter 2012 Kristine Woodson

The “Effective Team” award is given to recognize the accomplishments of a team who work together in harmony to produce outstanding results. The selection committee decided that the team below was deserving of the award.

2nd quarter 2012

FAMILY and MWR

MWR

opening of the new golden tee clubhouse at virginia coger underwood golf Complex The Centenniail Claudine Morgan belinda jones Silke Holmes Soldier and Family Assistance Center Myshelle Loosemoore Olga Saenz-Reyes guadalupe morales Rosa Diaz Desert Strike Lanes Margarite Cannon SSG Keith Fay Eduardo Duran Southwest Adventure Volunteer Raul Licon Coleen o’brien Rhonda Olivarez Desert Strike Lanes Kyle Burris-Woodson joseph fedalizo Eddie Milner Desert Strike Lanes Victor Lorena Rodriguez Manuel Vasquez apolinar fernandez Luis Solis Team Bliss Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Edna Mclamore Kenneth Coppedge Ruben Rodriguez Southwest Adventure Outdoor Rec Bobby Kaerwer veronica witt Michael Maciolek Financial Readiness Program Carl Wiesenthal David Galaviz Gregory Mai Southwest Adventure Outdoor Rec Efrain Marzan Tianna Bowden Deana Garcia Joerg Robeson Employment Readiness Program James Hamilton William Sutton Isaac Pepper DPTMS Deanna Woodson Melissa Miller Robert Rodela Logan Child Development Center Kristine Woodson To nominate a Family and MWR employee for a Winner’s Circle award, contact Melinda Scott at (915) 568-3500. To submit a compliment or suggestion for improvement for any Family and MWR program, check out the ICE system at http://ice.disa.mil.

Underwood Golf Complex

recognition

MWR

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2012 • 17

2012

MWR

M AG A Z I N E

(Very) Short Essay Contest

“How Family and MWR Is Part of My Summer” er! m m u s of my

iliart p f the M a o t e r a b p een will R my life.

I have b f .

W o n t e s M d o r ly and y name is Natalie Hactually it has been m r me. With all i m a f a fo How Hello, m r years; ll g help o i f b y t a i n n u l signs a ee

Fun in the El Paso Sun

I love summer because I get to stay home with my family. We like to ride bikes, read books, play board games and play outside. My favorite thing to do in the summer is playing at Biggs Park. I can go to the splash park, play at the playground and have a picnic at the park. I got to play laser tag at the park for my brother’s birthday party. I also like to eat ice cream at Dairy Queen at Freedom Crossing and go to the movie theatre.

I learned how to read this year and I get to be in the reading club at the library and read lots of books with my brothers. This summer I get to join cub scouts on post as a Tiger cub scout and do fun things. My daddy deploys soon and I hope we get to go to Disneyland before he leaves.

18 • Summer 2012 • ¡blissNOW!

b mm lpfu always tary co heir he s t of a , s h s e R r t W ts, and ys M n a e d v w n e a a g e y tak min Famil ple ut upco vents to e o l b u a f r eat peo d r e e g d n m e r o h o t f e in the w rom okkeep m ervice f s o t r t e , and lo s s o m n p o a t r l s e p u v c y o an y. ome I have m rent wa e awes r e h f e t if e m d s r a m cou R in is su by e FMW ere. Th h lv t o k v r rranged in o a t e w s r o o a h s m w mp one, nd g, fun ca at each in k z viting a c a a in m b ls a o e ing o h t ew, the p lay and ame a f p n keeps n o o io t t is t e s iv c u J t pla tion D reat s a grea Recrea i e y h e l t l on for g , i a t S p g o n i CYS t l llen y bow an exce njoy m nd the s e a i , d R n n a a W e t l c s. FM e hea emorie beat th acm o t e g k a in m FMWR go y ly n e a it n m defi g as y by ily doin fun. I am m a f my essa y e d m lu h c it r nw ill con work fo vacatio an! I w o c h I s w a ll s to a n tivitie re whe ank you e h t h , t g g in n bei add ra always r o f , hand o R g in lp FMW e sah ne need o u! e m o s ank yo h t o S . ile nice sm

www.blissmwr.com

I am grate ful for Fam ily Fa

and MWR

mily and M WR are a m ajor part o after schoo f my famil l and durin ies’ life. To s g summer tart this ou we go to Y the YS not t, every da outh Servic just becau y es (YS). I ha se of the a v c e ti so much fu vities but b ing the sch ecause of th n at ool year, th e friends I m e YS is also fun but du ake there. kinds of ca Durring the su mps they h mmer it’s b ave are fu reathtakin n even to te are bowlin g. The enagers. T g, paintba he types o ll, compute f camps th r animatio was a certa ey have n, cooking in camp th a nd much m at defined ore. To me summer fu camp is Su there n and had rvivor Cam fun activit p. Survivor ie s C for all of us amp has it again. I’m ; that all and the excited ab y’re going out what fu to repeat the n that I wil Another a camp l have this ctivity tha y e a r a t t S I u lo r v ve to be a ivor Camp Trip. I’ve g part of is th . one three e M W R Wh times. The ite Sands C first time w The secon amping as with on d time my ly dad came with my m along and om and bro camping tr third time ther. ips seem to m y God siste get better e r c ame along very year a camp trip, . The nd I can’t w they provid ait until th ed us with e next one. O snacks, wa good beca ter, dinner, n the use someti boogie bo mes we fo a rds which rget stuff a sands in ju is pretty t home. Ev st about ev e n erywhere u though we ncomforta go home w my familie ble; it’s alw s face. ith ays good to s e e the smile The last ac on tivities I w a n t to ta lk about a like to talk re at Biggs about is th Park. The fi e Easter Ex rst thing I travaganz enjoyed. Th would a , it had tons e second is of activitie the Christm s for me do as event, th not go to a that I ere were so ll of them.

Finally, the many acti v la it s ie cert and th t event wa s that I cou e fireworks s the 4th o ld f July conc were amaz e r in t. Both the g. I was imp was there conand even le ressed tha t the Comm d the conc ert. There a anding Ge and MWR; neral re tons of a my family ctivities pro and I are g rateful tha vided by F t we have amily opportunit y to enjoy them all.

www.blissmwr.com

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2012 • 19

2012

MW R

MA G AZINE

(Very) Sho rt Ess ay Contest

these great opportunities are provided by MWR. My Mother and Father have planned some great activities for this summer. After we drive through Santa Fe and other parts of New Mexico we will camp near the Grand Canyon and tour the surrounding area. We will also splash around at the Wet ‘n Wild water park. But most of all we will spend time together as a family, taking walks, and playing sports.

Summer has just begun and I plan to make it special with my family and MWR.

Jana Baadte, 7th Grade Taylor Eastes, 6th Grade Age Group Winner How Family and MWR are Part of My Summer

MWR provides many wonderful activities for my family and me to enjoy. We have picnicked at Biggs Park and Kelly Park and explored the multiple play structures, athletic fields, and splash parks. The pools are a short drive and short walk from our house, which is very convenient. We have already swum in both Replica Pool and community Pool and will swim there again. Additionally, we will bowl at Desert Strike Lanes. MWR has motivated me to read quality books by running a summer reading program. I am also thankful for the Baseball league on Fort Bliss. It has given me a chance to practice and improve my skills. All of

Age Group Winner

nity, and sometimes, meet my grandparents in Ocean City, New Jersey. Since we are relatively new to Fort Bliss we haven’t experienced everything Fort Bliss has to offer. But we do know that the Freedom Crossing is a great place to eat and shop and the Grand Theater is a great place to watch some fantastic movies! No matter where we go we are always together having fun.

I am positive that MWR will be part of my 2012 summer vacation. MWR operates and sponsors things like, the pool were we can go swimming, the gym where we can work out, the library to get a good book, bowling, golf and so much more. MWR also sponsor fun soccer and volleyball camps. Without MWR, life would not be as exciting. With all the things MWR has to offer I am sure that my summer will be jam packed with fun things to do all summer long.

I love all the things MWR has to offer and before I know it summer will be over.

With all those things in mind I am sure that this summer and for many summers to come will be filled with fun, new experiences with my family and MWR.

Tristen Winburn, 4th Grade How Family and MWR will be a How family and MWR is part of part of my summer Hi my name is Tristen Winburn. I would like to tell you my summer Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) have been a part of summer for as long as I can remember.

I am sure that both will be a part of my summer in 2012!

My family will be a part of my summer because we do everything together! We are an Army family, we move a lot, and we always stick together. During the summer months we go to the pool, travel throughout the commu-

how Family and MWR help me and my family every summer. I love going to spend afternoons at Biggs Park; we play paintball, laser tag and have family grill outs! I also love to play in the water park and playground areas. We get to watch lots of concerts and the fireworks display on the fourth of July. I love how they have events for almost every holiday, I have been too the Easter egg hunt, Halloween

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20 • Summer 2012 • ¥blissNOW!

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events, Holiday nights, and more! I go swimming in the Replica indoor pool and at the outdoor community pool.

The pools provide life jackets so I do not get scared in the water and they have great slides! I also enjoy going to play golf at the George Underwood golf course. They have golf carts we can ride, and a great new restaurant.

Sometimes, my family and I go to eat brunch at the Centennial and it is so good! I love how friendly everyone in FMWR is and I want to say thanks you!

Andrea Davis, 4th Grade How Family and MWR will be a part of my Summer

MWR is part of my summer in many ways. They provide information for my parents to be able to take me to concerts at freedom crossing called let freedom sing.

They provide information on cool trips and fun things to do as a family for little or no money; example; the fishing tournament at ascarate lake for kids of all ages, fathers day bowling at desert strike lanes and fun family trips such as camping at white sands monument. Information on things like camping and boating and and tangle tower are also given

by MWR. Wagon trails market is neat because there are cool things to look at and buy, and we get to look at old Fort Bliss Museum while there for the wagon trails market. We plan to continue going to wagon trails market throughout the summer.

MWR advertised swim lessons through replica pool and now my mom is signing me up for swim lessons when I thought I wouldn’t be able to take them because my gymnastics class through Skies is during my level of swimming. Swim lessons are so important because the make summer safer and more fun. I also make new friends in my swim lessons.

Last year MWR sponsored the fireworks at biggs park and great concerts for the whole family.

MWR makes it possible for me and my family to stay fit and have fun at the same time with the fun runs. My family always tries to compeat with each other to see who will get the best run time.

The trips MWR sponsors and gives information on helps families reduce the stress caused by being a military family.

We learn about our surrounding area not just fort Bliss or El Paso. I know I will have a great summer because of all MWR provides to fort bliss and to my family.

Logan J. Leeworthy, 1st Grade My Family’s Summer with MWR

My Mom and me will go swimming almost every day on post. We live by Biggs

park and can walk up there to eat lunch and play. Then we will visit my Dad at work at USASMA. We have lunch with him and then play basketball and ride bikes at the park when he gets home. I love to play and have fun with my Mom and my Dad. It’s nice to live by parks where we can have a good time together as a family. Sometimes we go with our friends to concerts at Biggs park. We can go to see the fireworks like we did last fourth of July. There is a lot of fun stuff to do at Biggs with my family.

Haylee Adams, 4th Grade My Summertime Fun

When we were at the pool my family would play down the slides and play chasing under water. We go to the pool because it was so hot out. Every time I go to the pool with my family I go and swim in the water. Sometimes when we are at the pool I play with my sisters.

We bring our own things to make a little picnic to enjoy a lunch at the pool. When we are going to the park I play chasing with my sisters. When my sisters and I are finished our chasing game we would play on the swings. After the swings we would sit down for a little bit. After we are done at the park we would go home. Sometimes when we come home I feel like I need to eat a whole bowl of Ice Cream.

Thanks to MWR for providing these cool thimgs for my family and I to enjoy! My sisters and now my brother will get to enjoy all the great things this summer.

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¡blissNOW! • Summer 2012 • 21

feature ‘EMBEDDED REPORTER’

Boots on the ground

Our latest intern gets up close and personal with ‘Iron Focus’ Peter Carrillo, Family and MWR Marketing

Zero five hundred hours, or what most people would call too early in the morning. A handful of reporters and I were assigned to meet with Capt. Moore in front of 1st Armored Division Headquarters.

The purpose for this meeting was to give journalism/communication students from local colleges the chance to be embedded with company sized-units in 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, which was participating in the “Iron Focus” training exercise. Iron Focus is the largest training exercise in the Army in the last 10 years and is meant to train Soldiers for combat operations with scenarios they may encounter while deployed.

This training is not only beneficial for the reporters, but also helps train Soldiers on how to handle working with the media in deployed locations. For most of us, it was the first time we had been given an opportunity to be reporting in the field with our troops.

All of us were treated like any other journalists and were required to follow the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Media Ground Rules. Upon arrival, we were given body armor, paired up with another reporter and assigned to a unit. My partner and I quickly learned that if we could not keep up, we would be left behind. This little fact was demonstrated when we arrived to the training site and learned our unit was already on the move. We were then assigned to a German unit who were in support of the American forces in this scenario.

During our short attachment with the Germans in the village, we learned that the scenario was in full swing. The combination of the role players who never broke character, the anxiousness of the Germans and a village that was completely realistic – down to the smallest details – made me for a second feel like this was real.

As the Americans made their way to the village, we were turned over to them. We moved along with the troops through the village when, suddenly, we were hit by an apparent suicide bomber.

Slightly stunned, I began to snap as many pictures as I could. As I did with my camera, the Soldiers did with their tactics and rendered aid to all who were injured, while maintaining the security of them and of us. Before I really knew it, we were surrounded by “Afghan” villagers and things were getting pretty crazy. After all injured personnel (civilian and military) were taken away, we ran along with our unit toward the outskirts of the village.

At the end of this intense scenario, observers of the exercise critiqued the performance of the soldiers. Overall, the debrief seemed to be good; however, disappointment soon shrouded the unit. During the scenario, two Soldiers were said to have been killed and, even though this was an exercise, reality seemed to hit. The division involved in this exercise is scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan this fall.

After it was all said and done, we had a few hours with these troops and, though they did not seem happy to see us at first, most of them eventually opened up and we were able to just sit down and talk. What people fail to realize is that behind the gear, weapons and serious faces, these are just normal people – people with the same likes and dislikes as any other American. Being prior service myself, this opportunity allowed me to see military training from the eyes of a reporter and gave me a whole new perspective on how the media looks at our military.

22 • Summer 2012 • ¡blissNOW!

peter carrillo \\ family and mwr marketing

U.S. and German forces joined together May 1 for the portion of the “Iron Focus” training exercise detailed here. The scenario involved a patrol through a mock Afghan village (pictured above) during which the Soldiers took a hit from a suicide bomber and cared for the civilian and military casualties.

Afghan villagers portrayed by reenactors add authenticity to the exercise.

Iron Focus was the largest training exercise to take place on Fort Bliss. The four-week event involved the entire 1st Armored Division.

www.blissmwr.com

Michele Wiernicki, Sponsorship and Advertising Coordinator

The sponsor spotlight shines brightly on one of our most dependable partners. Costco has been supporting the Soldiers, their families and Fort Bliss Family and MWR for many years. Whether it’s water at the GermanAmerican Oktoberfest Night Run or beautiful cakes for our tireless volunteers and military spouses, Costco is there ready to lend a hand.

At Family and MWR, we basically have two types of corporate sponsors: those that support with cash contributions and those that provide merchandise. Costco falls into the latter category, which is just fine with us. Some of the events they have unquestioningly supported this year include Fitness Resolution 2012, AFTB Basket Bingo, Military Spouse Appreciation Day and the Speed Dating for Dogs adoption event.

Costco has all the certificates of appreciation proudly displayed on the warehouse walls. This is a business that sponsors for the right reason: They believe wholeheartedly in supporting the military.

Michelle Pascha, Costco marketing manager, explained where their passion comes from: “Costco recognizes Fort Bliss as an integral part of this community, and we appreciate all that the Soldiers and their families do for our freedom. The support we provide is the least we can do to show our gratitude.”

Hopefully we’ll see you at all of our amazing summer events – and while you’re there, stop at the Costco table and let them know how much you notice and appreciate their support.

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24 • Summer 2012 • ¡blissNOW!

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clubs FOOD&FUN

Back, and better than ever

The new Mega Bingo offers not one, but two grand prizes Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

Mega Bingo at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center just keeps getting bigger! In August, the bingo team will offer the first Mega Bingo featuring two grand prizes.

Would you like to win a UTV, courtesy of Viva Powersports?

How about $10,000 in cash? Both are up for grabs this time. The Centennial has a total of more than $40,000 in cash and prizes to give away, and you can’t win if you don’t play.

Advance tickets go on sale July 9 and cost $100 for an initial buy-in or $175 for an initial buy-in/electronics combo. The electronics feature 56 faces and nine jackpot faces, and quantities are limited. Purchase tickets in person or by phone from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Centennial.

“The cost represents a great value,” said Leesa Sheppard, bingo programs manager for Family and MWR. “You’re looking at 25 chances to win $600 or more, and 10 chances to win $1,000 or more. You can’t beat it!”

Once the initial buy-in is purchased, additional bingo packets may be purchased at discounted prices. Individual cards for jackpot games and other special games are offered, as well.

Get your tickets early – at the door, initial buy-in pricing goes up to $125, and electronics will run an additional $100. Electronics quantities are limited.

Mega Bingo wouldn’t be possible without the aid of sponsors who provide the prizes that make it “mega.”

“We’re so excited to be able to continue with another Mega Bingo,” Sheppard said. “We’re proud to continue to provide our customers with some of the most exciting and innovative bingo programming in the Army, and we couldn’t do it without sponsors like Viva Powersports.”

Since hosting the Army’s first-ever Mega Bingo last summer, the Centennial has received visitors from several installations that hope to emulate the program. No wonder: Mega Bingo won Mega Bingo is back at the Centennial August 11 and offers two grand prizes: the an Army Family and MWR award for best single-facility event UTV pictured above, courtesy of Viva Powersports, and $10,000 cash. Advance in 2011. tickets go on sale July 9 and cost $100 for an initial buy-in or $175 for an initial buyMega Bingo will take place August 11 at the Centennial in/electronics bundle. Tickets at the door cost $125 for an initial buy-in and $100 for Banquet and Conference Center, located at Bldg. 11199 Sgt. E. electronics – buy your tickets early and save!

Churchill St. on East Fort Bliss. Doors open at noon and games Mega Bingo offers 25 chances to win $600 or more, and $10 chances to win $1,000 begin at 2 p.m. or more. You could take home cash, like the lucky winners above – both are actual For more information, visit blissmwr.com/bingo or call (915) winners from Mega Bingo in February.

744-1171.

Family and mwr marketing photos

Webster University/Fort Bliss 632 Taylor St BLDG B Hours: M-TH 0900-1700 FRI- 0900-1200 POC: Julie Smith (smithj@webster.edu) Telephone: (915) 562.4400

Programs: Master of Business Administration *Master of Health Administration Human Resources Development Management and Leadership Business and Organizational Security Information Technology Management *Community Counseling *Evening class from 1730-2130

www.blissmwr.com

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2012 • 25

clubs FOOD&FUN

Beat the heat

Desert Strike Lanes offers air-conditioned family fun Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

Everybody knows that summer means family fun, and there’s no better way to have family fun on a budget than by taking advantage of the great summer specials at Desert Strike Lanes.

Declare your independence from high prices in July as Desert Strike Lanes celebrates the Month of the Patriot in July.

Don’t miss the Patriot Day Kickoff, starting at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 4. Enjoy limited free cake and snacks, plus $1 hot dogs, $1 12-ounce slushes, $1 candy and $ 12-ounce fountain sodas all day long! To honor those who protect our freedom, active-duty armed forces personnel who show valid ID will receive one free bowling game with the purchase of a game.

The fun continues with Freedom Glow, also set for Wednesday, July 4. Take advantage of unlimited bowling 6:30-9:30 p.m. for just $6 per person, shoes not included. (The bowling center reserves the right to assign multiple parties to a lane based on business demand.) To get things “glowing,” the first 100 youth to ask for “Desert Glow” at the front desk will receive a free mini glow stick.

Because it’s the Month of the Patriot, and not just the Day of the Patriot, the deals continue with the Patriot Lunch Time Special.

From 11 a.m.-1 p.m. each Tuesday, enjoy $1 bowling games and $1 shoe rental.

And the fun doesn’t stop there: From noon-6 p.m. each Sat-

urday, active-duty military who show valid ID and ask for the Patriot Special will receive one free game of bowling. (Must sign log sheet to receive free game.) The first 100 active-duty military with valid ID also receive a free mini glow stick.

July is also Patriot Glow Month ... See the Desert Strike Lanes staff about buying your glow novelty items and rock the party every Friday and Saturday during Dezert Nightz glow bowling!

There are even more specials coming your way in July and August.

Beat the heat and stay indoors at Desert Strike Lanes! From 11 a.m.-5 p.m. every Monday and Tuesday in July and August, kids bowl one free game (shoe rental not included).

Every Wednesday from July 11-August 29, bring the family to dinner at Desert Strike Lanes and receive a large one-topping pizza plus a pitcher of soda, and one lane with one hour of bowling for just $25, shoe rental included ... and nobody has to do the dishes!

Thursdays in July and August are great for late-night family fun, and there’s no need to be afraid of the dark: From 7-10 p.m., take advantage of unlimited glow bowling for just $6 per person, plus shoe rental.

For more information on any Desert Strike Lanes program or promotion, call (915) 568-6272 or visit blissmwr.com/bowling.

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www.blissmwr.com

The weather’s just right for Underwood Golf Complex Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

Summer has arrived, and there’s no better time to hit the links at Underwood Golf Complex. The sun is shining, the wind is gone and the fairways are green and inviting. Join us for great golf specials all season long.

July is PGA Family Golf Month, and at Underwood that means spouses and children, with valid military ID, pay no greens fees when they play with their active-duty service member. The family that golfs together, stays together; pack up the spouse, the kids and the clubs and join us for great family fun on a budget.

In August, work on your long game for half the price. It’s PGA Driving Range Month, and we have a great special on range balls: buy one bucket and get one free.

August 3-5, there will be limited tee time availability at Underwood due to the El Paso Men’s City Championship Tournament.

There will also be limited play during the morning September 14, as both courses will be occupied by a private function.

Underwood Golf Complex offers two 18-hole courses: the desert landscaping of the Sunrise Course and the lush, parkland-style Sunset Course. Take advantage of the lighted driving range, two practice putting greens and the brand-new, state-of-the-art Golden Tee Clubhouse, which features a full Pro Shop, the Golden Tee Restaurant, high-tech locker rooms and more.

To request a weekday tee time, call (915) 568-1059. To request a weekend tee time, visit blissmwr.com/golf and complete the online tee time request form.

clubs FOOD&FUN

Hot links

thinkstock photos

In July, celebrate PGA Family Golf Month at Underwood Golf Complex. Spouses and children, with valid ID, pay no greens fees when they golf with their active-duty Soldier. Enjoy a little family fun in the sun for a great price!

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¡blissNOW! • Summer 2012 • 27

recreation southwest adventure

The great outdoors

Laser tag, paintball, backpacking and more ... at your leisure

Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

The sun is shining ... and, from the looks of things, it’s going to stay that way for quite a while. Why not take advantage of the weather by getting yourself off the couch and into the outdoors?

Whether you’re looking to stay close to home or have a yearning to hit the road, Southwest Adventure has an activity for you.

In the mood for some laser tag? How about laser tag at night?

Midnight Laser Tag at Soto Gym and BIGG Laser Tag at Biggs Park are right up your alley. This isn’t your little brother’s laser tag setup ... Southwest Adventure has top-of-the-line, high-tech equipment.

The different venues each offer different challenges, said John Limon, recreation specialist with Southwest Adventure.

“For the Midnight Laser Tag at Soto Gym, it’s more fun to just run around and shoot,” Limon said, noting that while kids are always welcome, the environment is also better suited to older players. “Generally, the younger ones are less tactical and the Soldiers come out and just dominate the younger players.

“At Biggs Park, you’ve got the whole park and all these wideopen spaces to run around in,” he continued. “With the BIGG Laser Tag, we’re going to run multiple scenarios and do more of a tournament format, where we have brackets and winners.”

If paintball is more your speed, don’t miss the Paintball Swap Meet at the Biggs Park Paintball Field. It’s free for individuals to come in and buy, sell or trade their used paintball equipment. Paintball field and air fees are waived during the event.

“It’s basically a big garage sale-swap meet kind of thing,” Limon said. “Everyone who’s a paintball enthusiast is welcome to stop by.

It’s a great way to pick up something new, or offload gear you’re no longer using. “ For those looking to get out of town, there are several options.

“The Air Up There” is new addition to the calendar. Organizers plan to head to the Creston Ridge at the Rio Grande National Forest in Colorado for a multi-day camping and backpacking adventure.

“What we plan on doing is backpacking in about four miles to where there’s an alpine lake with lots of trees, pretty water, the whole nine yards,” Limon said. “This lake is centered right in the middle of a series of really tall mountains, some of them with 14,000foot peaks. We plan on summiting at least one – that’s our whole mission – and if people are up to it, we can do two or even three.”

Because this trip will be especially strenuous, backpackers are asked to honestly evaluate their physical fitness levels before registering.

“We just want to make sure people aren’t going in over their heads, because then nobody has a good time,” he explained.

Speaking of strenuous, Southwest Adventure will lead a hutto-hut mountain biking excursion from Durango, Colo., to Moab, Utah. The route will involve mountains, passes as high as 11,000 feet and rides that range from 10 to 40 miles each day.

Speaking of high altitude, the Wheeler Peak Bagger offers a chance to summit the highest peak in New Mexico and catch views that you can’t find anywhere else.

“Just the claim of going to the top of New Mexico is pretty sweet, but as you’re going up Wheeler Peak there are views that ... You can’t look them up, you can’t find them online because you’re actually prohibited from taking any photography. The area has great significance in Native American mythology, and the only way to see it is to go.”

28 • Summer 2012 • ¡blissNOW!

southwest adventure photos

Get outdoors and soak up the sun this summer. Looking to stay local? Southwest Adventure has new, high-tech laser tag equipment and a great paintball setup. Hit the road for backpacking, camping, climbing and mountain biking trips, all led by our outdoor recreation experts.

Wheeler Peak tops out at an altitude of 13,161 feet, just in case you’re counting. The hike doesn’t run through any steep grades, Limon said, but the tradeoff is that it’s long.

If you’d rather take it easy, check out the overnight family camping trips to White Sands National Monument. Load up your family, maybe some snacks, and leave the rest to Southwest Adventure.

“White Sands trips are huge, and I think it’s so popular because it’s kind of carefree,” Limon said. “You just show up with you and your kids, you don’t have to pack the gear, you don’t have to cook dinner.”

Southwest Adventure provides all the camping equipment you’ll need – including sleeping bags and tents – and takes care of the water, dinner arrangements and entertainment options.

“Basically, you just open your car doors, the kids hit the dunes and they’re out there for the rest of the day,” Limon added. “You wait for nighttime, the kids pass out, and when you wake up in the morning, the kids hit the dunes again and then you go home. The whole thing is no big deal.”

Backpacking trips to the Gila National Forest are also quite popular, Limon noted.

“The hot springs are always a big hit,” he said. It’s comfortable.

There’s a river. It’s a nice place to be.”

For more information about any Southwest Adventure program, visit blissmwr.com/southwestadventure or facebook.com/blissodr, or call (915) 317-5618.

www.blissmwr.com

Date:

Activity:

Location:

$$

Includes:

July 5 9pm-12am

Midnight Laser Tag

Soto Physical Fitness Center

$10

Entry fees, laser tag equipment

July 7

Family Camping

White Sands National Monument, N.M.

$15 or Equipment, park entry fees, guide services, evening cookout $50/family with hamburgers and hot dogs

July 13-16

The Air Up There Crestone Ridge, Rio Grande Backpacking & Camping National Forest, Colo.

$50

Transportation, equipment, park entry fees, guide services, some meals. *Trip capped at 11-13 participants. Trip is especially strenuous.

July 22 9:30am-3pm

Paintball Swap Meet: Buy, Sell, Trade, Play!

Biggs Park Paintball Facility

Free to swap

Come out to buy, sell or trade the paintball gear you no longer use - and play a round or two while you’re here!

July 27 8pm-12am

BIGG Laser Tag

Biggs Park

$10

Entry fees, laser tag equipment

July 28 10am-4:30pm

Tower Day

Tango Tower, Biggs Park

$6

All-day use of Tango Tower

August 4

Family Camping

White Sands National Monument, N.M.

$15 or Equipment, park entry fees, guide services, evening cookout $50/family with hamburgers and hot dogs

August 10-13

Gila Camping and Hiking Gila National Forest, N.M.

$40

Transportation, equipment, park entry fees, guide services

August 16 9pm-12am

Midnight Laser Tag

Soto Gym

$10

Entry fees, laser tag equipment

August 18 10am-4:30pm

Tower Day

Tango Tower, Biggs Park

$6

All-day use of Tango Tower

August 21-31

Durango to Moab Cross-Country Mountain Biking

Colorado to Utah

TBD

Transportation, equipment, park entry fees, guide services, some meals. *Trip capped at 11-13 participants. Trip is especially strenuous.

August 31-September 3

Wheeler Peak Bagger Summit New Mexico’s tallest peak!

Wheeler National Forest, N.M.

$35

Transportation, equipment, park entry fees, guide services *Trip capped at 11-13 participants

September 6 9pm-12am

Midnight Laser Tag

Soto Gym

$10

Entry fee, laser tag equipment

September 21 8pm-12am BIGG Laser Tag

Biggs Park

$10

Entry fee, laser tag equipment

September 22

Roped Rock Climbing

Rough & Ready Hills Range, N.M. $15

September 29

Family Camping

White Sands National Monument, N.M.

www.blissmwr.com

Transportation, equipment, park entry fees, guide services

southwest adventure

you sign up for a trip with Southwest Adventure! *Offer available while supplies last.

Free nalgene water bottle when

$15 or Equipment, park entry fees, guide services, evening cookout $50/family with hamburgers and hot dogs

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2012 • 29

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As temperatures climb, intramural competition heats up Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

intramurals calendar

With competition for the Fort Bliss Commander’s Cup well under way, the action will only get more intense as the summer blazes on. This quarter, Team Bliss Sports, Fitness and Aquatics offers everything from minigolf to a sprint triathlon.

The Golf Championship Tournament kicks off the summer schedule with a bang.

Set for July 13-15, the tournament features a four-person scramble format, as well as individual competition. Registration is free and open to active-duty Soldiers only.

Competition continues with the Individual Aquathlon July 20. The race consists of a 5-kilometer run, 400-meter swim and final 5-kilometer run. The event is open to activeduty military, family members and DoD/DA civilians.

The Dodgeball Championship Tournament is slated for July 28, and should offer a fun time for competitors and spectators alike.

The tournament is open to active-duty only.

“We had a couple teams last year that did the whole thing: dressed up, had a theme ... all of them really had fun with it. It was fun to watch,” said MWR Sports Director Aaron Jones.

Speaking of fun, the Mini Golf Championship Tournament will take place August 14-15 at Kelly Park. Registration for the tournament is free and open to active-duty only.

“It’s really one of those unsung heroes of the intramurals calendar,” Jones said. “ I think a lot of people just overlook it on the calendar – but mini golf is awesome.”

team bliss sports, fitness and aquatics

Competitors swim for the finish line during the 2012 Team Aquathlon held June 1 at Replica Aquatic Center. The 2012 Individual Aquathon is set for July 20.

The Ten-Miler in the Heat Run is set for August 11, and will serve as the final qualifier for Fort Bliss’ Army Ten-Miler team.

The Ten-Miler in the Heat is open to all runners, including the El Paso community.

Register early at active.com, or Soto or Stout Gym. Early registration is free for active-duty military. Late registration will be held on-site the day of the race.

The intramural flag football league begins play the week of August 20.

“Last year we had 72 teams,” Jones noted.

“Flag football is slowly becoming the No. 2 sport on the installation, right behind softball.”

The intramural indoor soccer league begins play the week of September 28. This league has seen growth, as well.

“Indoor soccer was a huge success last year,” Jones said. “We had 28 teams – the year before we only had 18 teams,” Jones said.

EVENT NAME AND ELIGIBILITY

DATE

“Really, we’ve increased our visibility across the installation, and that has helped contribute to the growth of our programs,” Jones said. “Our Facebook page has really helped increase our visibility, as well as some new marketing strategies. Our program just truly gained some notoriety, and also gained some trust and confidence from the Soldiers that we’re running a great program.”

The Fall Open Softball League begins play September 22, and is open to active-duty, family members 18 and older, and DoD/DA civilians. The open league is a paid league, and costs pay officials fees and ball fees.

“We just try to break even,” Jones said.

“That way, we’re not overcharging our players, and we’re still able to provide them with a recreational opportunity.”

The inaugural Iron Soldier Sprint Triathlon closes out the season September 29. The triathlon format is traditional, “in the sense of swim-run-bike,” Jones said.

“But we’ll use alternate courses from the ones we used in the Armed Forces Day Triathlon, so it will be a triathlon with a twist,” Jones said.

The race will still consist of a 400-meter swim, 15-mile bike and 5-kilometer run, he noted.

The Iron Soldier Sprint Triathlon is part of the Southwest Challenge Series. Register early at active.com, or Stout or Soto Gym. Early registration is free for active-duty military.

For more information on any Team Bliss Sports, Fitness and Aquatics event, call (915) 744-5790.

LOCATION

recreation sports&fitness

Mercury rising

COMMANDER’S CUP EVENT?

Open to active-duty fort bliss military Golf Championship Tournament

July 13-15

Underwood Golf Complex

Yes

Dodgeball Championship Tournament

July 28

Soto Gym

Yes

Mini Golf Championship Tournament

August 14-15

Kelly Park

Yes

Intramural Flag Football League Begins

August 20

Various Sites

Yes

Intramural Indoor Soccer League Begins

September 10

Biggs Gym

Yes

Border Rumble Boxing Smoker (See Page 14)

September 21

Stout Gym

No

open to all military ID holders Individual Aquathlon

July 20

Replica Aquatic Center

Yes

Fall Open Softball League Begins

September 22

Omar Bradley Complex

No

Strongman Competition (See Page 13)

September 22

Soto Gym

No

Open to fort bliss and el paso community Ten-Miler in the Heat Run

August 11

Soto Gym

No

German-American Oktoberfest Night Run

September 8

Freedom Crossing

No

Inaugural Iron Soldier Sprint Triathlon

September 29

Replica Aquatic Center

No

www.blissmwr.com

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2012 • 31

recreation leisure

Parallel ‘park’-ing

Head to Biggs Park or fun in the sun ... or shade ... or water Darline Goyea, Family and MWR Marketing

Parents, do you have a child who will be celebrating a birthday during the summer months? What better place to celebrate than Biggs Splash Park?

Get the invitations mailed out and bring the food, and Biggs Park will handle the rest. There are three accommodating pavilion sizes to choose from for any occasion. The small pavilion has a capacity of 30 individuals, medium can hold up to 75, and the main pavilion welcomes 1,000 people. Each pavilion has its own barbecue grill, picnic table and serving table. Bounce houses are available for rent, as well.

Even if you’re not celebrating a special occasion, there’s no cooler place for youngsters to make a splash. The splash park let the H2O flow Memorial Day weekend, and is now open for the summer. The splash park is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. six days a week – it’s closed each Tuesday – and is open to all Family and MWR patrons, including active-duty military, family members, retirees, DoD/DA civilians, and their guests.

If you’re more of a landlubber, there are a plethora of activities that can be enjoyed right alongside the splash park – but on dry land. While at the park, sports equipment can be checked out, including football, tennis, volleyball, basketball and softball gear.

Horseshoes are available, as well. The park also supports Southwest Adventure outdoor recreation programs and activities such as paintball, laser tag, disc golf and climbing at the Tango Tower.

Edgar “Butch” Perkins, the facility manager, speaks of hopes of expansion and upgrading services to make the park more appeal-

32 • Summer 2012 • ¡blissNOW!

heather wilburn \\ Family and mwr marketing

Children enjoy the mushroom feature at Biggs Splash Park. Located at Biggs Park on East Fort Bliss, the splash park is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Monday, and is closed Tuesday. All Family and MWR patrons are welcome. ing to all. Wounded warriors and military units are permitted to use the facility and its equipment for free; Family Covenant Card holders receive a 10 percent discount on rental costs.

During the summer months, it is best to make reservations early for a specific location. For more information on Biggs Park and its amenities, check out blissmwr.com/biggspark or call (915) 744-8087.

www.blissmwr.com

Cool off at Community Pool Darline Goyea, Family and MWR Marketing

darline goyea \\ Family and mwr marketing

Community Pool, located at Bldg. 253 Club Road, offers an easy solution for beating the summer heat. The facility boasts two large water slides, pictured above, and a smaller one for younger swimmers. There are covered lounge areas, a snack bar, a kiddie pool and more. The pool is open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

All Family and MWR patrons – Soldiers, family members, retirees and DoD/DA civilians – and their guests are welcome to use Community Pool.

Did you know that the highest recorded temperature in El Paso was set in 1994 at 114 degrees? During the months of July through September temperatures can average from 88 to 95 degrees. So, what’s the solution? Fort Bliss Community Pool, of course!

Conveniently located at Bldg. 253 Club Road – next to the Family Resilience Center – Fort Bliss Community Pool is the perfect solution to beating the summer’s scorching heat. The pool is approximately 65 feet by 85 feet, with a starting depth of 3.5 feet and a maximum depth of 9 feet; it holds a whopping 270,000 gallons of water. It’s the perfect size to accommodate young children (with supervision, of course), teens and adults as well – family fun can be had all summer long.

Swimming classes or activities are not available at Community Pool, but pool parties are certainly not exempt. During regular pool hours, a party of less than 30 can enjoy themselves for $25 an hour. A maximum of 50 persons can splash to their heart’s content at $75 an hour; more than 50 party-goers will raise the rate to $100 an hour. The pool is equipped with several slides, tented picnic areas and lawn chairs for soaking up the sun.

We wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t tell you about some of the dos and don’ts of poolside rules. It helps to know how to swim, but if you don’t, only flotation devices provided by the pool are allowed. Patrons age 13 and up do not have to be accompanied by an adult. No pets or glass containers are allowed and, of course, all Family and MWR facilities are family-friendly – bad language is a no-no. An entire list of pool rules and hours of operation are available online at blissmwr.com/pools.

If you don’t know by now, pool season has officially opened, so grab your cutest suits and shorts, and head outdoors ... the water awaits!

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34 • Summer 2012 • ¡blissNOW!

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School-age summers provide new experiences, close to home

family CYSS

Adventures in learning

own curriculum of “Let’s Move.”

Let’s admit it: Summer is the The week will consist of a jumpbest season for great family fun. rope contest, a dance clinic and, at The temperature is great, the silthe end of the week, the students ver screens are filled with blockwill be asked to do a presentation buster hits, and the activities are for parents. unlimited!

August is a time for science When the staff tends to rotate education, craziness and kicking in the world of Child, Youth and it old-school! Bliss SAC will take School Services, new ideas tend to special field trips to the planetarflow accordingly. Laila Soltero at ium (with a 20-guest maximum) the Bliss School-Age Center has a and the Insights Museum. Just to few fresh faces and they brought add a little twist, “Crazy Week” along fresh ideas to make the sumwill consist of craziness such as mer an unforgettable one. crazy socks, crazy hair and crazy July is filled with excitement. clothes days. The week of August For the week of Fourth of July, 20-24 will ring in music activities Soltero and her team will have a with tunes from the 1950s to tofield day. The day will consist of a day. dunking booth, a pie-eating conSeptember is usually kept for test and a huge Slip-n-Slide. There last-minute fun and getting the will be food, games and activities Summer fun is the name of the game at Fort Bliss CYSS’ school-age mind right before school starts. centers. Each facility has a calendar packed with fun activities that help for the whole family to enjoy. The develop the bodies and minds of participating children. Youth at Milam To get that kicked off on the right staff has also included a commu- School-Age Center (above), Logan School-Age Center and Bliss School- foot, Bliss School-Age Center will nity service commitment project: Age Center (detailed in this article) will all have a variety of opportunities host an Open House dinner to In order to participate in the dunk- to ward off summer boredom. welcome school-age children back ing booth, students will be asked to bring an item of clothing or – and parents are welcome, as well. There is also a fun Family Piccanned good for donation to either a local food shelter or the Lee ture Day September 6, and a special project to commemorate 9/11. and Beulah Moor Children’s Home.

During the latter part of the month Soltero will celebrate Hispanic The following week, in honor of Nutrition Week and as part pride in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month by showcasing the of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative, Soltero is culture and history of various Spanish countries. taking advantage of an offer that was extended to Child, Youth and Throughout the entire summer, kids can also look forward to School Services. Students are invited to take a field trip to Ardo- field trips to the various pools on post, a trip to Desert Strike Lanes, vino’s Desert Crossing to learn about healthy cooking habits from movie days and a trip to the El Paso Zoo. All trips are separated Chef Jon-Paul Delamotte, who is the El Paso area representative by grades and students must have signed permission from parof the “Let’s Move” initiative. Chef Delamotte’s goal is to make it ents to participate. And parents can certainly take advantage as so easy for kids to prepare a healthy meal that they will be able to well; volunteers are always needed, and a nice discount is offered show their parents at home. for lending a helping hand. Milam and Logan school-age centers Soltero has also added her own spin to the “Let’s Move” initia- have similar programs scheduled for the summer; please call your tive. July 15-20, Soltero will take advantage of the Buddy Lee train- child’s particular center for details or visit blissmwr.com/sas for ing that was demonstrated a few months ago to create her very more information.

Darline Goyea, Family and MWR Marketing

heather wilburn \\ Family and mwr marketing

www.blissmwr.com

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2012 • 35

family CYSS

Building blocks

Strong Beginnings sets young learners on the right path Darline Goyea, Family and MWR Marketing

Fruits and vegetables aren’t the only necessities for a good start for a child. Child, Youth and School Services provides the Strong Beginnings pre-kindergarten program for youngsters starting at age 4.

Strong Beginnings is a developmental curriculum that spotlights social, emotional and physical disciplines for an advanced start to your child’s education.

“The Strong Beginnings program jump-starts the early learning process and provides an excellent foundation for children to build upon as they transition into the public school system,” explains Michelle Evans, director at Milam Child Development Center.

The difference between preschool and Strong Beginnings? Preschool aids in the development of the “whole child” from birth to age 4, focusing on social, emotional, physical and cognitive enhancement. Strong Beginnings supports all these; however, the program concentrates on kindergarten readiness, targeting academic skills, learning self control and the basics of simple mathematics, numbers, colors, shapes, writing and reading.

“Strong Beginnings is a wonderful program and is highly competitive with other pre-kindergarten programs that are run in the surrounding El Paso school districts,” said Evans.

Strong Beginnings also includes activities through Schools of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills (SKIES) as an extracurricular learning opportunity. These classes can range from

Family and mwr marketing photo

Strong Beginnings students take part in a graduation ceremony to mark their completion of the curriculum, which concentrates on kindergarten readiness. cooking and crafts to sewing, language, dance, tumbling and a lot more.

If your child is 4 prior to the September 1 deadline, Strong Beginnings is a great option for getting your child kindergartenready. All children must be registered with CYSS through Parent Central Services to participate in Strong Beginnings. All fees are based upon total family income.

For more information, please check out blissmwr.com/cds or contact Parent Services at (915) 568-4374

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May require up to a $36 activation fee/line, credit approval, deposit. Up to $350/line early termination fee (ETF) for advanced devices and up to $200 ETF/line for other devices (no ETF for Agreements cancelled in compliance with Sprint’s Return Policy). Everything Data: Offer ends 3/10/12. Includes 450 Anytime Min./month. Add’l Anytime Min.: Up to $0.45/min. Nights: Mon-Thurs. 7pm-7am; Wknds: Fri. 7pm-Mon. 7am. Partial min. charged as full min. Requires $10 Premium Data add-on for smartphones. Any Mobile, AnytimeSM: Applies when directly dialing/receiving standard voice calls between domestic wireless numbers as determined when the call is placed using independent third-party and Sprint databases. Standard roaming rates/restrictions apply. Only available with select Sprint plans and while on the Nationwide Sprint or Nextel® National Networks (excludes calls to voicemail, 411 and other indirect methods). Messaging: Includes text, picture and video for domestic messages sent or received. International messages sent or received from the U.S. are $0.20/msg and from outside the U.S. are $0.50/msg. SMS voice messages may incur an additional data charge of $0.03/KB. Data: Premium content/downloads (games, ringers, songs, certain channels, etc.) are add’l charge. Text to 3rd parties to participate in promotions or other may result in add’l charges.

Sprint TV® includes select channels. For full Sprint TV lineup, visit sprintchannels.mobitv.com. Content and channel lineup subject to change. GPS reliability varies by environment. International services are not included. Email includes use of Sprint Mobile Email, Microsoft Direct Push technology via Active Sync™, Versamail, IBM Lotus Notes Traveler® or BlackBerry® Internet Service (BIS). Voice/Data Usage Limitation: Sprint reserves the right, without notice, to deny, terminate, modify, disconnect or suspend service if off-network usage in a month exceeds: (1) voice: 800 min. or a majority of minutes; or (2) data: 300 megabytes or a majority of kilobytes. Prohibited network use rules apply. As advertised, and notwithstanding those restrictions, engaging in such uses will not result in throttling (limiting data throughput speeds) for customers on unlimited data-included plans for phones, but could result in other adverse action. See in-store materials or sprint.com/termsandconditions for specific prohibited uses. Direct Connect®: Nextel and PowerSource™ devices operate on the Nextel National Network. Sprint devices operate within certain EVDO Rev A coverage areas on the Sprint 3G network. Group Connect®: Group Connect (21 max. participants) currently operates between parties on the same push-to-talk network platform. International Direct ConnectSM not included. IndividualLiable Discount: Available only to eligible employees of the company or organization participating in the discount program (requires ongoing verification). Discounts are subject to change according to the company’s agreement with Sprint and are available upon request for select plans (monthly service charges only). No discounts apply to secondary lines, Add-A-Phone lines or add-ons $29.99 or less. Other Terms: Nationwide Sprint Network reaches over 280 million people. The Sprint 3G network (including roaming) reaches over 282 million people. Coverage not available everywhere. Not combinable with other discounts. Other restrictions apply. See store or sprint.com for details. ©2012 N125033 Sprint. All rights reserved. Sprint and the logo are trademarks of Sprint. Other marks are the properties of their respective owners.

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36 • Summer 2012 • ¡blissNOW!

www.blissmwr.com

MST keeps youth active, engaged throughout vacation Darline Goyea, Family and MWR Marketing

mwr brand central photo

The Middle School and Teen Program provides fun activities to keep your teen active throughout the summer.

In our last issue, we gave you a preview of what to expect this summer with Middle School and Teen Program activities at the YouthPlex.

This issue, we continue to keep you abreast of all the “to-do” for the summer.

Parents, this summer there is no need to dig too deep to entertain your teen. The staff at the YouthPlex at Bldg. 195 Chaffee Road will gladly assist.

Do you have what it takes to survive? In July, the YouthPlex’s third season of “Survivor” will challenge four tribes to various daring obstacles with daily rewards, and one tribe is declared the sole survivor! July can be the hottest month of the year; to diminish some of El Paso’s heat, the MST team ventures out to the pools for a whole week of not just complete refreshment, but they include activities such as water polo, diving games

family CYSS

Beating the summer blahs

and swimming challenges.

August is the month for catching last-minute summer fun. A journey through El Paso’s history is not a bad way to see the summer off. A sightseeing trip downtown is a great way to get to know the city we live in; youth will visit the downtown murals, Plaza Theater and Concordia Cemetery, and stop at an authentic Mexican-cuisine restaurant for lunch.

YouthPlex Director Phillip Puett and his crew also aid in taking care of the youths’ minds, bodies and health. A Healthy Choice Cooking Camp instructs teens on how to prepare meals including turkey veggie meatloaf, Greek chicken pesto and grilled chicken teriyaki; the camp is to encourage the teens to make healthy meal choices.

For a full summer schedule of MST activities, please visit blissmwr. com/mst or call (915) 568-5437 for more information.

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family CYSS

For your information

Need info on local schools? Don’t miss the education fair!

Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

The Monitor \\ Fort Bliss garrison Public Affairs Office

Tupu Murphy and her son Josh speak to Socorro Independent School District Superintendent Xavier De La Torre and Maj. Gen. Dana J.H. Pittard, 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss commanding general, about options the district can provide for students during last year’s education information fair. The 2012 PK-12 Education Information Fair is set for 8:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 26 at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center, Bldg. 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St. on East Fort Bliss.

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If you’re in the market for information about area schools, don’t miss the School Liaison Office PK-12 Education Information Fair. From 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Thursday, July 26, the Centennial will be packed with representatives from local public school districts, charter, parochial and private schools, home-schooling organizations and more. Fort Bliss’ Child, Youth and School Services will be on hand to provide information about before- and after-school programming and extracurricular activities; Army Community Service will also have program representatives present.

The PK-12 Education Information Fair provides military families with onestop shopping for their children’s education, said Mary Avila, Fort Bliss school liaison officer.

“It allows parents to meet face-to-face with school administrators,” she said.

“It also gives families a great opportunity to learn about the many school choices and school programs available in the El Paso area. Families will get to meet the school principals and counselors, ask questions and learn about programs at the schools – all in one place.”

The fair hosts nine Texas school districts: Anthony, Canutillo, Clint, El Paso, Fabens, San Elizario, Socorro, Tornillo and Ysleta independent school districts.

This year, the Gadsden, N.M., independent school district has also been invited to attend.

Each school district will have on hand representatives from programs including special education, magnet programs, gifted and talented, athletics, fine arts, guidance and counseling, health services, transportation, early college high school and more. All told, more than 100 entities are expected to be present. This means parents and students can find out what they need to register for school or for individual programs before registration, making the process easier.

Pre-registration for families new to the El Paso ISD will occur at campuses with the highest military populations Thursday, August 2, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and from 1-4 p.m. The campuses participating in pre-registration are Bliss Elementary School, Burnet Elementary School, Hughey Elementary School, Logan Elementary School, Milam Elementary School, Nixon Elementary School, Powell Elementary School, Tom Lea Elementary School, Travis Elementary School, Bassett Middle School, Richardson Middle School, Ross Middle School, Andress High School, Austin High School, Burges High School and Chapin High School.

Contact the campus for further information. Pre-registration is only for military families new to the EPISD; students already enrolled in the district will have to register during normal registration.

For more information on the PK-12 Education Information Fair, call the School Liaison Office at (915) 569-5064.

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¡blissNOW! • Summer 2012 • 39

community ACS

‘Hire’ expectations

Make a good impression at the next Fort Bliss Hiring Fair Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

At the Fort Bliss Hiring Fair in February, more than 700 job seekers were present – and at last report, 176 of them had found jobs with the more than 70 employers present. But when you’re just one face in a crowd, how do you make yourself stand out to potential employers?

The next Fort Bliss Hiring Fair – open to DoD ID card holders only – will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, August 9 at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center on East Fort Bliss. The Employment Readiness Program at Army Community Service can help you take steps to become one of the most desirable candidates in the room.

“You want to make sure you’re dressed for success, because your appearance is the first thing a potential employer will see,” said Deana Garcia, an employment readiness specialist with ERP. “Don’t show up in your tank top and flip flops,” she said. “Come dressed professionally, in business casual. If you have a nice dress, wear it.”

Neutral colors are generally best, Garcia added. “Nothing too bright, and make sure it’s flattering – nothing too tight or too loose.”

When in doubt, enlist the help of the professionals: Run your outfit by an employment readiness specialist to make sure it’s up to par.

“And if you don’t have appropriate attire to wear and a new outfit doesn’t fit in your budget, we have the Attire for Hire program as part of our partnership with Workforce Solutions,” Garcia said. “Registered clients can come in and choose an outfit from a closet full of gently used business attire. If we don’t have anything in our office, we can refer you to another one of the Workforce Solutions offices in El Paso.”

The next thing an employer will see is your résumé, so make sure it’s in top form.

employment readiness program

Job seekers interact with employers during the Fort Bliss Hiring Fair held in February. The next hiring fair, open to DoD ID card holders only, is set for 9 a.m.-1 p.m. August 9 at the Centennial.

“Your résumé very important,” Garcia said. “You want to prepare in advance and have a good résumé printed on high-quality, neutral paper to make it stand out.

“Because the résumé is so important, we encourage individuals to get with us beforehand, so we ensure your résumé represents your skills and experience,” she continued.

While we’re hitting the high points, don’t forget to hit your high points.

“When you approach an employer at the hiring fair, you should know what to say,” Garcia said. “You should have a 30-second commercial ready. You want the employer to know about your experience and skills. What do you bring to the table? If you’re talking to the Exchange, for example, you want to talk about your customer service skills.

“The employers attending our hiring fair have positions available,” she continued.

“They’re looking for employees. Don’t just say, Do you have a job for me? Let the employer know you have experience in that field and would be a great addition to their company.”

So, the three key aspects to working a hiring fair are the attire, the résumé and the introduction – and job-seekers who are working

with ERP already know that, Garcia said.

“Working with ERP proves to be a great resource in a military spouse’s job search. We help ensure they are prepared with a great résumé and are confident with their interviewing skills,” she added.

The first step to working with ERP is attending the orientation session.

“We ask that you come through the orientation so that you’ll truly understand what we have to offer,” Garcia said. “We are not a placement agency, but what we want to do is give you the tools you need so you have a productive job search. We want to prepare you so that if you go to another location that doesn’t have an ERP, you know what to do.”

ERP services range from résumé building to networking. In the month leading up to the hiring fair, many classes will focus specifically on the skills you can use there; one example is the July 11 Working a Hiring Fair workshop.

“We’re going to discuss how to walk up to an employer, we’re going to talk about that 30-second commercial and the importance of researching the employers that are attending the hiring fair,” Garcia said.

A hiring-fair focused interviewing class August 2 will give attendees a chance to polish their 30-second commercial, and two weeks prior to the hiring fair, ERP will release a list of employers scheduled to appear at the event.

July 30-August 3, the program will offer quick 15-minute résumé checks for those who haven’t been able to take advantage of the résumé writing class or schedule a appointment with a ERP specialist. The checks are offered on an appointment-only basis, and are not as extensive as the resume writing class.

“It’s just an extra way to help job seekers gain an edge,” Garcia explained.

For more on the hiring fair or other ERP programs, visit blissmwr.com/erp or call (915) 569-5838.

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40 • Summer 2012 • ¡blissNOW!

www.blissmwr.com

community ACS

Bienvenidos a Bliss

Relocation fair provides a warm welcome to Fort Bliss area Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

Whether you’re new to Fort Bliss or just want to learn more about your community, the Bienvenidos a Bliss Relocation Fair is for you. Mark your calendars: Bienvenidos a Bliss is set for 1-5 p.m.

Wednesday, August 8 at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center, Bldg. 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St. on East Fort Bliss ... and you don’t want to miss it!

The fair, an annual showcase presented by the Relocation Assistance Program at Fort Bliss Army Community Service, provides “one-stop-shopping” to help those new to the area acquaint themselves with the programs and services offered on post and in El Paso. The setup includes informational tables staffed by programs ranging from Child, Youth and School Services to William Beaumont Army Medical Center to the Directorate of Emergency Services, and everything in between. Every Army Community Service program is represented. Area nonprofit organizations and associations, and state and local governmental agencies also put in appearances. Local businesses are on hand to inform new residents about the products and services they offer. All told, more than 180 agencies were present at Bienvenidos a Bliss 2011; organizers hope to see even more participation this year.

“It really is one-stop shopping,” said Cher Poehlein, Relocation Assistance Program manager. “And the best part is that it doesn’t matter whether you’ve been at Bliss for one week or one year, there’s always something for everyone. I hear people all the time saying, ‘I’ve been in El Paso for 18 months and I didn’t know about’

Heather Wilburn \\ Family and MWR Marketing

Newcomers to Fort Bliss stop by the TriWest Healthcare Alliance booth during Bienvenidos a Bliss, the Relocation Assistance Program’s annual relocation fair. This year, Bienvenidos a Bliss is set for 1-5 p.m. Wednesday, August 8 at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center on East Fort Bliss. some agency or service.”

The event also includes a volunteer fair, which allows fresh faces to explore the volunteer opportunities available in the area, and entertainment including dancing, martial arts demonstrations and more. The Armed Services Blood Program will conduct a blood drive during Bienvenidos a Bliss, as well. All blood collected during the drive will directly benefit U.S. troops deployed downrange.

To learn more about Bienvenidos a Bliss, or any Relocation Assistance Program activities, call ACS at (915) 569-4ACS (4227).

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¡blissNOW! • Summer 2012 • 41

community ACS

A helping hand

SFAC supports wounded warriors with a variety of programs stance abuse prevention education, interThe Soldier and Family Assistance Cenvention and information; and community ter is an established one-stop service facility resource referrals for Soldiers assigned to the Warrior Transi- Chaplain Counseling Services tion Battalion. The convenience of receiving • Pastoral care services and the accessibility of the facility • Spiritual, family and life experience and personnel make it so much easier and counseling services stress-free for not only the Soldiers, but for • Referrals for religious and spiritual supthe WTB family members as well. port There is no further need for traversing around the installation looking for build- Finance Services – WTB • Military pay ings and standing in long lines, sometimes • Travel only to find out that you’re in the wrong line • DTS anyway. The customer service provided is genuinely geared to each individual Soldier Financial Counseling and family member; it is more of a personal, • Money management and problem resoone-on-one service relationship developed lution to assist in a smooth transition to the civilian • Budget development world or return to military service.

• Investment planning The SFAC provides the following ser• Army Emergency Relief (AER) referrals vices: • Consumer complaints and resolution Human Resources Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) • Retirement transition services and tranAssists ill and injured Soldiers with: sition management • The application process • Review and update Enlisted (ERB) and • Future career plans and employment Officer (ORB) Records Briefs opportunities beyond Army careers • Federal and state benefits counseling • Referrals to subject matter experts • Sponsor and family member ID cards (SME) familiar with non-medical benefits • DD 93, SGLI and DEERS updates Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) • i-Perms and OMPF updates • Federal employment information Education Services • Resume preparation assistance • In- and out-processing • Job fairs • DA Form 669 (ACES Education Re• Pre-separation briefing (mandatory) cords Sheet) provided for final out-pro• DOL/TAP workshop (mandatory) cessing • VA benefits and DTAP briefings (man• GI Bill benefits counseling datory) • College and vocational technical educaMilitary Testing Center tion and career guidance In addition, the SFAC offers a Military • Financial aid and scholarship assistance Testing Center that is available to Soldiers • GoArmyEd Tuition Assistance Proassigned to the WTB. All test are web-based gram and require the unit commander’s signature • GoArmyEd Course withdrawals, on a DA Form 4187. Available tests include school and degree changes Armed Forces Classification Test, Defense Information and Referral Services Language Aptitude Battery, Defense Lan• WTB and post orientation materials guage Proficiency Test, Oral Proficiency In• Comprehensive resources list terview, typing and proctored exams.

• Information and resources Education mini-fairs • Visitors’ lodging information SFAC clients can explore higher educaSocial Services tion opportunities during education mini• Spouses’ support groups fairs, held in the SFAC lobby from 9 a.m.-2 • Direct administrative and social ser- p.m. the last Tuesday of each month through vices support September. Upcoming education mini-fairs • Stress- and anger-management tools are set for the following dates: • Crisis intervention counseling; sub• July 31, with guests Park University,

Soldier and Family Assistance Center Staff

42 • Summer 2012 • ¡blissNOW!

Trident University, University of Phoenix, Western Technical College, Southwest Career College and El Paso Community College.

• August 28, with guests Coastline Community College, Kaplan College, Vista College, University of Maryland College (UMUC), Western Technical College and Tri-State Cosmetology Institute.

• September 25, with guests Wayland Baptist University, Ashford University, Franklin College, Grand Canyon University and Excelsior College.

SFAC-Park University The SFAC has teamed up with Park University, a regionally-accredited school, to bring college classes to the SFAC facility.

A total of eight college-level courses are offered to Soldiers assigned to the WTB, providing three hours of transferable semester credit for each course. The courses, designed for four-eight students, meet twice a week in eight-week sessions. Afternoon and evening options are available. Courses offered include : • EN 105 – First Year Writing Seminar I • EN 106 – First Year Writing Seminar II • CA 103 – Public Speaking • PS 101 – Introduction to Psychology • PO 202 – Introduction to Law • MA 105 – Introduction to College Math • MA120 – Basic Concepts of Statistics • MA 135 – College Algebra An academic adviser, education service specialist and guidance counselor are always on-site at the SFAC to ensure students are headed in the right direction.

Stress and anger management classes WTB Soldiers and family members may also take advantage of stress and anger management classes offered at the SFAC. Stress management and anger management techniques are taught, and comfortable clothing is recommended. Classes are offered as needed from 1-3 p.m. every Thursday at Bldg. 2445 Chaffee Road. Schedule a class by calling the SFAC. Contact information The Soldier and Family Assistance Center is located at Bldg. 887 Marshall Road on main post. The facility is open from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. For more information on any SFAC program or service, call (915) 568-6879.

www.blissmwr.com

ACS celebrates 47 years of service to Soldiers and families sonnel Affairs Branch. AER had been operating since the 1940s to help alleviate the From its humble beginsocial welfare problems of nings in 1965 to the integral Soldiers and their families. In role it plays today in the lives her post as allowance and alof Army families across the lotment officer, Baird gained globe, Army Community the experience that helped Service has been working to her plan the structure and provide “Real Life Solutions organization of a family serfor Successful Army Living.” vices program, which would July 25, ACS celebrates 47 eventually become ACS. years of service to Soldiers, July 25, 1965, then-Army families, retirees and DoD/ Chief of Staff Gen. Harold K. DA civilians.

Johnson dispatched a letter At Fort Bliss, Army Comto all major commanders anmunity Service will celebrate its birthday with a customer In celebration of ACS’ 47th birthday, Fort Bliss ACS will host a customer apprecia- nouncing the approval and appreciation week July 23- tion week July 23-27, during which ACS programs will offer informational tables establishment of ACS. With the publication of Army Reg27, said Sally Gonzalez, the (like the one pictured above) to help promote their services.

Information, Referral and Outreach Program manager at ACS. ulation 608-1 in November 1965, ACS was welcomed as a viable “We’ll have tables set up to help provide information on the and important Army program.

In 1966, Baird – now a lieutenant colonel – traveled to Euprograms and services ACS offers, along with small giveaways rope to assist commanders in establishing ACS centers. By 1967, at the tables to say thank-you to our customers.” most installations on U.S. soil had initiated ACS centers and, by As ACS grows older, it also grows wiser, Gonzalez noted.

“We are always committed to meeting the needs of our com- 1969, 155 ACS centers and points of contact had been established munity and catching up with technology and resources to better Army-wide. Since its inception, many programs and services improve our services,” she said. “We’re always working to offer have been added under the ACS umbrella, including the Family Advocacy Program and the Relocation Assistance Program. more.”

Today, ACS centers worldwide remain an integral part of The concept of humanitarian concern for the welfare of others has existed as a foundation of the Army way of life since the Army family. The core programs and services provided by pioneer days. For years, Army wives operated lending closets ACS centers have grown from its early days to include Army and thrift shops, raised funds to help the needy and contributed Emergency Relief, Army Family Action Plan, Army Family Team significantly to the stability of the Army community. Unfortu- Building, Army Volunteer Corps, Employment Readiness, Exnately, many of these programs would disappear or stagnate ceptional Family Member, Family Advocacy, Financial Readiwhenever their originators transferred to another duty station ness, Information and Referral, Mobilization and Deployment, Relocation Assistance, Soldier and Family Assistance Center and or left the service.

Enter Army Community Service, designed to provide a flex- Survivor Outreach Services. ACS continues to grow and evolve ible framework for the operation of a viable system of social ser- to meet the changing needs of the global Army Family.

To learn more about ACS programs and services at Fort Bliss, vices. ACS came about when then-Lt. Emma Baird was assigned to the Army Emergency Relief Office, at the time dubbed the Per- visit blissmwr.com or call (915) 569-4ACS (4227).

Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

community ACS

Happy birthday!

Heather Wilburn \\ Family and MWR Marketing

www.blissmwr.com

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2012 • 43

community ACS

Raise your hand and volunteer to make a difference Tephanie Hopper, Army Volunteer Corps Coordinator

Is there a cause that you are passionate about? Do you often wish you could be more directly involved in making a difference in something? Are you unable to volunteer for things you care for because of your job, school or other everyday demands?

Saturday, September 8, Fort Bliss will celebrate the Fort Bliss Day of Service.

Think about getting into something extremely fulfilling and make the day productive and meaningful. It doesn’t matter if your passion is animals, kids, homelessness, education or the environment – there is a call for you to share what you know toward a community cause. Plan to make a difference with this day off, and get out and volunteer your time and talent helping individuals, families or organizations in your community.

So what can you in your part of the world, community or street to make a difference? There are many nonprofits and government organizations that are in great need of your help. They need men,

44 • Summer 2012 • ¡blissNOW!

women and children like you to help their organizations ... make the world a better place for all. Maybe you can paint a room, collect shoes or toys, or even share a warm meal with a neighbor. All this can be done in a day or less.

Here are a couple of reasons you should get involved in the Fort Bliss Day of Service: • There are many people struggling and in need of support. Your volunteer efforts could help someone in need.

• Many Fort Bliss and El Paso non-profit organizations have seen their budgets slashed due to funding cuts.

• A number are organizations are doing work that is critically needed in support of children and families and are run completely by volunteers because their organizations do not have the financial ability to fund paid staff.

• Organizations flourish when they have active and involved volunteers, and you could be the positive difference to a great cause.

• The Fort Bliss Day of Service is a great way to commemorate 9/11.

Raise your hand, and volunteer to make a difference in the lives of others: Be a part of the Fort Bliss Day of Service.

Contact the Fort Bliss Army Volunteer Corps at (915) 569-7733 or like us on Facebook at “Fort Bliss Volunteers” to keep up with service opportunities available during the Fort Bliss Day of Service.

www.blissmwr.com www.blissmwr.com

www.blissmwr.com

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2012 • 45

FORT BLISS & FAMILY FRED WILSON RD

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(915) 568-4339 (915) 568-9699 (915) 568-7506 (915) 569-5644 (915) 568-1890 (915) 742-2266 (915) 568-KIDS 568-1117 565-4100 568-2115 569-2331 533-1244 568-2121

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1743 2408 503A 6077 195

(915) 568-6923 (915) 569-3858 (915) 568-3264 (915) 568-5970 (915) 569-5449 (915) 562-5451

ARTILLERY RD

PIKE RD

(915) 742-2121 (915) 569-2331 (915) 569-CARE (888) 874-9378 (915) 742-2483 (915) 564-0795 (915) 568-2898 (915) 565-7777 (915) 568-3035 (915) 568-1241 (915) 566-1133 (915) 568-7141 (915) 568-7506 (915) 564-5275 (915) 568-6156 (915) 568-7318 (915) 568-2115 2116/2117 (915) 568-5412 (915) 568-4518 (915) 568-7393 (915) 568-4374 PX: (915) 562-7200 (915) 562-4036 (915) 568-7506 (915) 568-1537 (915) 568-7431 (915) 568-7187 (915) 568-2178

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Old Ironsides Museum Old Fort Bliss Replica Museum Omar Bradley Softball Complex Parent Central/CYSS Registration Freedom Crossing Post Exchange, Grand Theatre Third-party Shops 37 Post Office 38 POV Car Resale Lot 39 Recycling Center 40 Replica Aquatic Center 41 SKIESUnlimited Gymnastic Center 42 School-Age Center, Bliss 43 School-Age Center, Replica 44 Soldier and Family Assistance Center 45ALTURA Soldier AVE and Family Medical Clinic 46 Stout Physical Fitness Center 47 Survivor Outreach Services RICHMOND AVE 48 Tennis Club & Fitness Zone 49 Thrift Shop, OCSA 50 Transportation Inbound Transportation Outbound Transportation 51AURORA Unit Funds AVE 52 USO 53 Vehicle Registration WHEELING AVE 54 Veterinary Services 55 Youth Services

(915) 562-7467 (915) 568-3301 (915) 568-4849 (915) 562-8461 (915) 569-4227 (915) 568-7280 (915) 568-6272 (915) 630-8669 (915) 568-1519 (915) 568-5689 (915) 569-7199 (915) 568-6287 (915) 568-4022 (915) 568-5380 (915) 568-3500 (915) 569-5500 (915) 568-5563 (915) 568-2833

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DO

2011 1 A Little Bit of Bliss Gift Shop 500B 2 Adjutant General 45 3 American Red Cross 7060 4 Armed Services YMCA 2494 5 Army Community Service 6 Automotive Skills Center/Auto Crafts 820 2949 7 Bowling Center/Desert StrikePIERCE Lanes AVE 197 8 Car Wash 112 9 Chaplain 1730 10 Child Development Center, Main 11 Child Development Center, Replica 5036 504B 12 Civilian Personnel Office 1717 13 Commissary 250 14 Community Pool 11 15 Family and MWR Headquarters 250 16 Family Resilience Center 820 17 Framing Bliss 1 18 VAN Garrison Command BUREN AVE 7777 19 Hospital: WBAMC 7777 Information 7777 MONROE Ambulance AVE 7777 Appointments 7777 TRICARE Service Center 7777 Red Cross 1991 20 Housing: On-Post/Balfour Beatty 1741 21 McKINLEY Housing: Off-Post AVE 1744 22 IHG Army Hotels at Fort Bliss 503 23 In-Processing/Welcome Center 8 24 Inspector General 1991 25 Kelly Park 113 26 Legal Assistance 1743 27 Leisure Travel Services (ITR) 1310 28 Mainstreet Expresso FORT BLVD 2 29 Mickelsen Community Library 2499 30 Milam Fitness Center 125 31 Military Police Station COPIA ST

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¡blissNOW!To• Summer 2012 • 47

EAST FORT BLISS EAST FORT BLISS LEGEND No.

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Organization

Biggs Express Biggs Gym Biggs Park Centennial Club Catering Dining Room Habanero Java Cafe Primo’s Express Takeout Orders Metro Bingo Bar Child Development Center, East Bliss Child Development Center, Milam Community Center Troop Store East Bliss Mini Mall Ironworks Gym School-Age Center, Milam Soldier Activity Center Soto Physical Fitness Facility BOSS Headquarters Leisure Travel Services Unit Funds Youth Activity Center, Milam USO/FirstLight Federal Credit Union USO FirstLight Federal Credit Union U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy AAFES SMA Bookstore

Bldg.

Telephone

11284 11251 11388 11199

(915) 562-8442 (915) 744-8730 (915) 744-8087 (915) 744-8427 (915) 744-1711

20707 11896 20752 13471 T20700 11898 20732 20751

10960 20727 11291

(915) 744-9600 (915) 744-8427 (915) 744-3731 (915) 744-7879 (915) 799-3156 (915) 566-5479 (915) 744-8697 (915) 744-2274 (915) 744-5788 (915) 744-5792 (915) 744-5105 (915) 744-5105 (915) 744-2278 (915) 744-3480 (800) 351-1670 (915) 744-8009 (915) 562-5645

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WRIGHT

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48 • Summer 2012 • ¡blissNOW!

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¡blissNOW! • Summer 2012 • 49

family and mwrdirectory

ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE

Bldg. 2494 Ricker Road

(915) 568-1132

FAMILY RESILIENCE CENTER

Bldg. 250 Club Road

(915) 569-5500

SOLDIER AND FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER

Bldg. 887 Marshall Road

(915) 568-6923

SURVIVOR OUTREACH SERVICES

Bldg. 241 Sheridan Road

(915) 568-5970

SOTO PFC

Bldg. 20751 Constitution Avenue, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-5788

STOUT PFC

Bldg. 2930 Cassidy Road

(915) 568-3264

MILAM PFC

Bldg. 2499 Cassidy Road

(915) 568-7318

LOGAN HEIGHTS PFC

Bldg. 4797 Ellerthorpe Road, Logan Heights

(915) 568-5198

BIGGS PFC

Bldg. 11251 Biggs Street, East Bliss

(915) 744-8730

IRONWORKS GYM

Bldg. T20700 Anzio Way, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-8697

TENNIS CLUB & FITNESS ZONE

Bldg. 262 Club Road

(915) 569-5449

COMMUNITY POOL

Bldg. 253 Club Road

(915) 568-4825

REPLICA AQUATIC CENTER

Bldg. 5035 Dickman Road

(915) 568-7431

Bldg. 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill Street, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-8427

UNDERWOOD GOLF COMPLEX & GOLDEN TEE

Bldg. 3193 Coe Avenue, Logan Heights

(915) 568-1059

DESERT STRIKE LANES

Bldg. 2949 Ricker Road

(915) 568-6272

FORT BLISS ROD & GUN CLUB

Bldg. 3730 Roy Johnson Lane, Northeast El Paso

(915) 565-4867

BIGGS PARK

Bldg. 11388 Sergeant Major Boulevard, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-8087

MICKELSEN LIBRARY

E-Wing, Basement, Bldg. 2 Pershing Circle

(915) 568-6156

RV PARK

Bldg. 4130 Ellerthorpe Road

(915) 568-0106

FRAMING BLISS

Bldg. 820 Marshall Road

(915) 568-5563

AUTOMOTIVE SKILLS CENTER

Bldg. 820 Marshall Road

(915) 568-7280

ITR - MAIN

Bldg. 1743 Victory Avenue

(915) 568-7506

ITR - FREEDOM CROSSING KIOSK

Freedom Crossing, Bldg. 1611 Marshall Road

(915) 569-6446

LEISURE TRAVEL SERVICES - SOTO GYM

2nd Floor, Bldg. 20751 Constitution Boulevard, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-5105

OLD FORT BLISS MUSEUM

Bldg. 5054, Pershing Road & Pleasonton Road

(915) 568-4518

GYMS & FITNESS FACILITIES

FOOD, LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT CENTENNIAL BANQUET AND CONFERENCE CENTER

CHILD, YOUTH & SCHOOL SERVICES FACILITIES CYSS PARENT CENTRAL

Bldg. 1743 Victory Avenue

(915) 568-4374

CYSS PARENT CENTRAL SATELLITE OFFICE

Bldg. 503B Pershing Road

(915) 568-2146

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER - EAST BLISS

Bldg. 20707 Kasserine Way, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-3731

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER - LOGAN

Bldg. 3500 Ellerthorpe Road, Logan Heights

(915) 568-3989

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER - MAIN

Bldg. 1730 Pleasonton Road

(915) 568-5689

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER - MILAM

Bldg. 11896 Haan Road, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-7879

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER - REPLICA

Bldg. 5036 Sheridan Road

(915) 569-7199

SCHOOL-AGE CENTER - BLISS

Bldg. 2012 Sheridan Road

(915) 568-2178

SCHOOL-AGE CENTER - LOGAN

Bldg. 3505 Ellerthorpe Road, Logan Heights

(915) 569-5784

SCHOOL-AGE CENTER - MILAM

Bldg. 11898 Haan Road, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-2274

YOUTHPLEX

Bldg. 195 Chaffee Road

(915) 568-5437

YOUTH ACTIVITY CENTER - MILAM

Bldg. 10960 Haan Road, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-2278

SKIES Unlimited - Main

Bldg. 3508 Ellerthorpe Road, Logan Heights

(915) 569-7732

SKIES Unlimited - Gymnastic CENTER

Bldg. 131 Doniphan Road

(915) 568-5544

FAMILY CHILD CARE (FCC)

Bldg. 3503 Story Road, Logan Heights

(915) 568-4198

SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICER

Bldg. 503B Pershing Road

(915) 569-5064

MORE FAMILY AND MWR PHONE NUMBERS DFMWR HEADQUARTERS

2nd Floor, Bldg. 11 Pershing Road

(915) 568-3500

PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS & SOLICITATION

2nd Floor, Bldg. 11 Pershing Road

(915) 568-4444

UNIT FUNDS

Bldg. 1743 Victory Road

(915) 568-7506

UNIT FUNDS - SOTO GYM

2nd Floor, Bldg. 20751 Constitution Boulevard, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-5105

VET SERVICES

Bldg. 6077 Carter Road

(915) 742-2266

FORD LINCOLN NISSAN

SUMMER SERVICE

Specials

MILITARY ID REQUIRED Behind the Jeb Stuart gate.

FORD THE WORKS FUEL SAVER PACKAGE $39.99 OR LESS Oil Change, Tire Rotation and Pressure Check, Brake Inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, Fluid Top-Off, Battery Test, Filter Check and Belts and Hoses Check

ANY MAKE & MODEL

*Up to five quarts of Motorcraft Synthetic Blend and Motorcraft oil filter. Taxes, diesel vehicles and disposal extra. Hybrid battery test excluded.

See dealership for details and exclusions.

NISSAN 15% OFF

PARTS, LABOR & ACCESSORIES

www.blissmwr.com

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2012 • 51

PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID EL PASO, TX PERMIT #296

MWR Marketing Bldg 12, Pershing Rd. Fort Bliss, TX 79916

HUGE SAVINGS! Le e

I-10

PROUD

TO

Tr ev in o

on every 2012 HONDA

LARGEST SELECTION

ALL PROTECTED UNDER A GIANT CANOPY

20

% MILITARY DISCOUNT

OUR

SUPPORT TROOPS EASY TO FIND NEAR FORT BLISS

4 9 0 L2012 E E T• R¡blissNOW! EVINO 52 • 1Summer

on PARTS & SERVICE FREE T I With every NT purch

ca ase r

FULL E IC SERV Y

BODOP SH

CALL FOR A FREE RIDE!

915-591-6100

WWW.ELPASOHON DA.COM www.blissmwr.com