Bliss NOW Fall Magazine 2022

bliss

bliss

bliss

MWR

Family and MWR Director

Tony Lovett

Deputy Director

William Ketcherside

Army Community Service

Nancy Thomas-Mainor

Business Operations Ron Telles

Child & Youth Services

Pat Smith

NAF Support Manager

Indri O’Hara

Recreation & Sports

Eric Hildreth

Marketing & Special Events Manager

Michele Wiernicki

Marketing Assistant

Coral Musy

Editor/Writer Natalie Hinojos

Graphic Designers

Kenny Broomfield Raymond Sanchez

Visual Production Marketing Chris Bohn

Sponsorship and Advertising Coordinator

Marlo Brestar

Advertising Assistant Jonathan Hermosilla

Training Coordinator Mary Estrada

Office Manager Martina Grise

Special Events Coordinators

Lora Diem Edward Arriola

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 inserted in welcome packets, and distributed to all Family and MWR facilities, along with the Fort Bliss Commissary, Post Exchange at Freedom Crossing, IHG Army Hotels Fort Bliss and the Personnel Processing Center.

Circulation: 25,000 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. Downloading of any social media apps is on a voluntary basis. DFMWR is not responsible for any negative consequences resulting in its use. For more information, call the individual facilities. Family and MWR Marketing is located in Building 12 Pershing Road Fort Bliss, TX 79916 and may be reached at 915-568-6741.

THAN EVER Director’s NOTE

Hello everyone!

Fall has arrived at Fort Bliss and with it a plethora of fun MWR activities and programming for all ages. Halloween is near and dear to many MWR employees. You will be able to tell with all of the excitingly creepy activities throughout the month.

From Desert Strike Lanes’ Boo’ling Party to our two day Monster Bash, you are guaranteed 31 days of fun. Trick or Treating on Fort Bliss is always a blast, so you will definitely end the month with a spooky bang!

This issue also encompasses November which is extra special since it is the Month of the Military Family. Military Families are our focus every month of the year, but we are extra thankful for you in November. Check out our shout out recap of Fort Bliss’ Rad Dads. We recognized them back in June, and we want to share how special they are to their Families in this issue. Dads do play an important role, but can’t do it with out the strong support of their Military Families.

Finally, we will round off 2022 with our annual Holiday Fest and Claus & Paws 5K Fun Run. Make sure to follow us on Facebook for all the great holiday programming planned.

We hope you take time during these wonderful holiday months to reflect and look forward to another great year here at Fort Bliss and with us at MWR!

Get your free copy of blissNOW magazine mailed directly to you. Email your name and address to: blissmwr@gmail.com

you there!

is among us and there‘s so much happening from Halloween to the festive holidays with Family and friends!

us for all the fun we plan to have for

Claus & Paws is one of the favorite events during

where

Events this OCTOBER

Donuts Deadlifts Drafts

9AM-12PM

Ironworks East

Harvest Fest

12-4PM

Old Fort Bliss Replica

Youth Laser Tag Night

7-10PM

3-7

Biggs Park

Kids Day on the Wall

12-4PM

Soldier Activity Center

Intercession Sports Camp

Time varies

Youth Sports Plex

BOSS: Ninja Warrior Course

6-7:30AM

Biggs Park

Life Size Clue Game

1-3PM

Mickelsen Library

Bliss Boulder Battle

1-5PM

Soldier Activity Center

Intercession Adventure Camp

varies

Youth Sports Plex

Life Size Pac Man!

Mickelsen Library

Intro to Climbing

Soldier Activity Center

Pumpkin 1 Miler

Running Dead

Youth Sports

BOSS: Climbing Rough &

Rough & Ready Hills,

Creep Fest

12-5PM

& Hobby Marshall Park

ZOMBIE RUN

Zombie Run is back! Are you ready to run among roaming zombies? Join Fort Bliss Sports, Fitness and Aquatics (SFA) Saturday, Oct. 15 at Building 12 Pershing Road. It’s a different kind of run where you are chased by Zombies! There are packages to choose from, the No Brainer is free and includes a finisher medal. Then, there’s a Survivor package, it’s $15 per person and includes a t-shirt and finisher medal. Register now through Oct. 8 at Soto, Stout and Milam PFC. You can also register online at active.com. For more information, call 915-744-5792.

BLISS BOULDER BATTLE

It's that time of year again for Bliss Boulder Battle Saturday, Oct. 8 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Soldier Activity Center! Are you up for the challenge? Join Outdoor Recreation for this one day event. There will be male and female categories for competition. Top three from each category will receive a prize. The cost is $20 for DoD ID cardholders and $30 for the public. For more information,

15 Zombie Run

5PM | Bldg. 12 Pershing Road

19 Community Information Exchange

12-1PM | Centennial

20&22

21

Stained Glass

5-7PM // 10AM-2PM | Art & Hobby Shop

Domestic Violence Awareness Series

7:30AM-4:30PM | Centennial

BOSS: High Ropes Course

4-5:30PM | Soldier Activity Center

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Prog.

1-3PM | Mickelsen Library

21-22 Monster Bash

6-10PM | Bldg. 12 Pershing Road

22 Rock Climbing Trip

8AM-2PM | Sneed’s Cory

Fall Carnival

2-4PM | Mickelsen Library

Monster Day Skins Golf Tournament

6AM-5PM | Underwood Golf Complex

Intro to Mountain Biking

10:30AM-12:30PM | Soldier Activity Center

Halloween Boo-ling Party

12-3PM | Desert Strike Lanes

Spooky Bingo

5:30PM | Centennial

MONSTER BASH

Join Fort Bliss Special Events for a fun Halloween experience Friday, Oct. 21 and Saturday, Oct. 22

right in front of Building 12 Pershing Road. There will be inflatables laid out on the parade field with fun activities, art & crafts, music by DJ KB and more! This year Family and MWR will host a Trunk or Treat! There will also be food, beverages, glow merchandise and event photos available for purchase. For more information, call 915-588-8247.

MONSTER DAY SKINS GOLF TOURNEY

Tear down the course it's Halloween Monster Day Skins Golf Tournament Saturday, Oct. 29 at Underwood Golf Complex! Show that you have what it takes to beat a “monster” of a game. The Sunset Golf Course will be set up with extremely difficult tees and pins for the entire day. You must have a scheduled tee time in order to play. For information, call 915-568-1059.

Events this NOVEMBER

1

3&5

Dia de los Muertos

4:30-7:30PM

Metal Embossing

5-7PM

5 Mountain Biking

8AM-2PM

5

5

5

7-11

Hobby

Strongman/Woman Competition

9AM-12PM

Fittest on Bliss

9AM-12PM

East

Wine, Beer & Chile Festival

12-7PM

Fort Bliss Replica

Open Kickball Tournament

6-10PM

9

Omar Bradley Sports

Native American Heritage Month

2-4PM

Mickelsen Library

Belay Top Rope Class

5-7PM

Antonio Trip

Climbing Trip

Star Thanksgiving Dinner

CFRR/SFRG Meet & Greet

10AM-12PM

Turkey Shoot-Out

8:30AM

Golf Complex

Gobble Wobble Fitness Challenge

9AM-12PM

Cranksgiving

9-10:30AM

Sports Plex

Soto PFC

Speed Date w/Board Game: Candyland

Mickelsen Library

Bike Maintenance Class

5-7PM

Soldier Activity Center

STRONGMAN/WOMAN COMPETITION

Are you strong enough to compete?

Join Ironworks in this year’s Strongman/Woman Competition Saturday, Nov. 5 at Ironworks East! The events include Log Press, Tire Flip, Farmer’s Walk, Fat Bar Deadlift and Truck Pull. This event is open to all, ages 18 and older. The cost is $30 for DoD ID cardholders and $40 for the public. Spectators are welcome! For more information, call 915-744-5201 or 915-568-2892.

5

CRANKSGIVING

Crank up your energy for Cranksgiving! Join Fort Bliss Fitness Friday, Nov. 25 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. to burn off the feast! This is 75-minute instructor-led indoor cycling endurance ride! Cost is $7 per person, registration is required and can be done at Soto PFC. Prizes and giveaways are available for all registered patrons. This event will be held inside the Indoor Cycling room at Soto PFC. For more information, call 915-996-0737.

Events this DECEMBER

2 Holiday Festival

5-9PM

3

3

3

3

Park

Breakfast with Santa

8:30-10AM

Rod & Gun Club

Claus & Paws 5K Run/Walk

9-11AM

Soto PFC

Tin Mines Hike

8AM-2PM

Chuck Heinrich Park

BOSS: Old Mesilla Day Trip

All Day | Mesilla, NM

Watercolor Painting

5-7PM

10AM-2PM

Hueco Tanks Trip

8AM-2PM

& Hobby Shop

Hueco Tanks

Christmas Balloon Sale

8AM-5PM

Underwood

CLAUS & PAWS 5K RUN/WALK

This is the time of year to dress up with your fourlegged buddies! Join Fort Bliss Sports, Fitness and Aquatics (SFA) Saturday, Dec. 3 for Claus & Paws! This is a 5K route that you can run or walk with your furry best friend. The cost is $20 for all participants, includes commemorative t-shirts. Registration is required and can be done at Soto PFC or online at active.com. Dress up for the occasion for the best dressed contest! For more information, call 915-744-5785.

King & Queen Match

TBD | Rod & Gun Club

Jingle Dash

10:25AM

Youth Sports Plex

Zumba Under the Stars

6:30-7:45PM

Soto PFC

Disney “Frozen” Sing-Along

1-3PM | Mickelsen Library

Intro to Road Biking

10:30AM-12:30PM

Soldier Activity Center

Holiday Brunch with Santa

10AM-1PM

Centennial

Holiday Bowling Specials

Time varies | Desert Strike Lanes

3

HOLIDAY BOWLING SPECIALS

Come out to Desert Strike Lanes to have fun this holiday season. Bowling specials start Thursday, Dec. 22 through Thursday, Dec. 29 time varies throughout the week. Holiday Glow Bowl is from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 915-568-6272.

APPLY TODAY!

The Fort Bliss Civilian Human Resources Agency (CHRA) Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) Human Resource (HR) office recruits potential employees, like you, for Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), Child and Youth Services (CYS), and Texas Roadhouse.

BY REBECCA L RIDER NAF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE

NAF POSITIONS HONOR PREFERENCE & PRIORITY ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES:

naf preference

Join a fun and dynamic team that supports Soldiers and their Families! MWR facilities who hire include physical fitness centers (PFCs), aquatics, child care facilities, library, the Rod and Gun Club, Desert Strike Lanes, Underwood Golf Complex, Centennial Banquet and Conference Center, Auto Crafts, Art & Hobby Shop, MWR Administration and Marketing. Flexible, part-time, and full-time federal civilian positions are available. Starting pay is a minimum of $15 per hour. Applications are accepted via USAjobs.gov, search NAF, location Fort Bliss, TX

for current job announcements. Each position has a NAF HR contact person who is available to assist with application questions.

Some benefits of joining the MWR, CYS or Texas Roadhouse teams include use of on-post facilities such as, Post Exchange (PX), PFCs, childcare, golf, bowling, parks and recreation, restaurants and more. Regular part-time and full-time employees receive health, dental and vision insurance, paid time off and sick leave accrual, retirement and 401K plans. Professional development and training opportunities are available. In addition, an ability to transfer in the same position to other installations world-wide! Basically, your career can move with you! Apply online today!

For more information, call the CHRA NAF HR office at 915-568-6287.

make it pawsible

Hello friends,

Milo here, your favorite Family and MWR mascot!

Wow the year is almost over, how fast time flies when you’re having fun, especially at Fort Bliss MWR events. Have you thought about what you plan to do in the new year?

There are so many possibilities to choose from to create a New Year’s Resolution. Have you thought about helping others in need? There are so many animal shelters that are looking for help with donations for homeless four-legged friends.

Supplies like towels, blankets, food, bowls, toys, training pads, collars and leashes are always needed. Mostly, these four-legged friends want love and attention. Take the time to spend a moment with a a homeless pet, help them to feel hope that they’ll find a fur-ever home.

Shelters are always looking for volunteers to help take pets out for a walk or run to get their exercise. If you’re feeling awkward doing it alone, there are volunteer groups who meet up on certain days to take animals out for a walk.

Are you a single Soldier?

Have you heard of Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS)? Well, they meet up one Saturday a month from 8 to 11 a.m. to take dogs out for a walk at local shelters. If you’re a single Soldier and feel cooped up in your barracks, then you know how these fur-buddies feel. Why don’t both of you stretch your legs for a bit and hopefully connect with them for a moment, that’s all they need. Join BOSS for these little outings, they also have other things going on throughout the year. Follow them on social media @blissBOSS to find out about their events, volunteer times and more.

Fostering is another great way to help our fellow four-legged friends. If you have the space to allow a pet to stay for awhile, share your home with them until they are able to move on to their fur-ever home.

Get in touch with your local animal shelters and find out how you can help. If you’re tight on money, time is always a precious gift to spend with those who need it.

Paws and kisses,

the family experiment: biscuits, turkey & blunders

BY EDDIE ARRIOLA FAMILY & MWR SPECIAL EVENTS

The holidays are quickly approaching and if there’s one thing in life that I love, it’s Thanksgiving and Christmas!

There’s something about the holidays that brings everyone together. Unfortunately, we live in a technology-based society where most family dinners are done in front of a screen. Thanksgiving and Christmas seem to be the exception to that rule. You spend time cooking and eating as a family.

When I was younger, I was never allowed in the kitchen because I would “burn” water. My two brothers were the chefs of the family, as for me, well I had cleaning dishes duty. I know that I was never a savant in the kitchen but this, “Food for Thought” article has breathed new life into me. It challenges me to grow not only as a writer, but as a cook as well.

I decided to up my game this time and attempt to make a Turkey Pot Pie. Now, since I had to do the cooking two months ahead of the holiday season, it was interesting to see where I could go with this.

I will be the first to admit that all of this was trial and error. I decided to go with a recipe for chicken pot pie and modify to make it better. The final ingredients list is as follows: one can of cream of mushroom soup, frozen vegetables, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, buttermilk biscuits, butter and turkey.

First things first, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Finding turkey was interesting because I couldn’t find a whole turkey, so I went with a turkey tenderloin. My last-minute desperation would have been sandwich meat, but I got luckily. I chopped the tenderloin into small pieces and threw it into a frying pan coated in butter and seasoned it with my favorite seasonings. Again, experiment and discover what tastes good to you. When it’s cooked, place it off to the side. Next, heat up your vegetables. Throw them into a bowl with the cream of mushroom soup, turkey and cheese. I decided to be creative and try a cup of mozzarella and a cup of sharp cheddar cheese. Add seasonings to your liking, I went with

garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Mix everything together and place the bowl to the side while you grease your casserole pan. I used butter to grease the bottom and sides. Place your mixture into the pan and add your biscuits. Cut the biscuits into quarters and place them over the mixture with small spaces in between until the top is covered. Learn from my mistake, do not get the big southern style biscuits, they won’t cook all the way through as fast.

Melt some butter and brush it over the biscuits. Place the dish in the oven until the biscuits are golden brown. I started off cooking the biscuits at the recommended time of 15-minutes, but they were not cooking through properly. I found out that if I cooked them for 30-minutes, then flipped them over for another 30-minutes, they cooked all the way through. Once it’s complete, serve and enjoy.

This was a simple recipe that all of my family enjoyed. I will be adding this dish to my holiday traditions. Experimenting was half the fun and I look forward to growing more with my cooking adventures. I always surprise myself when I try something new. It was a bit doughy, but I am my worst critic when it comes to cooking. My family hyped me up with praise and gave me pointers on how to make it even better. My youngest brother made sure that we delivered it to his work, so he could try it.

The experience reminded me that we need to stop focusing on what could go wrong if we try something new and just do it! You can do anything you put your mind to and with the right support system you can do so much more. Let’s bring back dinner to the table and cook as a family.

You’ll be amazed at how much you’ll learn from one another, but that’s just Food for Thought.

Ingredients

2 Family Size Cream of

Salt

BY FAMILY & MWR MARKETING & OLD FORT BLISS REPLICA

Old Fort Bliss Replica has just the thing to spice up your fall.

Join this year’s Wine, Beer and Chile Festival, Nov. 5, from noon to 7 p.m. It's picturesque in the courtyard of the museum with the fall atmosphere. The plush green grass accented with a scenic sunset over the mountains sets a beautiful stage. Add some live music, adult beverages and great friends and you’re set for an unforgettable relaxing afternoon.

This intimate wine tasting event will be enhanced this year to include beer tasting! You will be able to sample some wines and beers from local wineries and breweries, so don’t miss your chance! Taste what El Paso has to offer. There will be the traditional roasting of hatch chiles and charcuterie boards for purchase to accompany your choice of wine or beer tasting. There will also be food trucks to satisfy those additional hunger cravings.

Fun lawn games like corn hole, Jenga, Connect Four and more will be available for your enjoyment or a little friendly competition. You can take a stroll through the museum while sipping on your favorite selection from our tastings. Grab a few friends and make a day of it at Old Fort Bliss Replica located at 5054 Pershing Road. This event is open to the public, ages 18 and older, must be 21 and older to consume alcohol. Even though the facility is mostly outdoors, four-legged furry friends are not allowed at this event.

Tickets are $20 each and include 5 samples of wine or beer and a commemorative tasting glass. Full glasses and wine bottles will be available for purchase. This is a limited ticket event, so make sure to buy your tickets in advance.

Tickets will be available for purchase starting Oct. 1 at both Leisure Travel Services (LTS) locations, Freedom Crossing food court and the Soldier Activity Center. Tickets can also be purchased online at eventbrite.com, search Wine and Chile.

For more information, call 915-588-8482.

EXPAND

a tasty new festival! with wine, EXPAND with wine,

COMING SOON TO MICKELSEN! COMING SOON TO MICKELSEN!

BY FAMILY & MWR MICKELSEN COMMUNITY LIBRARY

Mickelsen Community Library has fall activities lined up for Soldiers and Families! Walk along bountiful rows of books to read, and get lost in the wonderful imagination of fiction or read through a sea of knowledge!

Mickelsen Library has plenty of things to do for Soldiers and Families. The library brings many activities for adults and children, such as, Live Board Games! Have you ever wanted to play a life size board game?

This fall, you will get two chances! Mickelsen will be staging Life Size Clue game, Oct. 6, starting at 1 p.m. See if you can beat your friends and family to the solution of the mystery. Then, you will have the chance to play life size Pac Man! Everyone’s favorite arcade game will be brought to life, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m.

The fun doesn’t stop in

October, Mickelsen will host a Fall Carnival! Everyone is invited to enjoy simple carnival games, Oct. 27 beginning at 2 p.m. There will be several games, with small prizes, one prize, per game, per family.

November is Native American Heritage month, and Mickelsen Library is celebrating with a gaming program! Stop by for the Native American Heritage Games Program, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. and enjoy games from various Native American tribes. Learn something new, from different cultures.

Let’s step into the unknown of winter! Mickelsen Library will be showing the sing-along version of Disney’s Frozen! Bring snacks to eat, enjoy an afternoon of music and entertainment, Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. For more information, call 915-568-1902.

ready to be creative

BY CORAL MUSY FAMILY & MWR MARKETING

The Art & Hobby Shop is the perfect place to have a great creative time for all ages, from traditional medias like acrylic painting to stained glass and more. Art & Hobby is the perfect place to learn or improve a skill.

Art & Hobby has provided a multitude of workshops to introduce local artists, who volunteer their time and talents to instruct Fort Bliss patrons. This creative programming has partnered with local museums, guilds and galleries with spaces to showcase combined works.

During the summer, Art & Hobby participated with the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) and the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Clinic in the El Paso Art Associations Annual Art and Award Exhibit, honoring a local El Paso Veteran LTC(R) Robert Chisolm. Their contribution was titled, “Birds of a Feather, Uniform Yet Unique.” It consisted of 42 precut eagle shapes that were individually painted and

then epoxied for display. They won the highest award at the El Paso Art Associations Annual Art and Award Exhibit.

Art & Hobby also hosts adult programming like couple’s date nights, paint and sips, ceramic classes, stained glass and painting where participant’s skills are developed class by class. Stained Glass, Metal Embossing and Water Color Painting classes are a few of the upcoming options for adults, ages 18 and older.

Some of their recurring programs include Tiny Tots, for children ages 5 and younger and Homeschool Home Economics for children 8 and older. Tiny Tots is held every Wednesday at 9 a.m. and focuses on the development of motor skills. The class only costs $5 per child.

Home Economics teaches different types of art mediums and life skills including, cooking, baking and basic automotive care. Classes are held every

Wednesday at 12 p.m., for $20 per class or $60 per month.

Stained Glass: Local artist Delphie Martinez will instruct how to convert a sheet of glass into a stained masterpiece! This is a two-day class and the cost is $60 per person for both days, Oct. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Metal Embossing: Join local artist Romy Hawkins in learning the art of producing 3 dimensional designs on metal! This is a two-day class and the cost is $50 per person for both days, Nov. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. and Nov. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Watercolor Painting: Learn how to use watercolors with local artist Sally Avant. She will guide you on how to create very light and beautiful paintings. This is a two-day class and the cost is $40 per person for both days, Dec. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Art & Hobby will host, “Creep Fest” Oct. 15 from 12 to 5 p.m. This event is free to attend and open to the public. This is a craft style fair that focuses on October themed goods and services. Come out for a Saturday full of crafts, live demonstrations, tarot readings, holistic goods, food trucks and more! Creep Fest will be at Art & Hobby Marshall Park, located on the corner of Cassidy and Marshall Road. Art & Hobby provides a space to relax and be creative while facilitating resilience experience through art. They want to hear from you! Tell them what you want to do at Art & Hobby, send the team a message through Facebook; they value your suggestions.

For more information, visit bliss.armymwr.com, search Art & Hobby Shop or follow on Facebook @FortBlissArtandHobbyCenter. *Days and times for classes are subject to change.*

Outdoor Recreation

TRIPS & EVENTS

Bliss Boulder Battle Soldier Activity Center

Rock Climbing Trip

Mountain Biking

Rock Climbing Trip

Tin Mines Hike

Hueco Tanks Trip

CLASSES

Sneed's Cory

Chuck Heinrich Park

October 8 $20 Sol./$30 Civ.

October 22 $15

November 5 $15

Rough & Ready, NM November 12 $25

Chuck Heinrich Park December 3 $10

Hueco Tanks State Park December 10 $20

Intro to Climbing Soldier Activity Center

October 12 $8

Intro to Mountain Biking Soldier Activity Center October 29 $8

Belay, Top Rope Course Soldier Activity Center November 9 $8

Bike Maintenance Clinic Soldier Activity Center November 30 $8

Intro to Road Biking Soldier Activity Center December 17 $8

CLIMBING WALL

WARRIOR ADVENTURE QUEST

CAMPING, CLIMBING & SPECIALTY EQUIPMENT RENTAL

Bike Rental (Mountain

youth sports for all BY FAMILY & MWR MARKETING

Fort Bliss Youth Sports Plex has so much to offer children from ages 3 to 18! Every season there’s something for children to participate in. From flag football to sand volleyball, your children could be taking on the field or courts with a team.

It doesn’t stop there with sports. Students can attend any of the classes provided at the Youth Sports Plex such as fitness classes, P.E., Start Smart Sports, sport clinics and camps!

Take advantage of all that’s available to students. Let their athletic abilities shine like Miyah Blackwell. She is one of Youth Sports’ participants for their USA Track and Field. She qualified for national events in the 200m dash and long jump. She won in the long jump event and qualified for the 200m dash! All of this builds confidence in students and help them to achieve more for their athletic interests.

Youth Sports offers special events throughout the year. These events specialize in building a stronger sports and fitness community by providing military youth and parents a place to enjoy physical activity together. Check out what’s coming in the fall for parents and children to participate in.

Pumpkin Patch 1 Miler and Running Dead 5K: Children and parents can run through the parade field path chased by zombies! Register at the Youth Sports Plex or online at bliss. armymwr.com, search Youth Sports. The event is Oct. 14, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., cost is $3 for ages 3 to 9, $5 for ages 10 and older. Payment can be done at the Youth Sports Plex, it is

cash only on the day of the event. The event is fast approaching and Youth Sports Plex is looking for volunteers to help make this event successful for the kids. If you are interested in volunteering, sign up with Youth Sports Plex by Oct. 7.

Gobble Wobble Fitness Challenge: This Thanksgiving workout event is free and open to all ages. The event is Nov. 23, the day before Thanksgiving. Wobble before you gobble! Every hour on the hour you’ll get a workout starting from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pick a time to go and take the whole family!

Jingle Dash: Let’s dash along the parade field and jingle all the way! This is a 1-mile run for all ages to enjoy, Dec. 10 starting at 10:25 a.m. The cost is $3 for ages 3-18 and $5 for parents. Registration is required and can be done at the Youth Sports Plex.

Youth Sports is always looking for coaches and volunteers. Volunteer coaches will be certified through Youth Sports Plex in conjunction with National Alliance for Youth Sports (NYSCA). If you are interested in volunteering or coaching, call 915-568-2617.

For students to be able to use the Youth Sport Plex facility and/or events, they must be registered with Child & Youth Services (CYS). To register, visit Parent Central at 1743 Victory Avenue or call 915-568-4374. Follow, visit or like Youth Sports on Facebook @Bliss CYS for up-to-date events, programs and more!

CYS Youth Programs Afterschool Pickup

Middle Schools High Schools

& High Schools

take advantage!

Youth Center provides activities and more for teens

Fort Bliss Youth Centers have a plethora of activities for your youth to enjoy!

There are two youth centers conveniently located at Fort Bliss, Replica and Milam. While attending the youth centers your teen will have the opportunity to explore and participate in activities that reach all service areas. Teens will learn leadership/ character skills, citizenship, emotional and physical wellness, and life skills and also learn information on employment/college readiness programs.

BY JASMYN BRUNSON

MWR

As soon as students walk through the doors of one of the youth centers, they will be greeted with open arms. They will meet other students who are excited to meet and hang out. Both Fort Bliss youth centers offer video game consoles, a computer room, snack area, homework help services and full-size gyms. These are among the recreational, educational and social services offered.

RYC: Replica Youth Center will offer multiple events for teens to attend this school year, such as Zombie Prom/Lockin, Oct. 8 to 9 and a Winterball, Dec. 3.

CENTERS

MYC: Milam Youth Center has exciting events happening as well. They will be taking youth to the La Union Corn Maze, Oct. 15 and host their new haunted house, Oct. 24 to 31. Then, get ready for Youth Center’s Harvest Fest, a community-wide event, Oct. 29.

Teens, if you’re interested in attending any events or want to use the facilities, you must be in grades 6-12 and registered with Child & Youth Services (CYS). Registration can be done at both youth centers and Parent Central, located at 1743 Victory Road. To find out more, call Parent Central at 915-568-4374.

Replica Youth Center is located at 5037 Sheridan Road and Milam Youth Center which is located at 10960 Haan Road. Both hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m., Friday from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 8 p.m. For more information, call Replica at 915-568-3523 or Milam at 915-744-244. To stay up-to-date on all things Replica or Milam, visit, follow or like them on Facebook.

Fort Bliss sure has A LOT of “RAD DADS!”

Fort Bliss Family and MWR collaborated with Academy Sports and Outdoors to give the Raddest of all Dads some amazing prizes, to include two $500 shopping sprees. We had numerous submissions and we were able to give out lots of cool stuff to very deserving dads.

The best gift of all was seeing that all of the dads were worthy of the title “Rad Dad.” We thank you for all you do for your Family and for serving and standing ready to defend our nation. We salute you!

HEARTS APART IS YOUR LIFELINE

BY CONNIE MEDRANO ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE (ACS)

Throughout a military Family’s life cycle, they will experience the hardship of being separated from their service members due to mission requirements. When Soldiers are deployed or serving overseas, it can be an isolating experience for the Families left behind. Deployments and mission required separations will bring the best and worst out of a military Family and most definitely Murphy’s Law will be visiting. Regardless how much a spouse prepares, unexpected incidents will occur, such as the car breaking down, kids getting sick, water heater busting and so on.

Let Fort Bliss Hearts Apart-Empowerment Group be your lending ear and lifeline!

The Fort Bliss Hearts Apart-Empowerment Group is here to offer comfort and support during these challenging times. What better way to build new friendships than with spouses who are experiencing the same challenges? Deployments do not have to be a time

of isolation, make your upcoming deployment a time of resiliency building.

Maybe you’re a seasoned spouse with a wealth of tips and hacks on surviving deployment. Share your knowledge and resiliency skills with other spouses and make a positive impact on Fort Bliss Families!

The Hearts Apart Group is for any spouse who will be geographically separated from their service member for more than 30 days. Meet ups are monthly free or lowcost events that are fun for the whole family. Families can enjoy bowling, back-to-school backpack event, kid’s crafts, tour of El Paso Downtown, nature walks, community and deployment resources and so much more!

Let Fort Bliss Hearts Apart support you while you help support others! To register and be part of the Hearts Apart community call Army Community Services at 915-569-4227.

TAKE A STAND WITH FAMILY ADVOCACY

BY ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE (ACS) FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAM (FAP)

In the United States alone, an average of 20 people are physically abused by their partner every minute. This equates to more than 10 million abused victims annually. Children of domestic violence are three times more likely to repeat the cycle in adulthood.

These are statistics from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Fort Bliss military communities join together each October to raise awareness for National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). It was launched nationwide in October 1987 to unite individuals and organizations working on domestic violence issues. During October, people decorate with the color purple, from t-shirts and ribbons to nail polish and hair color.

The color purple is a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor and dedication to ending violence. It is a salute to survivors and those we have lost to domestic violence.

Fort Bliss Family Advocacy Program (FAP) hosts DVAM activities during the month of October to promote education and collaborate with surrounding agencies to build unity across the installation. To raise awareness about domestic violence the FAP team has scheduled weekly events and activities that promote safe and healthy relationships.

Victim Advocates will be setting up information tables

at the Dining Facility (DFAC), Freedom Crossing, the Commissary, and the Mendoza Clinic every Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Starting, Oct. 3 through Oct. 31, FAP will be setting up donation boxes to collect health and beauty items, cleaning and storage supplies to be given to the Center Against Sexual and Family Violence and area shelters. The main event for October will be a guest Speaker Series for Command Leadership on Oct. 21 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center.

ACS/FAP has experienced Victim Advocates to assist and offer services to Soldiers and their Families. These services include crisis intervention and safety planning, emotional support, victims’ rights information, resources, accompanying victims to court and more. Report directly to FAP at 915-549-2199 for all incidents of suspected child maltreatment or family violence.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the Family Advocacy Domestic Abuse Victim hotline; advocates are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 915-269-2013.

SFRG

Learn how they help Military Families

BY MANNY LARA ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE (ACS) MOBILIZATION DEPLOYMENT & STABILITY SUPPORT OPERATIONS (MOBDEP SSO)

Soldier and Family Readiness Group (SFRG), Command Family Readiness Representative (CFRR) … what are they? They are a key component of a unit commander’s program, because they serve as conduits for information, mutual support, help to build strong Families and they bridge the gap between Families and units.

SFRGs promote the commander’s vision throughout the unit’s mission, assist Families in becoming knowledgeable and self-reliant, and solve problems at the lowest level by, providing official, accurate command information, advocating efficient use of community resources, and reducing Soldier and Family stress.

who is a liaison between unit members, their Families, the command, and their respective Army Community Service Unit service coordinator. CFRR’s are military personnel who serve as the commander's representative to ensure the free flow of information and support between the unit leadership, its volunteer base, and unit personnel to include Family members.

They provide operational, administrative, logistical support to the SFRG leadership. CFRR obtain feedback and information from the SFRG and provide an opportunity for ongoing open communication between the SFRG and commander.

Taking care of the Soldiers, Families, and civilians is an enduring Army priority. The Army Community Service (ACS), Mobilization Deployment and Stability Support Operations mission is to deliver deployment cycle support by assisting units preparing to deploy or return from a deployment.

The Mobilization Deployment and Stability Support Operations provides information and referral services, conducting family readiness training for command teams, CFRRs and all SFRG volunteers. This helps them understand their roles and responsibilities within the SFRG.

For more information, call Mobilization Deployment and Stability Support Operations at 915-569-5500.

SFRGs are comprised of Soldiers, civilian employees,

post community resources.

CFRR is an official command sponsored individual,

It has been awhile since we have been able to recognize our sponsors for all that they do year in and year out. We were beyond happy to be able to celebrate them in August. We got together for a gnarly ‘80s theme party, to say “Thank you” for supporting our Soldiers and Families by supporting Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation. We danced and sang the night away with NYNY Dueling Pianos, guests played classic ‘80s arcade games, tried their luck at blackjack, and just enjoyed the company of like-minded individuals that believe in what we do and who we do it for.

Fort Bliss Family and MWR Sponsorship and Advertising department likes to thank and honor their biggest supporters with a celebration of thanks and appreciation when we can and this year, it was tubular! It is through these amazing partnerships that FMWR events continue to grow and succeed. The unwavering support from our community enhances our events and keeps them going. This allows Fort Bliss FMWR to provide family events, fireworks, sporting events, holiday festivals and more for our Fort Bliss Community to enjoy.

BY FAMILY & MWR SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING

Fort Bliss is home to more than 30,000 service members. Combine that number with Family members, Retirees and Civilian employees, our population served is more than 165,000 strong. Fort Bliss FMWR offers an array of sponsorship and advertising opportunities that will benefit any organization looking for this one-of-akind exposure to the military community. When you contribute with FMWR you are giving directly to the Soldiers and Families of Fort Bliss. Our goal is to provide programs and services that contribute to the morale, well-being and quality of life of the military community. We do just that with the support we receive from our partners.

If you would like to increase your branding and exposure while simultaneously giving back to the Soldiers and Families of Fort Bliss, call the Sponsorship and Advertising office at 915-568-6078.

744-5788

NEW WBAMC NUMBERS

Minue

Heart

Old Ironsides Dr.

Torch St .

St.

Hea

Blvd.

Medic Ave.

Medic Ave.

Ordance

Ave.

Foot Soldier

Infantry

Ave.

Gulf Victory Way Ansbach Way Eagle Way

Minue Dr. Way Eagle Way

Oran Rome-Arno Tunisia Sherman Minue

Blackhawk T ank Trail

Blackhawk Tank Trail

Constitution

bliss