¡blissNOW! Summer 2011

Sizzling summer FUN

hotter days | hotter fun | heating things up with family and mwr summer 2011

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one world. one voice. one magazine.

SUMMER 2011

VOLUME SEVEN • ISSUE TWO

one great staff.

COMMANDING GENERAL Maj. Gen. Dana J.H. Pittard GARRISON COMMANDER Col. Joseph A. Simonelli, Jr. DFMWR DIRECTOR Mark A. Cauthers ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE Peggy Brown BUSINESS OPERATIONS Ronald Telles CHILD, YOUTH & SCHOOL SERVICES Pat Smith NAF SUPPORT MANAGER Indri O’Hara RECREATION & SPORTS Lindy Sorrell MARKETING & SPECIAL EVENTS William Ketcherside ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP Monica Castillo Michele Wiernicki WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER Heather Wilburn

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calendar july calendar august calendar september recognition Family and MWR feature summer camp clubs FOOD & FUN recreation SOUTHWEST ADVENTURE recreation leisure recreation sports & fitness family cyss feature MISTER MOM community acs fort bliss map east fort bliss map directory phone numbers

MARKETING ASSISTANTS Marlo Brestar Darline Goyea OFFICE MANAGER Martina Grise GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Kenny Broomfield Raymond Sanchez 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 11, Pershing Road, Fort Bliss, TX 79916 and may be reached by calling (915) 568-6741.

www.blissmwr.com

DFMWR Director’s Comments Summer is here, and opportunities abound for fun, fitness and good cheer.

The summer day camps provided by School-Age Services and the Middle School and Teen Program have been off to a wonderful start. Activities are many, and there is fun for all. Youth can develop their minds and bodies with camps that range from science discovery to physical fitness. Youth Sports is in on the action as well, providing summer camps that let young athletes improve on their skills.

As the weather heats up, so do the opportunities offered by our Southwest Adventure outdoor recreation program. Camping, climbing and hiking top the list of high-adventure activities the outdoor recreation specialists have lined up. There are day trips and overnight adventures to suit all ability levels. Don’t miss out on the backpacking trip to the Gila Cliff Dwellings in New Mexico’s Gila Wilderness ... head off for a weekend in the tall pines, where temperatures are often 15-20 degrees cooler than they are in El Paso.

The El Paso community has embraced Fort Bliss and welcomes participation in events for all ages. The El Paso Symphony will perform at our July 3 “Pop Goes the Fort” event at Biggs Park.

Please check out this issue for the fabulous Family and MWR events and stay tuned for many great events brought to you by your local Family and MWR team!

See you out there!

Mark Cauthers

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Are you ready to rock?

You’d better be, because Rock the Fort is coming, and our 2011 lineup will rock harder than ever before. That’s right ... Family and MWR and Western Technical College are bringing you Drowning Pool!

Rock the Fort will take place Saturday, July 16 at Biggs Park on East Fort Bliss.

Gates open at 3 p.m., and the music runs from 4-10 p.m. Admission is free.

The Dallas-based Drowning Pool has toured for troops overseas, visiting Kuwait and Iraq in 2005 and 2006, respectively, South Korea and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Drowning Pool is best known for songs like “Bodies” and “37 Stitches” – songs that are meant to be played loudly.

Several special guests round out the lineup, including Austin-based metalcore band Powderburn; El Paso’s own rockers Outbreak; and country music

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Rock the Fort

artist Larry Bagby. The Family and MWR special events team is also looking to add another artist to showcase the great local sound of El Paso.

For $10, enjoy 10 beer samples and VIP seating in the Casa Nissan Beer Garden. Beer garden guests must be 21 or older. No one under 21 years of age will be admitted to the beer garden; this includes all children.

In addition to the music, enjoy the third annual Rock the Fort Car and Bike Show and fireworks following the show.

Food and drink vendors will also be on hand to tame your hunger.

Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome; outside food or beverages, glass containers, coolers and pets are prohibited. There is no ATM inside Biggs Park – bring cash for the beer garden, food and beverages and band merchandise.

This year marks Western Technical College’s first title sponsorship of Rock the Fort.

“Western Technical College is proud to be the main sponsor in support of this year’s Rock the Fort event. We feel that Family and MWR does a tremendous job in coordinating events for families and our Soldiers,” said Bill Terrell, Western Technical

College’s CAO. For more information, visit www.blissmwr.com or call (915) 588-8247.

www.blissmwr.com

Pop Goes the Fort

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julyevents Old-Fashioned Family Picnic July 1 • 4-9pm • Old Fort Bliss Museum Pop Goes the Fort! Independence Day Celebration July 3 • 7:30pm • Biggs Park Operation Rising Star Auditions July 6 • 6pm • Centennial Operation Rising Star Auditions July 7 • 6pm • Centennial Intramural Individual Duathlon July 8 • 6am • Replica Aquatic Center Intramural Golf Championship July 8-10 • Underwood Golf Complex Family Car Camping with Southwest Adventure July 9 • White Sands National Monument, N.M. Dinner on a Dime July 12 and 21 • 9-11am • Milam Youth Activity Center Martini and a Manicure July 15 • 4:30pm • Centennial Library Summer Reading Program Awards Ceremony and Party July 16 • 10am (Ages 3-12) • 2pm (ages 13+) • Mickelsen Library Car Seat Safety Inspection July 16 • 10am-1pm • Auto Crafts Rock the Fort featuring Drowning Pool July 16 • 4-10pm • Biggs Park Free Rappelling Clinic July 21 • 4-5pm • Tango Tower, Biggs Park Hiking and Rappelling Trip with Southwest Adventure July 23 • Organ Mountains, N.M. Bouldering and Rock Art Tour with Southwest Adventure July 24 • Hueco Tanks State Historic Site ACS Birthday Celebration July 25 • 1pm • Army Community Service Education Information Fair July 26 • 8:30-11:30am • Centennial

www.blissmwr.com

Dust off your Uncle Sam hats and get ready to celebrate America’s independence with a free patriotic and pops concert by the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, with a fireworks display following the show.

Sunday, July 3 at Biggs Park, Family and MWR and EPSO will bring Fort Bliss a lineup of standards including “America the Beautiful” and “Armed Forces Salute”; John Phillips Sousa marches “The Liberty Bell” and “The Washington Post”; “Remembering the Beatles”; and music from The Patriot, and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

Family activities begin at 5 p.m. The show kicks off at 7:30 p.m.

Fort Bliss Family Readiness Groups will be on hand to present crafts and games. Fees for the crafts and games will go toward the groups’ unit funds.

Vendors will be present to sell food and beverages. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program.

Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome; alcoholic beverages, glass containers and pets are prohibited. There is no ATM inside Biggs Park – bring cash if you plan to take advantage of the vendors. For more information, call (915) 568-6741.

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Old-Fashioned Family Picnic Fill up those picnic baskets and head to the Old Fort Bliss Museum from 4-9 p.m. Friday, July 1 for an Old-Fashioned Family Picnic. Bring kites to fly in the field, or take part in the Independence Day icon costume contest ... who’s the best Statue of Liberty or Uncle Sam? Maybe there’s a George Washington or Paul Revere in the crowd? Tour the museum and learn what life was like for Fort Bliss Soldiers in 1857.

At 6 p.m., join the costumed crowd for an Independence Day parade around the block, and at 7 p.m., settle in to watch an outdoor show-

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Family car camping

Load up your camping gear and bring the family out to enjoy one of nature’s wonders when you join Southwest Adventure for a family car camping excursion to White Sands National Monument in New Mexico Saturday, July 9.

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 any Leisure Travel Services (ITR) location: Bldg. 1743 Victory Ave., the kiosk at Freedom Crossing, and the satellite location at Soto Gym, Bldg. 20751 Constitution Blvd. on East Fort Bliss.

To learn more, call (915) 433-9666 or e-mail kenneth. coppedge@us.army.mil. heather wilburn, Family and mwr marketing

ing of The Patriot, starring Mel Gibson, on the big screen.

Take part in games played in the 1800s and relax with the family while you celebrate the birth of our nation.

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, coolers and picnic baskets, but leave the glass containers at home – they aren’t allowed.

For more information, or to volunteer for this event, call (915) 568-4518 or (915) 5888482.

Intramural golf championship Start practicing your swing now – the 2011 Fort Bliss Intramural Golf Post Championship will take place July 8-10 at Underwood Golf Complex.

The tournament is open to active-duty military assigned to Fort Bliss, both teams and individuals. Entry is free.

Each brigade and independent league member is authorized two groups of four players each. For each team, there is a maximum of eight players per roster, and rosters will be divided into two groups of four. A minimum of five players is required to be eligible for Commander’s Cup points.

The tournament memorandum of instruction (MOI) can be found at www.blissmwr. com/intramurals. For more information, call (915) 744-5790, (915) 744-5793 or (915) 744-5800.

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Martini and a Manicure Pamper yourself with Martini and a Manicure at 4:30 p.m. Friday, July 15 at the Centennial’s Sam Adams Brew Pub. For just $10, kick off the weekend in style as you receive a manicure and one choice

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from our menu of carefully crafted specialty martinis. Additional martini selections may be purchased, as well.

Martini and a Manicure is a great way to relax after a hard week’s work. For information, call (915) 744-8427.

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photos by heather wilburn, Family and mwr marketing

www.blissmwr.com

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Operation Rising Star

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Auditions:

July 6 July 7

Operation Rising Star, the annual singing contest for military personnel and their family members, is back at Fort Bliss! One lucky winner will receive the chance to move along in a competition for the prize of a lifetime: a trip to California to record a three-song demo album at Firehouse Recording Studios in Pasadena.

This year, the competition will take place every Thursday in August. That means on August 4, 11, 18 and 25, you’d better get to the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center because your vote counts! Doors open at 6 p.m. each night, and the show begins at 6:30 p.m.

The competition starts with auditions, during which a three-judge panel will determine which contestants move on to compete in the four-week Operation Rising Star event. Auditions will be held Wednesday, July 6 and Thursday, July 7 at the Centennial at 6 p.m. each night. The Centennial is located at Bldg. 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St. on East Fort Bliss.

Four weeks of fierce competition will follow. Judges critique and score the performances, and audiences vote by written ballot. Audience votes count for 50 percent of the determination as to who moves forward, so crowd support is a must for ORS contestants.

The Fort Bliss winner will record a video submission to the worldwide ORS competition. A panel of judges will select 12 semifinalists who will travel to Fort Belvoir, Va., for a weeklong competition televised by the Pentagon Channel and webcast worldwide. Viewers will vote online for their favorite performers. The winner will receive the recording studio package. Veterans of Foreign Wars proudly sponsors the competition.

Operation Rising Star is open to active-duty, National Guard or Reserve service members from any branch of service, and their family members age 18 or older, with valid military ID. For more information, visit www.oprisingstar.com or www.blissmwr.com, or call (915) 588-8247.

photos by heather wilburn, Family and mwr marketing

Air Force Reserve presents Martin Lawrence

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Get ready to laugh ... Martin Lawrence is coming to Fort Bliss! The Air Force Reserve Tour For the Troops is bringing the star of Big Momma’s House, Blue Streak and Bad Boys to the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center Wednesday, August 10.

The show starts at 7 p.m.

The show is free for all military ID card holders and their families. Tick-

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ets are limited and subject to availability, and there is a limit of two tickets per ID card holder.

Tickets will be available beginning July 21 and may be picked up at any Leisure Travel Services (ITR) location: Bldg. 1743 Victory Ave., the PX kiosk or Soto Gym, Bldg. 20751 Constitution Blvd. on East Fort Bliss.

www.blissmwr.com

Free Backpacking & Climbing Clinic August 4 • 4-5pm • Biggs Park Operation Rising Star August 4 • 6:30pm • Centennial Speed Dating August 5 • 7pm • Centennial Gila Cliff Dwellings Backpacking Trip with Southwest Adventure August 5-7 • Gila National Forest, N.M. Framing Class at Framing Bliss August 6 • 8:45am-2:30pm • Framing Bliss Investing Tutorial: Investing for Life’s Success August 10 • 9-11:30am • ACS Air Force Reserve presents Martin Lawrence August 10 • 7pm • Centennial Operation Rising Star August 11 • 6:30pm • Centennial Bienvenidos a Bliss Relocation Fair August 12 • 1-5pm • Centennial The U.S. Army Soldier Show August 12 • 7pm • Abraham Chavez Theater 10-Mile “In the Heat” Run August 13 • 7am • Soto Gym The U.S. Army Soldier Show August 13 • 2pm • Abraham Chavez Theater Family Car Camping with Southwest Adventure August 13 • White Sands National Monument, N.M. Intramural Mini Golf Championship August 16-17 • Kelly Park Free Rappelling and Climbing Clinic August 18 • 4-5pm • Biggs Park Operation Rising Star August 18 • 6:30pm • Centennial Frontier Day Historical Reenactment August 20 • 9am-4pm • Old Fort Bliss Museum Hiking and Rappelling with Southwest Adventure August 20 • Organ Mountains, N.M. Mega Bingo August 20 • 2pm • Centennial Climbing trip with Southwest Adventure August 21 • Rough and Ready Hills Range, N.M. Intramural Softball Championship August 22-26 • Omar Bradley Softball Complex Operation Rising Star August 25 • 6:30pm • Centennial Intramural Indoor Soccer Begins August 29 • Soto Gym Intramural Flag Football Begins August 29 • Stout Field

www.blissmwr.com

U.S. Army Soldier Show

From a boardwalk to a fun house, from a circus to a county fair, the 2011 U.S. Army Soldier Show will take audiences on a globe-spanning journey.

When the cast and crew roll into El Paso for performances at the Abraham Chavez Theater at 7 p.m. Friday, August 12 and 2 p.m.

Saturday, August 13, guests can “Step Right Up to the Best Show in Town.” The carnival concept of the 2011 show will take guests to more fun-filled venues in 90 minutes than some experience in a lifetime.

The 2011 U.S. Army Soldier Show features “Entertainment for the Soldier, by the Soldier”: the en-

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tire cast and crew are active-duty and National Guard Soldiers who serve their nation proudly.

Two of the cast members – Sgt. Jeremy Wesby and Spc. Dexter Quismorio – are stationed at Fort Bliss, when not on loan to the Soldier Show.

Spc. Andrea Griffith of Fort Eustis, Va., also has a hometown advantage at the Chavez Theater.

Though assigned to the East Coast, Griffith calls El Paso her hometown.

For more information, visit www.blissmwr.com or call (915) 588-8247.

Frontier Day Learn what life was like in the 1800s with a historical reenactment and more during Frontier Day at Old Fort Bliss Saturday, August 20.

Living historians will reenact what life was like for Soldiers living at Fort Bliss (then called Magoffinsville) from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. They will reenact drills and routines that were a part of life while the garrison was located in central El Paso, from 1853-1868.

Organizers hope to host a dutchoven cook off, vendors selling crafts and more, and carriage rides for a fee.

There is no ATM on the premises; bring cash to take advantage of vendors and rides.

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For more information or to volunteer for this event, call (915) 568-4518 or (915) 588-8482.

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photos by heather wilburn, Family and mwr marketing

www.blissmwr.com

Get out your running shoes and head over to Freedom Crossing Saturday, September 10 for the 18th 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, almost 1,000 registered runners hit the pavement at this event.

Organizers hope even more will join this year, as the run marks its first year at Freedom Crossing.

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

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

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German-American Oktoberfest Night Run

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Comedy show

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septemberevents Speed Dating September 2 • 7pm • Centennial Hiking, Camping & Caving with Southwest Adventure September 2-5 • Guadalupe Peak & Carlsbad Caverns German American Night-Run September 10 • 6pm • Freedom Crossing Saturday Basketball League Begins September 10 • Soto Gym Grandparents Day Brunch September 11 • 10am-1pm • Centennial Hispanic Heritage Lunch Special September 15 • 11am-1pm • Centennial BOSS Bash September 16 • TBD • Biggs Park

heather wilburn, Family and mwr marketing

Martini and a Manicure September 16 • 4:30pm • Centennial Member Appreciation Night & Membership Drive September 16 • 5pm • Rod and Gun Club Border Rumble Boxing Smoker September 16 • 6pm • Soto Gym Harvest Market Day September 17 • 1-4pm • Old Fort Bliss Museum Comedy Show September 23 • 7pm • Centennial

Family and MWR is bringing the funny ... we’ve booked Jen Kober, Steve Hofstetter and a Pair of Nuts for an amazing night of comedy Friday, September 23 at the Centennial.

Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. This is and 18 and over show.

Kober has had roles on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm and Treme, as well as the movies Worst. Prom. Ever. and Cool Dog. Her standup has been featured on NESN’s Comedy All Stars and the LoGo Network, and she has headlined at more than 280 colleges across the country.

She found success with her improvised, one-woman shows Junk in My Trunk and My Big Fat Comedy Show, and appeared in Jamie Kennedy’s comedy documentary Heckler.

Originally from Lake Charles, La., Kober brings crowds to their feet with her original blend of stand-up, story telling and improvised rock ‘n’ roll comedy.

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MWR Open Golf Tournament September 23 • 9am • Underwood Golf Complex

Visit www.kobercomedy.com for clips and more about Kober.

Hofstetter, one of the top-booked acts on the college circuit, has made appearances on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Comics Unleashed, G4’s Attack of the Show, VH1’s The Countdown, and the Barbara Walters Special ... on which he did not cry.

His most recent comedy album, Pick Your Battles, hit No. 1 on the iTunes comedy charts.

Often called the “thinking man’s comic,” Hofstetter was the original columnist for collegehumor.com. He has written three books and contributed to many others, and hosted Sports Minute (Or So), which was syndicated on more than 170 radios stations and more than 30 newspapers.

Hofstetter’s additional appearances include shows such as the Daily Buzz, On the Road in America, True Hollywood Story and ESPN’s Quite Frankly.

Want to know more about Hofstetter’s “Comedy Without Apology”? Visit www. stevehofstetter.com.

A Pair of Nuts will mark their third appearance at Fort Bliss with a multimedia

sketch comedy show that has earned them recognition across the nation. The duo of Yamil Piedra and Johnny Trabanco have appeared on Tosh.0, Last Call with Carson Daly, VH1’s Money Hungry, MegaTV, BET, the Discovery Channel and more. Their videos have garnered millions of views on YouTube, Funny or Die and College Humor, and they have performed at military installations and colleges throughout the country.

The Nuts’ comedy has been compared to a modern-day Laurel and Hardy, a throwback to the old-school comedy duos, with a modern flair. Complete with loosely improvised sketches with short videos sprinkled in between, numerous costume changes and hilarious choreography, their show is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Learn more at www.nutscomedy.com.

Tickets will cost $9 each or $12 for two for military ID holders; guests without military ID will pay $11 each or $15 for two tickets. On-sale dates will be announced at www.blissmwr.com.

For more information, call (915) 5888247.

www.blissmwr.com

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Get into the swing of things with the MWR Open Tournament Friday, September 23 at Underwood Golf Complex.

The MWR Open is open to all. Bring your friends to compete in this four-person scramble tournament, or register on your own and get teamed up with other players. Entry costs $40 per player and includes green fees, cart rental, range balls and lunch. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places, and closest to the pin. Play will begin with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. on the Sunset Course.

For more information, call (915) 562-1273. heather wilburn, Family and mwr marketing

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BOSS Bash

Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers presents a free day of fun for Fort Bliss’ single service members with BOSS Bash Friday, September 16. Live music, food, fun and games are all on the lineup. Details will be released as they become available, but it’s sure to be a great time for everyone! For information, call the BOSS program at (915) 538-5835 or (915) 744-5792.

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MWR Open Golf Tournament

Grandparents’ day Brunch at the Centennial Treat Grandma or Grandpa to a spectacular brunch Sunday, September 11 at the Centennial. From 10 a.m.-1 p.m., enjoy a variety of breakfast favorites, tantalizing entrees, delicious sides and vegetables, and luscious

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desserts. Grandparents’ Day brunch costs $13.95 for adults; pay half price for children ages 7-11. Children ages 6 and under eat free.

Reservations are required. For reservations or more information, call (915) 562-5969.

Harvest Market Day

Celebrate autumn's bounty with the second annual Harvest Market Day at the Old Fort Bliss Museum. Saturday, September 17 join Family and MWR for a day of fun as vendors come out to share seasonal goods.

Learn about life at Fort Bliss as

living historians demonstrate the skills Soldiers and settlers needed to survive at Magoffinsville, as the post was known in 1857.

The fun lasts from 3-6 p.m. For information, or to volunteer for this event, call (915) 568-4518 or (915) 588-8482.

heather wilburn, Family and mwr marketing

www.blissmwr.com

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AT EASE! A MILITARY EXCLUSIVE! COMPETITIVE AUTO FINANCING FOR E-1 AND ABOVE!

SoldierAutoFinance.com

You finally have a choice when it comes to financing that car, van or truck you’ve been wanting. SoldierAutoFinance.com comes with MULTIPLE FINANCE PLANS, MULTIPLE BANKS AND MULTIPLE VEHICLE SELECTIONS! It doesn’t get easier or more military-friendly then this! We offer a loan approval process that’s easy and fast along with extended service plans that are second to none. We only finance quality vehicles at payments that are the most affordable for all of our military service members.

Just click-on SoldierAutoFinance.com or call 915 892-7771 and get driving soldier!

CIRCLE AWARD

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.

Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

It’s a long way from Philadelphia to Fort Bliss, especially when the route first takes you through Hawaii ... but that’s exactly how Chef Stephen Forsyth landed at Fort Bliss Family and MWR. As part of the Family and MWR Developmental Chef Program, Forsyth is currently on staff at Fort Bliss’ Centennial Banquet and Conference Center.

While working in the restaurant industsry in Philadelphia, he learned about the Developmental Chef Program and chose to apply.

“I love our Soldiers and I want to support them,” Forsyth said. “I thought that working for Family and MWR would be a good way to do that.”

After an assignment to the Hale Koa Hotel, the Honolulu hotel maintained by Armed Forces Recreation Center Resorts, he moved on to Fort Bliss – where he found a very different Army experience.

“It’s a very large base, and it took me a minute to find my way around,” Forsyth said.

“But once you learn your way around, the base becomes a lot smaller. It’s gotten easier.”

While the installation was initially difficult to navigate, Forsyth found the Fort Bliss population, and his coworkers, more welcoming.

“Everyone here is really nice,” he said.

During his time at Fort Bliss, Forsyth has expanded his skill set.

“I have developed my skills to more proficiently put out large banquets,” he said of working at the Centennial. “I’m learning how to do volume, and how to better work in a catering environment as opposed to the a la carte environement I was working in prior to joining Family and MWR.” And though Forsyth enjoys the professional development aspect of the training program, for him, the best part is simple.

“My favorite part is still serving our Soldiers,” he said.

www.blissmwr.com

The following staff members are “Commitment to Excellence” winners for routinely going above and beyond to provide exceptional service to internal and external customers. A maximum of 20 are selected each quarter.

1st QUARTER 2011 tracy guenther Army Community Service jill macauley Army Community Service alison brown Army Community Service kenneth coppedge Outdoor Recreation tabitha bohn Centennial Banquet & Conference Center georgette morgan Army Community Service lisa paniagua Child, Youth and School Services sonja leatherwood Child, Youth and School Services jorge almedina Automation james hamilton Automation joseph fanion Automation isaac pepper Automation maria baez Army Lodging donna moore Army Lodging crystal flores Biggs Gym 2nd QUARTER 2011 linda navar Army Lodging christopher johnson Desert Strike Lanes Vanessa Carmichael Army Community Service

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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 teams below were all deserving of the award.

1st QUARTER 2011 Logan Heights Physical Fitness Center Milam Physical Fitness Center 2nd QUARTER 2011 Army Lodging Maintenance Tiffany Kelly Biggs Gym Jessica Poust Outdoor Recreation Pamela Jordan Army Lodging Kenny broomfield Marketing Office Heather Wilburn Marketing Office Elizabeth Maline Family and MWR Training Coordinator Sonia Flores Biggs Gym Brianne Wolfe SKIES Unlimited Brian Forman McGregor Range Recreation Center Jesus Serrano Army Lodging Susana McCormick Army Lodging wanda kienzle Old Fort Bliss Museum Calvin Wood Soldier and Family Assistance Center

recognition

MWR

To nominate a Family and MWR employee for a Winner’s Circle award, contact Melinda Scott at (915) 5683500. To make a compliment, complaint or suggestion on any Family and MWR program, check out the ICE system at http://ice.disa.mil/index. cfm?fa=site&site_id=435.

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CYSS day camps let youth experience SCHOOL-AGE SERVICES

Some may refer to them as the “Three Amigos” of Child, Youth and School Services because of their cohesiveness; I’m talking about the school-age center directors, Yvette Camacho, Sara Castro and Laila Soltero.

These ladies work well together to unify the fun and activities, but are just as strong as individuals at their respective centers.

When asked about their summer programs, they were energized and buzzing with enthusiasm.

Yvette Camacho is the Milam SchoolAge Center director. Milam SAC, housed on East Fort Bliss on Haan Road, is conveniently located next to the new Milam Child Development Center and not far from the Milam Youth Activity Center. Her center is the newest on the School-Age Services block.

The Milam SAC is well-staffed and ready to provide its summer program to those families of the East Fort Bliss area.

“Summer is a time for change and fun, and that’s going to happen by the bucketfuls here at Milam,” said Camacho.

With the capacity for 150, the Milam SAC can anticipate anywhere from 90-100 kids for the summer – and there’s plenty of room for more!

Trust, respect, caring and teamwork are all the qualities that Sara Castro, director of the Logan Heights SAC, attributes to the success of her center. Jumping into July at the Logan SAC, kids can participate in a Ronald McDonald House

Summer is the “time for change and fun, and that’s going to happen by the bucketfuls here at Milam.

”

16 • Spring 2011 • ¡blissNOW!

community service project, and create their own family flag!

“We try to provide a quality curriculum for the different age range,” said Castro.

One of the summer programs Castro says she’s most excited about is “Water Play” on Fridays.

“We hardly get to do those kinds of things,” she said.

In July, members of the Logan SAC Parent Advisory Council will be able to partake in a multicultural brunch.

Logan SAC currently has a traffic flow of between 95-105 kids, but it can peak at up to 120.

The central location of the Bliss SAC makes attendance at the center convenient and high in numbers.

“We’re going outside the box from what we’ve done in the past,” said Bliss SAC director Laila Soltero.

Bliss SAC’s August calendar was a seamless process – with the collaboration efforts made by the director and staff.

August 7 will be a “Blast from the Past” week. An “oldies” music dance will rock the center August 9; a field trip to Alamogordo Zoo is also on the agenda (limit 20 kids).

“I’m really excited about the wonderful activities we have going on in collaboration with our other two SAC programs,”

said Soltero.

Planning for the summer begins in early spring due to center accreditations and directors having to find appropriate staffing for the rise in center summer participation. Because of the increased amount of kids during the summer, staffing at each center has to double to accommodate the supervision needs.

Volunteer opportunities are always available and strongly encouraged within all three school-age centers.

Teens and parents are welcome. Volunteering allows parents to be active participants in day-to-day activities and field trips. Volunteers see what’s going on and promote the center to friends. Parents will also receive a 10 percent discount for volunteering.

Every month, the centers each host a Parent Advisory Council. These meetings allow parents to educate themselves with the activities and events their kids are involved in – and to participate as well. Suggestions are always welcome at these meetings.

School-age centers are for children completing first-fifth grades. In order to participate in any event at the centers, registration at Parent Central Ser-

I’m really “excited about all the wonderful activities we have going on ...

”

the world without leaving home

by Darline Goyea, Family and MWR Marketing

vices is mandatory. For more information, please visit Parent Central Services or www.blissmwr.com.

MILAM YAC

Back in the spring we told you about the new Milam Youth Activity Center on Haan Road on East Fort Bliss, and the awesome schedule they planned. Well, the fun didn’t end with spring. MYAC continues into the summer with mega camps, adventures, workshops and special events.

This summer will be the center’s first since its opening last fall, and director Susan Goss has no worries.

Even with the constant rotation of families coming and going, Goss is ready to meet the needs of the community.

“That’s what we’re here for – to service the Soldiers and families,” said Goss.

During the months of swelter – I mean

summer – vacation, parents and middle school teens have a variety of activities to choose from.

Here’s a snippet of what’s in store ...

July’s calendar won’t slow down.

There is a “Lights, Camera, Action” workshop that includes producing, camera operations, lighting, special effects, directing, editing and so much more. Teens, if you’re thinking of a career in entertainment, this is a good start! There is also a robotics camp.

Every Tuesday in August, teens are invited to harvest the EDGE! garden.

Wally “Mr. Wally” Hildreth, MYAC’s child and youth program assistant, has a summer camp that will have any teen ecstatic!

Mr. Wally’s 2011 summer camp is actually six weeks of six different camps – registration costs $35 per camp. In July, teens can take on Basketball Challenge Camp and Plyometrics Camp. And finally, in the month of August, youth can participate in a BMX camp, which is meant to build physical fitness, discipline and self-esteem.

YOUTHPLEX

What better way to shake off the long school year and enjoy what the summer has to offer? Middle School and Teen Program Director Phillip Puett and his staff at the YouthPlex on Chaffe Road are

geared up and ready to go!

“There’s nothing like the summer,” said Puett.

One example: “Survivor Week,” an action-packed week similar to the CBS network series.

“It’s going to be a lot of crazy fun,” said Puett.

The YouthPlex also has an abundance of camps to take interest in. Rising seventh- through 12th-graders can learn anything from multicultural cooking to sewing or hip-hop dance. Teens will be able to experience the Mission Trail adventure and even a Sherlock Holmes week.

During Sherlock Holmes week, students will work an entire week on a murder mystery dinner event!

The YouthPlex has a well-equipped crew. Teachers from the El Paso community work during the summer months to add an extra helping hand with staffing.

Due to advance planning and past summer program assessments, Puett says, the programs grow bigger and better each year. The longer hours (8 a.m. to 7 p.m.) also adjust to fit the demand of teens and families that reside in the Fort Bliss community. To participate in any MYAC or MST programs or trips, teens must be registered with CYSS. For more information on a specific activity, program or trip, please call MYAC at (915) 744-8878 or Youth Plex at (915) 568-5437.

There’s “ nothing like the summer. ... It’s going to be a lot of crazy fun.

”

Learn more about SAS and MST summer camps at www.blissmwr.com! illustration by kenny broomfield

¡blissNOW! • Spring 2011 • 17

clubs FOOD&FUN

So big, it’s mega ...

Want to win a new car? Check out Mega Bingo!

Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

Sure, you’ve played bingo for cash, but have you ever won diamond earrings, a television or furniture? How about a new car? When something is this big, it’s MEGA ... and Mega Bingo is coming to the Centennial Saturday, August 20. Doors open at 1 p.m., and games start at 2 p.m.

The grand prize? A 2011 Jeep Compass, sponsored by Viva Autogroup. Other prizes up for grabs include the winner’s choice of a living room, dining room or bedroom set from USA Discounters; a 42” high-definition television from USA Discounters; one-half carat diamond earrings from Fletcher’s Jewelers; and a one-night Romantic Escape Package at El Paso’s Chase Suite Hotel.

All told, the 40-game Mega Bingo offers up to $42,750 in cash and prizes, with a chance at a $5,000 jackpot.

“We are so excited about Mega Bingo,” said Leesa Sheppard, bingo programs manager for Fort Bliss Family and MWR. “It’s a huge deal. There’s already buzz.

I think we’re going to have a great turnout.”

The draw of Mega Bingo is simple: It’s the prizes.

“You can play bingo for money downtown, but where else can you win a car?” asked Tianna Bowden, food and beverage director for Family and MWR’s Business Operations Division. “In fact, this is kind of a first for the Army, too. Maybe we’ll set a new standard and other installations can take away from it.”

“It wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors, and we want to thank them for their support,” Sheppard added.

Buy-ins for Mega Bingo go on sale July 1 and cost $100 in advance, until August 15. If you miss the advance buy-in, catch a rate of $125 at the door.

If you’re worried about a boring bingo session, your fears are unfounded ... Mega Bingo is not your grandma’s bingo, Bowden said.

“We’re playing around with some game ideas for intermission, just some fun things to break up the monotony of daubing,” she said. “We have door prizes. There’s a loaded snack bar, and table-side service for all our guests so they won’t have to leave their cards. And there’s a cash bar, as well.”

To build anticipation for Mega Bingo, the Centennial will launch T.G.I.F. Bingo at 6 p.m. Friday, July 29. Launch night will feature four guaranteed jackpots of $1,000 each. Following the launch, T.G.I.F. Bingo will become a part of the regular bingo lineup. On subsequent Fridays, there will be multiple guaranteed jackpot winners, as well.

“The T.G.I.F. Bingo launch is a great way to build excitement for Mega Bingo,” Sheppard said. “Come out, see the car you could win at Mega Bingo, and have a chance at four guaranteed jackpot prizes. It’s going to be a great night.”

In addition, the Centennial continues to offer Binge Bingo at 6 p.m. each Wednesday and Super Saturday Bingo at 6 p.m. every Saturday. For electronic bingo you can play on your own, check out iPlay iWin Bingo, offered during regular session bingo.

Soon, Bowden noted, the electronic bingo will be tied in with the Centennial’s regular session bingo.

“You can only daub so many cards at a time,” Bowden said. “If you want to play 10 cards, you can’t daub 10 cards by yourself – but you can fill up your electronic bingo with as many cards as you can buy, and it will track them for you.”

There will be a limited number of electronic bingo units available to Mega Bingo guests who wish to play electronically.

Guests must be 12 years of age or older to participate in Mega Bingo or any regular session bingo. To learn more about any bingo program, call (915) 744-8427 or visit www.blissmwr. com/bingo.

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Hit the Centennial for an international buffet experience Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

If you’re hungry and in a hurry, don’t grab another meal in a bag; hit the Centennial for a meal that’s hot, fresh and filling ... and ready now!

Three days a week, the Centennial offers all-you-can-eat buffets for just $8.95 per person. Each buffet runs from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

“The convenience, quality and value are all there,” said Nolan Higdem, the Centennial’s manager. “The convenience is amazing: The buffets work with even a half-hour lunch break, as the food is hot and ready to go. The quality is outstanding – the food is as good as home-cooked – and for under $10, including a drink, the value is unbeatable.”

Every Tuesday, say olé to a Mexican buffet featuring red and green cheese enchiladas, chicken fajitas, Spanish rice, refried beans, tortillas and flan.

Each Wednesday, experience a taste of Germany with Bavarian Buffet. Enjoy schnitzel, egg noodles, mushroom gravy and home-style potatoes.

On Friday, get ready for Chef A.B.’s

Southern Special. Dine on fried catfish, fried chicken, bacon macaroni and cheese, collard greens, cornbread and more.

Each also includes a soup and salad bar.

The buffets are a new addition to the Centennial’s menu, and are a market-driven initiative designed to meet the needs voiced by customers.

clubs FOOD&FUN

Serve yourself

heather wilburn, Family and mwr marketing

“The buffets provide us with a way to combine our local cusine and military favorites, like German food, with our customers’ requests to have high-quality food that is also fast and convenient,” Higdem said.

For more information about any of the Centennial’s dining programs, call (915) 744-8427.

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¡blissNOW! • Spring 2011 • 19

clubs FOOD&FUN

Aiming to please

Sporting clay range ‘best in town’ Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

When it comes to recreational shooting in the El Paso area, the Fort Bliss Rod and Gun club can’t be beat – and one of the club’s top draws is the five-stand sporting clay range.

“The Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club is the only range in the El Paso area that offers a five-stand sporting clay range,” said Barbara Stokes, manager of the Rod and Gun Club. “Clay targets can come from any number of 10 different positions, from teal to rabbit.”

The combination of targets can be changed after each round, and the sporting clay range offers three levels of difficulty.

While the recently revamped fivestand sporting clay range is unique, in this area, to the Rod and Gun Club, it’s not the only attraction.

“We have almost a mile of ranges, which also includes four trap and skeet fields, and rifle and pistol ranges that can accommodate a wide variety of shooting disciplines,” Stokes said. “You can check out the other facilities in El Paso, and you won’t find another one like ours.”

A 3-D archery range rounds out the club’s outdoor amenities.

In addition to the many ranges, the Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club offers a clubhouse that is home to a full-service pro shop and the Bullseye Bar and Grill.

Active-duty service members can also take advantage of firearms storage services and the New Mexico hunting and fishing licenses issued at the club.

For frequent shooters, Rod and Gun Club memberships are a great way to save. Members receive free daily use of the ranges and discounted trap, skeet and sporting clay tickets, along with 10

Summer schedule full at Underwood Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

heather wilburn, Family and mwr marketing

percent off purchases in the pro shop and an invitation to the club’s Member Appreciation Night.

There’s no better time to join than during the Member Appreciation Night and Membership Drive, and this year’s event kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday, September 16.

“We look forward to hosting this event every year,” Stokes said. “Our members receive free trap, skeet and sporting clay rounds. After shooting, members look forward to hors d’ oeuvres, dinner and dessert. The giveaways are the highlight of the evening.

“This is a time for members to mingle, meet new people and swap stories on shooting and hunting experiences,” she added.

For more information about the Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club, visit www. blissmwr.com/rodandgun or call (915) 565-GUNS (4867).

If you’re looking to hit the links this summer, look no further than Underwood Golf Complex. With activities scheduled for each month, there’s enough to keep you busy while the summer heats up.

July is PGA Family Golf Month. At Underwood, that means no green fee for spouses and children of active-duty military, with valid military ID. In August, celebrate PGA Driving Range Month: When you buy one bucket of range balls, you get one free. At that price, there’s no better time to brush up on your long game.

It’s tournament time in September!

The Underwood Golf Complex Men’s Club Championship will be held September 3-5. Details will be released when they become available. And the next MWR Open Golf Tournament will be held September 24. This four-person scramble is open to all and costs $40 per player, including green fees, cart rental and lunch.

The tournament begins with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. on the Sunset Course.

For more information on any golf program, call (915) 562-1273 or visit www. blissmwr.com/golf.

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recreation southwest adventure

Heating up

Outdoor adventures a hot ticket for summer Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

The summer is getting hotter, and so are the recreation opportunities offered by Southwest Adventure. If hiking, camping and climbing (or any combination thereof) are your thing, the Southwest Adventure summer schedule is tailored to you!

Overnight camping trips headline the season’s planned outings.

“In August, we’re set for some really beautiful backcountry camping,” said Kenny Coppedge, outdoor recreation specialist.

Excursions to the Gila Wilderness Area and to White Sands National Monument provide campers with two different outdoor experiences.

“We have multiple trips going; some are tailored to a more intense wilderness experience, and some are more tailored to enjoying the outdoors with the family,” Coppedge said. “We’re still experimenting with our trips to find out what works best for our customers.”

Another big adventure? The Labor Day weekend trip to Guadalupe Peak and Carlsbad Caverns.

“We’re going to the highest peak in Texas and one of the largest cave systems in the United States, all in the same weekend,” Coppedge noted.

Not looking for a weekend getaway? Sign up for one of the day trips: Hiking, rappelling and bouldering are all available.

“We’re trying to mix it up between the day trips and the overnight trips to see which is more popular,” Coppedge said, adding that his program is very market-driven and influenced by customer input.

In addition to taking suggestions for destinations, the Southwest Adventure crew can arrange for off-schedule adventures for groups.

“We can schedule for any day of the week, and that goes for all our trips,” Coppedge said. “We can go at the drop of a hat.”

Tickets for all Southwest Adventure activities can be purchased at all Leisure Travel Services (ITR) locations: Bldg. 1743 Victory Ave., the kiosk at Freedom Crossing, and the satellite location at Soto Gym, Bldg.

20751 Constitution Blvd. on East Fort Bliss. Advance purchase is required for all Southwest Adventure trips.

To learn more about Southwest Adventure, search Facebook for “Fort Bliss Outdoor Recreation,” call (915) 433-9666 or e-mail kenneth. coppedge@us.army.mil.

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Activity:

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July 9

Family car camping

White Sands National Monument, N.M.

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Guide services, hamburgers/hot dogs, park entrance fees, equipment, games

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Tango Tower, Biggs Park

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Equipment, instruction, handouts

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Hiking and rappelling

Waterfall in the Organ Mountains, N.M.

$20

Transportation, equipment, guide services

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Bouldering and rock art tour

Hueco Tanks State Historic Site

$25

Transportation, equipment, park entry fees, guide services

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Backpacking/camping Clinic Biggs Park

FREE

Equipment, instruction, handouts

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Backpacking

Gila Cliff Dwellings, Gila Wilderness, N.M.

$60

Transportation, equipment, guide services, dinner on Friday

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Family car camping Full moon

White Sands National Monument, N.M.

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Guide services, hamburgers/hot dogs, park entrance fees, equipment, games

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Tango Tower, Biggs Park

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22 • Spring 2011 • ¡blissNOW!

www.blissmwr.com

Community Activity Center project moving along Darline Goyea, Family and MWR Marketing

If you haven’t been out on East Fort Bliss and seen all the changes, you’ve been under a rock!

East Fort Bliss is growing by leaps and bounds and Family and MWR is orchestrating the kind of atmosphere that Soldiers and families will find appealing on all levels. The muchanticipated new Community Activity Center should be up and operational in spring 2012.

“The Community Activity Center is part of our marketdriven strategy based on the input of our Soldiers and families,” said Family and MWR Director Mark Cauthers.

The 23,000-square-foot CAC building will be located right across from Soto Physical Fitness Center. The list of amenities is a mile long – which just means more fun for everyone!

Here’s what you can look forward to: a 4,000-square-foot outdoor pool, a study room (an extension of Mickelsen Library), indoor climbing wall and a high-ropes course, game room, outdoor recreation and BOSS program offices, a limited check out of equipment for ODR events or trips, a multipurpose court for recreational sports and so much more.

“We looked at our program to see what we were missing – to see what could fit in a CAC,” said Lindy Sorrell, Community Recreation Division chief for Family and MWR. Collaborative efforts among Family and MWR staff and input from the community helped start the process rolling; a

www.blissmwr.com

recreation leisure

Building a community

darline goyea, Family and mwr marketing

groundbreaking took place last fall.

“The rec[reation] staff came up with a lot of good ideas that have been incorporated into the design,” said Sorrell.

Family and MWR facilities that were in shared locations will have permanent homes once the project is done. The Leisure Travel Services (ITR) currently located with Parent Central Services will move to the new CAC building. New-hire employees will be needed to meet the demands of the center.

The state-of-the-art facility will be a great addition to East Fort Bliss. Be on the lookout for changes to come – great changes.

¡blissNOW! • Spring 2011 • 23

recreation leisure

Sold!

Whether you’re buying or selling, check out the resale lot Darline Goyea, Family and MWR Marketing

Whether you are joining the Fort Bliss family or departing, the Family and MWR POV Resale Lot may have what you’re looking for.

On any given day, it’s possible to find anywhere between five and 15 vehicles up for sale at the POV Resale Lot. For any given reason, vehicles are there for sale: families leaving due to a PCS move or getting rid of one vehicle to purchase a new one, for example. The selection can range from pick-up trucks that are several years old to luxury vehicles from the current year.

The lot is provided as a convenience for personal sales of vehicles. Those of you who are selling need a permit – which Leisure Travel Services (ITR) requires before allowing vehicles to be placed on the lot. A seller must show a state registration and proof of ownership (title) in order to place vehicles on the lot, and the vehicle must be registered on Fort Bliss. These proce-

dures help the consumer feel confident the purchase is legitimate.

For a low fee of $15 a month, regular vehicles such as cars, trucks and motorcycles can reserve a spot; for $30, an RV and anything on a trailer (like a boat or jet ski) will be good to go. The vehicle must be sold within 30 days or seller must reapply for a permit, and there’s a three-month maximum allowed on the resale lot.

If you’re buying, “If it’s a used vehicle and before you sign on the bottom line, get the vehicle inspected – again – by a trusted professional mechanic,” said ACS financial readiness specialist Leonard Foleen. “Buyer beware” is good advice always.

You don’t need to be a professional or expert when it comes to selling or purchasing a ve h i c l e , b u t ACS does have a carbuying class available to get you ready for such an investment.

“The biggest part of purchasing a new or used vehicle is doing your homework. Take your time; know what you want out of a vehicle,” advises Foleen.

For more information on car-buying classes offered at ACS, please contact ACS at (915) 568-1132. For more information on selling or purchasing a vehicle on the resale lot, please contact Leisure Travel Services (ITR) at (915) 568-7506. darline goyea, Family and mwr marketing

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Old Fort Bliss Museum more than just a monument Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

The small adobe outpost at the corner of Pershing and Pleasonton roads is not just a memorial to days gone by – it’s a link to the history and culture of Fort Bliss and the surrounding community.

The Old Fort Bliss Museum is a small-scale replica of the fort as it stood in 1857, when it was called Magoffinsville. Through its period rooms and the living historians that volunteer to interpret our area’s history, it becomes a window into the lives of the Soldiers and settlers who called it home in the mid-1800s.

“People tell me, ‘I’ve been on post for so and so years, and this is the first time I’ve come by,’” said Wanda Kienzle, the museum’s education director.

“In the past, maybe there was nothing going on here so people just assumed it was a monument, but it’s not – it’s so much more.”

The museum’s roots lie in the 1854-1868 era, which includes the time Magoffinsville was taken over by the Confederacy and the time the post was essentially burned to the ground and abandoned, Kienzle said.

“It’s an interesting time frame,” she noted. “It doesn’t include the Buffalo Soldiers, but we are trying to bring in a little bit of that history because there’s so much interest in it.

“In its original format, the museum was designed to depict only one year – 1857 – and so a lot of our artifacts are limited to that,” Kienzle continued. “I feel like our future is going to include more of the 1854-1868 time frame. We should be expanding our exhibits. For example, there’s not currently anything on the Confederacy at all, and I feel that’s a mistake because it was such an important time.”

The museum is open for tours from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, although the hours are sometimes “flexible,” Kienzle said. The museum is staffed

www.blissmwr.com

a little bit more, we’re going to try to do more activities that are scheduled, so people can come in and there will be something going on.”

Monthly events like historical reenactments, market days, the annual community garden kickoff and holiday-themed events give visitors the chance to interact with the living historians.

The living historians are always volunteers, and Kienzle said the museum can always use more.

“Donations make a difference, in both time and skills that can be shown,” she said. “I’m always looking for people who are interested in history, or trades and crafts of the era. Having a volunteer who can show my guests what it was like to make pottery, or cook or sew ... that opportunity is very valuable.”

Period rooms – including blackmith’s, carpenter’s and harness shops, and a wagon shed – provide many options to skilled volunteers who wish to showcase their skills and educate the community.

In addition to the larger events, the museum also hosts classes and workshops. Weaving classes and paper crafting give guests a chance to develop their skills. Some classes are free and some involve a cost; information about the classes can be found on the museum’s online calendar.

A new addition to the museum’s lineup: Friday-evening markets, where shoppers will be able to choose from produce, arts and crafts, and flea market finds. The Friday-evening markets will be held from 4-8 p.m. July 8-September 9. Interested in being a vendor?

Call (915) 568-4518 or (915) 588-8482.

To learn more about events at the Old Fort Bliss Museum or view the museum’s calendar, visit www.blissmwr.com/oldfortbliss. To volunteer for any of the museum’s events, call (915) 568-4518 or (915) 588-8482.

recreation leisure

Living history

photos by heather wilburn, Family and mwr marketing

during the day by Soldiers from Fort Bliss’ Warrior Transition Battalion, and sometimes the mission dictates they be elsewhere. Visitors can still take the tour and read the information related to the period rooms and outdoor displays but might not get the full Old Fort Bliss experience.

“I think people like to interact and ask questions of someone, so it is helpful when the museum can be staffed by volunteers who are knowledgable,” Kienzle said.

“There are times when nobody’s there, and it’s not the same. To try to help that

¡blissNOW! • Spring 2011 • 25

Get paid to get healthy with the Civilian Fitness Program Darline Goyea, Family and MWR Marketing

Besides a raise or promotion, can you think of more reasons to love your job? Well, here’s one: improving your health while you get paid to do it!

I’m talking about the Civilian Fitness Program. Obviously, you have to be a full-time Army civilian employee in order to participate in the program. The CFP is a physical fitness program that helps employees to be more energetic, experience less stress and enjoy a better quality of life.

Since July 2004, human performance director Doug Briggs and his staff at Stout Physical Fitness Center have been active and successful at helping folks who want to lose weight, tone or just want to take control of their overall health.

“Our goal is get everyone in the ‘athletic’ 1318 percent body fat range once the program ends,” said Briggs. served while screening the movie Super-size Me To date, Fort Bliss has had the longestand nutritional information is distributed on running program in the Army. There healthy eating habits. have been 16 classes total ... and we’re “This is a great opportunity for employees still counting. The CFP allows employees to improve their health,” said Briggs. to leave work three days a week for an The average weight loss is 20-25 pounds, hour and a half workout during the work with a graduation rate of up to 80 percent. day—and yes, you still get paid. Each week, The highest amount of weight anyone has O RT X participants can expect various exercises such lost during the six-month regimen has been 60 B L I S S , T E pounds! as cardio, weight training, aerobics and group exercise classes (i.e. yoga, TRX, spinning and more).

One of the most important things to recognize, aside Not to worry, there is still ample time to shower, change and from weight loss, is Briggs and his crew being able to identify eat lunch in this timeframe before heading back to work. health risk factors during the pre-screening process. A lot of The fitness program lasts for six months and employees people who participate are not aware of any health issues can only participate once during their civilian career. But until they come in to start the program. that’s why the program runs for so long. Briggs and his train“We really enjoy the people and passing knowledge; it’s ers will demonstrate, through the program, how to go from very rewarding to see them make a lifestyle change and a “fitness for dummies” to a fitness “guru.” With the assistance year later still maintain it,” said Briggs. of at least 16-18 certified, professional trainers by your side, Incentives are given to motivate exercise-goers: T-shirts, you can’t fail. water bottles, a healthy eating cookbook, notebook and penA pre-program fitness assessment is conducted to rate cil to keep track of progress, a pedometer tracker, and a book your fitness aptitude before beginning the program; a post- written by Briggs himself, 16 weeks to Weight Training Success CFP assessment at the program’s conclusion measures how for Men and Women. Upon graduation, the now “fitness exyou succeeded. During the pre-screening stage, participants pert” is given a coffee mug, certificate, Civilian Fitness Proare measured and weighed. The next day, the fun begins. gram coin and folding chair. I’m game. Are you ready to take Participants go through a paid, eight-hour class day, and the challenge? See you there. start off with four 30-minute exercises. Each person will go For more information on the program, please contact over their assessment findings with a trainer, and lunch is Briggs at (915) 568-6458.

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recreation sports&fitness

Up and running

Intramurals program sets full slate for summer Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

intramurals calendar

After a busy spring, Family and MWR Sports’ intramurals program isn’t slowing down ... there’s a full schedule set for summer.

The program now offers an expanded calendar – more than 40 events this year, compared to around 25 last year – and completed 13 events in the spring, with positive results.

“The last quarter turnouts were amazing,” said Aaron Jones, intramural and varsity sports coordinator. “At the triathlon alone, we had about 175 competitors, between single participants and teams. We probably had just over 200 people who actually participated.

“The runs are getting bigger, too,” Jones continued. “At our 10K run in April, we had about 700 Soldiers come out. Our runs are becoming more of an event than just a physical training run.

We’re getting dogs, we’re getting strollers. We’re doing giveaways before the runs, and prizes after, and we’ve been trying to give away some really nice trophies to recognize the people who are doing well.”

Moving into the summer, the 10-Mile “In the Heat” run and Border Rumble Boxing Smoker highlight the summer schedule.

The 10-Mile “In the Heat” run will begin at 7 a.m. Saturday, August 13 at Soto Gym. The run is open to all: active-duty Soldiers, family members, civilians with military ID and the El Paso community. Age groups include 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50 and over.

Registration is free for active-duty military (who must register on site) and $10 for all others. Register in advance at www.active. com; on-site registration begins at 6 a.m. the day of the event. The first 100 runners registered will receive a T-shirt.

The Border Rumble Boxing Smoker, set for 6 p.m. Friday, September 16 at Soto Gym, is open to all active-duty Soldiers. Soldiers must have amateur status, meaning they have five or fewer sanctioned boxing fights. The event is fun for the Soldiers fighting and for the spectators, as well.

“It’s fun for people to come out and watch,” Jones said. “We have an amazing turnout as far as people in the stands. They love to get out there and watch. We bring in a couple of Bud girls and they walk around the ring – it’s always a hoot for the Soldiers.

They’re having a cold beverage and enjoying their Friday night.”

EVENT NAME AND ELIGIBILITY

The indoor soccer and flag football seasons both begin Monday, August 29. Both leagues are open to active-duty Soldiers only, and are Commander’s Cup events.

Another activity on the horizon is too big to keep under wraps until fall: Following the success of the Armed Forces Day Triathlon May 21, the sports team has scheduled the fall triathlon for Saturday, October 1.

“The spring triathlon ran as a very seamless activity, for it being the first one on Fort Bliss, and my staff did an amazing job,” Jones said. “They’re definitely ready for the second one.”

The fall triathlon will follow the same format as the last: a sprint triathlon with a 400-meter swim, 15-mile bike and 5K run.

Announcements will be made when registration opens.

For more information about the intramurals program or any of its component events, visit www.blissmwr.com/intramurals or call (915) 744-5790.

DATE

LOCATION

COMMANDER’S CUP EVENT?

Open to active-duty fort bliss military Intramural Golf Championship

July 8-10

Underwood Golf Complex

Yes

Intramural Mini-Golf Championship

August 16-17

Kelly Park

Yes

Intramural Softball Championship

August 22-26

Omar Bradley Complex

Yes

Intramural Indoor Soccer Begins

August 29

Soto Gym

Yes

Intramural Flag Football Begins

August 29

Stout Field

Yes

Border Rumble Boxing Smoker

September 16

Soto Gym

No

Individual Duathlon

July 8

Replica Aquatic Center

Yes

Saturday Basketball League Begins

September 10

Soto Gym

No

10-Mile “In the Heat” Run

August 13

Soto Gym

No

Fall Triathlon

October 1

Replica Aquatic Center

No

open to all military ID holders

Open to fort bliss and el paso community

www.blissmwr.com

¡blissNOW! • Spring 2011 • 27

28 • Spring 2011 • ¡blissNOW!

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family CYSS

School shopping

Education Information Fair provides students with choice Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

If you’re in the market for information about area schools, don’t miss the School Transition Services Education Information Fair.

From 8:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, 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 afterschool programming and extracurricular activities; Army Community Service will also have program representatives present.

The Education Information Fair provides military families with one-stop 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

30 • Spring 2011 • ¡blissNOW!

marcie wright, fort bliss public affairs office

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 local school districts: Anthony, Canutillo, Clint, El Paso, Fabens, San Elizario, Socorro, Tornillo and Ysleta independent school districts.

Each will have 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 on hand. 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 El Paso ISD schools is another program offered to military families. This year, El Paso ISD pre-registration will take place from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, August 2 at the Centennial. Pre-registration is only for military families new to the EPISD; students already enrolled in the district will have to register at their schools.

For more information on the Education Information Fair or the EPISD preregistration event, call the School Transition Services office at (915) 569-5064.

www.blissmwr.com

family CYSS

Room to grow

New child development centers opening doors Darline Goyea, Family and MWR Marketing

The Fort Bliss community continues to grow, and with growth comes a demand for change and much-needed accommodations.

The June 1 opening of the Milam Child Development Center, located on East Fort Bliss, was the beginning of needs being met.

With the influx of families to Fort Bliss, the new facility has a capacity of 232 and will house infants to kindergartners.

With the closing of Logan Child Development Center Annex the same day Milam CDC opened, parents were given ample time to decide which center would best suit their needs – to remain at the main Logan CDC or to move to Milam. Most chose Milam because of the growth and transformation under way at East Fort Bliss.

“Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command determines the space for the needs of the CDC and where it will be located, “said James Kingwell, transition coordinator for Child, Youth and School Services.

As main post continues to grow, so does CYSS. August 1, Replica CDC – located right next to Replica Aquatic Center on Dickman Road – is scheduled open its doors to the Fort Bliss community.

“We’re excited about the growth of Fort Bliss and are meeting the challenge in this consistently changing environment,” said Family and MWR Director Mark Cauthers.

This fall, parents will have a third new choice, and it’ll be the

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biggest center yet. Town Center on East Fort Bliss is scheduled to welcome more families in October, and this center will house 338 children, with more than 80 child and youth program assistants on staff to handle the load.

“We are very excited about all the openings,” said Pat Smith, CYSS director.

New to the area or looking for child care a little closer to home or work? Check out the new facilities or be sure to contact Parent Central Services at (915) 568-4646 and inquire about available vacancies.

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family CYSS

Get moving!

KinderJam, Hula program new additions to SKIES

“The classes still allow me to be a mom,” she said.

To get started, Rosales was able to make an investment and received her training online.

“The curriculum is set; there’s really nothing else to do but have fun,” said Rosales.

Now is the time to get a jump on your child’s future. For more information on KinderJam sessions, contact the SKIES office at (915) 568-5544 or (915) 569-7732, or visit www.blissmwr.com/skies.

Darline Goyea, Family and MWR Marketing

Parents, if you are looking for a small setting and inexpensive start to your child’s learning experience, KinderJam is an unparalleled route to take.

Under the direction of Child, Youth and School Services’ SKIES Unlimited program, KinderJam is a unique way young children can learn—through music and movement.

Colleen Rosales, KinderJam instructor, has been an instructor for a year now.

Her class varies in size each month, ranging anywhere from six to eight children, around ages 1 to 5 years. Rosales interacts with the tykes by using music and a lot of physical activity. Using flashcards to teach them numbers, ABCs, and about animals and the sounds they make, is one of her numerous methods of starting a basic foundation for learning.

She also uses “rhythm sticks” and pom-poms for a twist of fun. For $26 a month, you can’t beat that!

Rosales also teaches the kids the responsibility of clean-up and how to share with one another.

“It’s also a good setting for children with special needs,” she added.

“It’s a good way for her to learn, through music and movement,” said Kathleen Kamara, mother of 14-month old Sophia, who attends Kinder Jam sessions every week. “And she really likes it.”’

Vanessa Weaver, mother of Mason, 3, said Mason doesn’t like the CDC setting. “[KinderJam is] good interaction for him,” she said.

After teaching in the Department of Defense Dependent Schools system for seven years, KinderJam founder El Brown – a military spouse and mother – started Kinder Jam in 2009.

KinderJam is a good set up for stay-at-home parents who want to get an edge on early education.

Rosales has three children of her own (ages 8, 5 and 3), and teaching three times a week for 45 minutes grants her dedicated time with her own children.

darline goyea, Family and mwr marketing

Aloha, Hula!

Move your feet and hips, and dance to something new!

SKIES Director Joy Clickener has added a little “twist” to the list of programs: Hula dancing.

“I’m all for trying new things,” Clickener said.

Catherine Ignacio, who was born in Saipan (a U.S. territory island north of Guam), approached Clickener with the idea. Ignacio was raised in Hawaii, and wanted to bring something new and fresh to the community.

“I wanted to share my Hawaiian culture through dance,” said Ignacio.

Ignacio’s day job as victim advocacy coordinator at Army Community Service is where you’ll find her regularly, but with the encouragement and interest of other parents, Ignacio took on the challenge and began the process to start the dance class. In this class girls and boys (between ages 7 and 13) will learn the basic steps of Hula dancing and learn how to tell the story of Hawaii through movement and body language.

The new dance class will not only add more options to the SKIES curriculum, but it’ll give kids – and parents – an opportunity to learn something different and fun. It won’t take much to participate; the uniform is a loose-fitting shirt and leggings, and an open mind and positive attitude.

So parents, if you’re interested in having your kids learn something a little different and about the Hawaiian culture, check out the folks out at SKIES for more information. Visit www.blissmwr.com to learn more, or call (915) 568-5544.

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Outreach program ambassadors represent military kids Debbie Trexler, Youth Education and Support Services

Following a rigorous application and selection process, 18 Fort Bliss teens were selected to attend Operation Military Kids: Speak Out for Military Kids Ambassador Training in Capitan, N.M., April 8-10. Speak Out for Military Kids is OMK’s youthdriven community outreach program.

Through participation in SOMK, military and non-military youth help generate community awareness of issues faced by military youth when a parent is in the deployment cycle. SOMK provides youth participants with the opportunity to gain valuable leadership, research, organization, technology, public speaking and presentation skills, and make positive contributions to their community. Youth use these skills to foster activism in supporting military youth in their communities.

The purpose of SOMK is to raise community awareness of issues faced by military youth, foster community support, acquire knowledge and skills in developing creative and informative presentations, and gain leadership, research, organization and public speaking skills.

SOMK Ambassadors will have the opportunity to attend public speaking engagements, events, retreats and conferences.

During their tenure they will participate in community service projects, develop and implement programs that benefit military youth, and organize special events.

Their first official duty as newly appointed SOMK Ambas-

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family CYSS

Giving youth a voice

sadors was to represent military youth during the El Paso City Council meeting April 12, as the city council and Mayor John Cook proclaimed April as Month of the Military Child during a proclamation reading. Juwan Walton served as the group’s representative, addressing Mayor Cook and the city council by thanking the community, schools and Fort Bliss for providing the resources and services transitional youth need to succeed and excel.

To schedule SOMK Ambassadors to lead a Speak Out youth activity or program as part of a camp, retreat, conference, school assembly or youth leadership team meeting; invite them to serve as guest speakers; or participate in deployment or redeployment activities contact the Youth Education Support Services director at bliss.yess@conus.army.mil.

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¡blissNOW! • Spring 2011 • 33

family CYSS

Mind your manners

Military youth learn etiquette through SKIES program Darline Goyea, Family and MWR Marketing

“tellI’vemehadthatparents their

kids remind them of proper etiquette.

”

When you hear the phrase “Peaz ‘N’ Quez,” what comes to mind? Exactly.

It reminds you of your mother kissing your forehead and telling you to be on your best behavior and mind your manners, right?

Well, Moms, you no longer have that burden. SKIES has the perfect program.

Peaz ‘N’ Quez goes beyond teaching little tykes please, thank you, yes sir, no ma’am, excuse me and do you mind?

Meme Styles, manners and etiquette coaching instructor, teaches children between ages 7 and 11 how to greet someone, dine properly and responsibly, how to set a table and so much more.

“I’ve had parents tell me that their kids remind them of proper etiquette,” Styles said.

Styles is certified as an instructor by the National Association of Urban Etiquette Professionals. It’s a non-profit organization headquartered in Dallas.

“The curriculum is my own, and

with that I developed Peaz ‘N’ Quez: Military Munchkins,” she said.

Military Munchkins is an on-going program with a month-to-month rotating schedule.

“The main focus of Military Munchkins is not only to teach military kids manners, but coping skills in military life and allow them to have an outlet,” Styles said.

This summer, one of the classes Styles will be teaching is responsible dining. The elements of this class include how to set a table, dining behavior, and how to properly serve, to name a few. All classes are held in a relaxed atmosphere where girls and boys learn everyday manners and participate in weekly activities such as crafts, roleplaying, story time, singing and circle time.

For more information about any Peaz ‘N’ Quez program, contact the SKIES program at (915) 568-5544 or (915) 5697732, or visit www.blissmwr.com/skies.

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¡blissNOW! • Spring 2011 • 35

family mister mom

Can-do Dad

Hubby runs the house while Mom’s away at training Darline Goyea, Family and MWR Marketing

Nothing tugs at my heart strings more than seeing a father with his children. Mike Dante, a father of three, is a prime example of fatherhood.

Dante is not a single dad, but will be headlining in that role for the next three months. Dante’s spouse, Yadira, recently graduated from ROTC and was commissioned. In the midst of these changes, she was shipped off to North Carolina, away from her husband and three children.

I get a lot of questions from friends and family asking if I “trust” my husband with my son. “Why not?” I ask. “He’s his father.” While dropping off my own son at the child development center, I was pleasantly surprised – and impressed – to see the interaction between a father and his two sons and only daughter (Gabriel, who will be 3 in July, James, 5, and Sonya, 6). Dante would walk in, like clockwork, at the same time I did – between 6:50 and 7 a.m. – with all three in tow, well-groomed and full of energy.

I, being the nosy person that I am, inquired if he was doing all this by himself. And yes, he is. Dante’s daily routine consists of him getting the kids up and ready for school and making sure they eat breakfast (or a light morning snack). Once all three kids (and Dad) are ready, he’s off to drop off Gabriel and James at the Milam Child Development Center ... but not without a kiss and hug. Then he drives a couple yards to the Milam School-Age Center to drop off Sonya – of course, not without a hug and a kiss.

“Although the first two are from a previous relationship, it doesn’t matter; they’re all mine, and I love them the same,” said Dante.

Once the kids are safely off to school, Dante stops off to grab a bite to eat and then he’s off to school. Dante is a student at Western Technical College in El Paso. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., he is studying to receive his associate degree in information systems and security—which he should receive in mid-August of this year.

Once out of school, Dante is on the road again to pick up the little munchkins to head home. With three kids, one would think this is where the challenge begins. When Dante and the gang get home, Dante will usually pop in a movie for the whole family or the kids will do homework or entertain themselves by playing outside (if it’s not too hot), coloring or playing with toys, while he prepares dinner. Ahh, dinner: What does that consist of? Dinner can be anything from spaghetti, quesadillas, chicken parmesan or enchiladas to ordering a pizza once a week.

Weekend activities are the most fun. Typically, the Dante clan will be outdoors at the park or in a dark, cool theater for a movie. While Mommy is away, Daddy has plenty on his hands, but a night is never missed without talking to her. Dante is in the process of purchasing a webcam so that everyone can see Mommy as well. Right around the 8 p.m. mark, it’s story time with one of their favorite books and then lights out, to start the whole process over again the next day.

An added note that cannot go unmentioned, Dante is a recent medical retiree from the Army (who misses the military life). Dante served eight years to end his military career as a staff sergeant as a cavalry scout. He is a Purple Heart recipient for his brave sacrifice in the Global War on Terrorism in Iraq.

“There are definite stresses in raising children, but nothing makes my heart happier than seeing their smiling faces and listening to them play and laugh,” says Dante.

I certainly agree.

36 • Spring 2011 • ¡blissNOW!

photos by darline goyea, Family and mwr marketing

It’s not easy to get three kids looking in the same direction ... but Dad can do it!

www.blissmwr.com

Volunteers: True patriots Tephanie Hopper, Army Volunteer Corps

September 11, 2001: That was the day when our nation’s security was breached and our lives were changed forever.

After that horrific incident, many people put their own needs and lives on hold and came to the aid of the people of New York City. There was a great need for assistance, guidance and comfort for those whose lives were devastated by the attack on our nation. People of all walks of life and various professions came to the aid of many Americans. People came together to set up water distribution points, served food to emergency response personnel, assisted in morgues, and offered medical and psychiatric help to those who were in need. Hundreds of people went to New York with that great spirit of altruism and made great things happen.

These people were volunteers who used their skills and their strengths and stepped in to make a difference.

We honor those volunteers who worked through the aftermath of 9/11 by using their courageous acts in order to inspire others to step in and volunteer wherever they can.

Volunteers all over the world do what they can to change lives within their communities or to become a part of something greater outside of their immediate areas. Volunteers such as those great citizens of the 9/11 incident have given of their time and their efforts in order to help somebody else.

Without volunteers, we would all have to rely on paid staff members who would be

limited in the aspects of public assistance.

We would be overwhelmed with people who did not have their needs met.

We are so grateful for our volunteers.

We now have many outstanding citizens who have spoken up and said, “I will do it.” Our volunteers, whether they function locally or overseas, are the ones who touch all of our lives, whether we have acknowledged it or not. They are another reason why we can always look forward to a brighter tomorrow.

We must remember those many lives that were affected by the incident on that notorious day of September 11, 2001. People were left stranded with no hope and with no light at the end of the tunnel. Those great Americans we call volunteers became more than assistants. Those volunteers gave many others the hope that maybe we can make this a better place for everyone.

By volunteering in our own community here at Fort Bliss, people can become a part of something greater than themselves. Even though we are not facing a tragedy such as the incident of 9/11, we can volunteer to make this great installation even greater.

People can make the decision to be a part of the winning team, which is the awesome team of volunteers. If anyone is interested in making a difference, contact the Fort Bliss Army Volunteer Corps office at (915) 5697733. Be a part of something great, and we hope that you, too, will say, “I will do it!”

community ACS

Bienvenidos a Bliss!

Relocation Readiness programs welcome newcomers Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

Summer is here, and with it comes an Army tradition: For many, it’s PCS (permanent change of station) season.

Whether you’re coming to Fort Bliss or heading off to parts unknown, the Relocation Readiness Program at Army Community Service can help you adjust to your new home.

Ideally, contact with the Relocation Readiness program at your new installation should start before a PCS move, when a Soldier can request a unit sponsor at his or her new duty station, recommends Cher Poehlein, Fort Bliss’ Relocation Readiness manager. At Fort Bliss, requests for unit sponsors come through her office and are then routed to strength management.

Once a Soldier has boots on the ground in El Paso, he or she goes through a newcomer’s orientation provided by Relocation Readiness – and spouses are encouraged to attend.

“The orientation is mandatory for the Soldier, but there’s a lot of good information provided that spouses can use, too,” Poehlein said. “We discuss things like the location of the Commissary and Post Exchange, TRICARE, spouse employment and more.”

Newcomer’s orientation classes are offered from 9-11 a.m.

Monday-Wednesday and Friday at ACS. A lending closet provides basic household items to Soldiers and families awaiting the arrival of the household goods, or who have already packed up and shipped their belongings to a new duty station. Items may be borrowed for up to 30 days.

“Why spend the money to go out and buy something you’re only going to use for a few days?” Poehlein asked. “We have the items you need here, and you can borrow them for free.”

A Fort Bliss bus tour can help those new to Fort Bliss get acquainted with the location of services on post. The tour is held every other Thursday from 9-11:30 a.m. Upcoming dates include July 14 and 28, August 11 and 25, and September 8 and 22.

For newcomers who have gotten acquainted with Fort Bliss and are ready to expand their horizons, the El Paso community bus tour offers that opportunity. Held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. the last Saturday of every month, the El Paso bus tour features many pickup locations on post. Upcoming dates include July 30, August 27 and September 24.

P.E.P. (People Encouraging People), a three-day orientation

38 • Spring 2011 • ¡blissNOW!

geared toward spouses, offers another chance to get to know Fort Bliss, El Paso and the surrounding area. The program involves classroom instruction and bus tours of Fort Bliss and El Paso, with shopping downtown, and a trip to Mesilla, N.M. The innovative P.E.P. has been recognized by IMCOM as a “Best Practices” program. Upcoming classes are scheduled for July 1214, August 2-4 and September 6-8.

The Fort Bliss, El Paso and P.E.P. tours are all free. Space is limited and advance reservations are required.

Other services offered through Relocation Readiness include free conversational Spanish and English as a second language classes every semester (registration for each occurs in July and December); the Multicultural Spousal Support Group, which meets the third Thursday of every month; and an information office maintained by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The USCIS office is open every Wednesday and Friday from 7:45 a.m.-4 p.m. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.

The Bienvenidos a Bliss Relocation Fair, the program’s annual showcase, provides newcomers with “one-stop shopping” when it comes to familiarizing themselves with their new home. Representatives from all ACS programs; Child, Youth and School Services; volunteer and nonprofit agencies; William Beaumont Army Medical Center; and many more on- and off-post agencies are all on hand to provide information on the services they contribute to the community.

“It really is one-stop shopping,” Poehlein said. “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’ some agency or service.”

This year’s Bienvenidos a Bliss Relocation Fair will be held from 1-5 p.m. Friday, August 12 at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center, Bldg. 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St. on East Fort Bliss. It is open to everyone.

The Relocation Readiness program is housed at Army Community Service, Bldg. 2494 Ricker Road on main post. For all programs, child care is free for children registered with Child, Youth and School Services. To learn more about any Relocation Readiness program, call (915) 568-1132. photos by heather wilburn, Family and mwr marketing

www.blissmwr.com

www.blissmwr.com

¡blissNOW! • Spring 2011 • 39

community ACS

Changing the Army

AFAP helps better quality of life for Soldiers and Families GOSC is where leadership holds relevant agencies accountThe Fort Bliss Army Family Action Plan has found great able for meeting the needs of our families by resolving the success in 2011, and the year’s not over yet! In March, Fort issues. June 2, Maj. Gen. Dana J.H. Pittard, Fort Bliss comBliss sent up four prioritized issues to the FORSCOM AFAP manding general, and the committee members moved forconference in Atlanta, Ga., three of which were prioritized ward in closing five of the lingering issues, to include: • Fort Bliss college fair; among the top issues facing Soldiers and families.

• PTSD/TBI support groups for families; The prioritizes issues are: • Voucher system for temporary lodging; • Meal deductions affecting meal card • Over-the-counter medication disburseholders; ment ; and • Staffing and training for Exceptional • Meal deductions affecting meal card Family Member Program and School Liaison Army Family Action Plan holders. advocates; and All the issues were resolved with definitive • Licensure/certification for military spoussolutions. es.

With only three issues awaiting comBecause of our forward thinking comSOLDIER pletion, the AFAP program is again busy munity, these issues, which have far reachF A M I L Y CIVILIAN preparing for another successful coning effects on military families, will be m ference this fall. Our local conference is reviewed at the highest level – the Headili ili es v i where change begins. We are currently quarters Department of Army AFAP ConSo ld i ers C accepting new issues and volunteers for ference, taking place this winter. Our prodelegates to help us continue our success gram would like to thank you, the Fort Bliss changing the Army, one issue at a time. community, for truly being the voice for positive change To learn more about AFAP, or to sumbit an issue for and showing it is possible to change the Army for the better.

More recently, the AFAP program had the quarterly review at the Fort Bliss AFAP Conference set for October General Officer Steering Committee Meeting (GOSC). The 31-November 4, visit www.blissmwr.com/afap.

Helen Barrientes, Army Family Action Plan

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(915) 562-4767 (915) 568-3301 (915) 568-4849 (915) 562-8461 (915) 568-1132 (915) 565-7777 (915) 568-7280 (915) 568-6272 (915) 630-8669 (915) 568-1519 (915) 568-5689 (915) 568-6287 (915) 568-4022 (915) 568-5380 (915) 568-4108 (915) 568-3500 (915) 568-5412 (915) 568-5563 (915) 568-2833

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family and mwrdirectory

ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE

Bldg. 2494, Ricker Road

(915) 568-1132/7088

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) 568-7318/7518

LOGAN HEIGHTS PFC

Bldg. 4797, Ellerthorpe Road, Logan Heights

(915) 568-5198

BIG ED’S GYM

Bldg. 2, Basement, Sheridan Road

(915) 568-4508

BIGGS PFC

Bldg. 11251, Biggs Street, East Bliss

(915) 744-8730

IRONWORKS GYM

Bldg. T20700, Sergeant Major Boulevard, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-8697

TENNIS CLUB & FITNESS ZONE

Bldg. 262, Club Road

(915) 569-5449

COMMUNITY POOL

Bldg. 250, Club Road

(915) 568-4825

REPLICA AQUATIC CENTER

Bldg. 5035, Dickman Road

(915) 568-7431/5380

CENTENNIAL CLUB

Bldg. 11199, Sergeant Major Boulevard, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-9330/8427

UNDERWOOD GOLF COMPLEX & GOLDEN TEE

Bldg. 3191, Coe Avenue, Logan Heights

(915) 562-1273/2066

DESERT STRIKE LANES

Bldg. 2949, Ricker Road

(915) 568-6272/1685

FORT BLISS ROD & GUN CLUB

Bldg. 3730, Railroad Drive & Deer Street, Northeast El Paso (915) 565-4867/568-2983

BIGGS PARK

Bldg. 11388, Sergeant Major Boulevard, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-8087

MICKELSEN LIBRARY

Bldg. 2, E-Wing, Basement, Pershing Circle

(915) 568-6156/1491

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

LEISURE TRAVEL SERVICES-MAIN

Bldg. 1743, Victory Road

(915) 568-7506

LEISURE TRAVEL SERVICES-PX KIOSK

Bldg. 1611, Main Post Exchange, Marshall Road

(915) 569-6446

OLD FORT BLISS MUSEUM

Bldg. 5054, Pershing Road & Pleasonton Road

(915) 568-4518

GYMS & FITNESS FACILITIES

FOOD, LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT

CHILD, YOUTH & SCHOOL SERVICES FACILITIES CYSS PARENT CENTRAL

Bldg. 1743, Victory Avenue

(915) 568-4374/569-5039

CYSS PARENT CENTRAL SATELLITE OFFICE

Bldg. 503B, Pershing Road

(915) 568-2146

CDC-MAIN

Bldg. 1730, Pleasonton Road

(915) 568-5689/6335

CDC-LOGAN

Bldg. 3500, Ellerthorpe Road, Logan Heights

(915) 568-3989/4887

CDC-MILAM

Bldg. 11896, Haan Road, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-7879

SAC-BLISS

Bldg. 11898, Sheridan Road

(915) 568-2178

SAC-LOGAN

Bldg. 3505, Ellerthorpe Road, Logan Heights

(915) 569-5784

SAC-MILAM

Bldg. 11898, Hann Road, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-2274

YOUTHPLEX

Bldg. 195, Chaffee Road

(915) 568-5437/1568

MILAM YOUTH ACTIVITY CENTER

Bldg. 10960, Haan Road, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-2278

SKIESUnlimited - Main

Bldg. 3508, Ellerthorpe Road, Logan Heights

(915) 569-7732

SKIESUnlimited - Gymnastic CENTER

Bldg. 131, Doniphan Road

(915) 568-5544

FAMILY CHILD CARE (FCC)

Bldg. 1730, Victory Road

(915) 568-4198

SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICER

Bldg. 503B, Pershing Road

(915) 569-5064/568-6549

Bldg. 1744, Victory Road

(915) 565-7777

ARMY LODGING ARMY LODGING

MORE FAMILY AND MWR PHONE NUMBERS DFMWR HEADQUARTERS

Bldg. 11, 2nd Floor, Pershing Road

(915) 568-3500

PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS & SOLICITATION

Bldg. 11, 2nd Floor, Pershing Road

(915) 568-4444

UNIT FUNDS

Bldg. 1743, Victory Road

(915) 568-7506

VET SERVICES

Bldg. 6077, Carter Road

(915) 569-2266

SCUDS & SUDS CAR WASH

Bldg. 197, Doniphan Road

(915) 630-8669

LOCK N’ LEAVE

Bldg. 5016, Room 111, Dickman Road

(915) 566-8321

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

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