Bliss NOW Winter Magazine 2017

blissNOW JAN • FEB • MAR

NEW BEGINNINGS

New Goals | New Friends | New Resolutions with Family and MWR WWW.BLISS.ARMYMWR.COM | WINTER 2017

www.bliss.armymwr.com

JAN | FEB | MAR

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Coverage for your uniforms, gear and more with special benefits for military members.

20% discount when you live on base.

No deductible on military gear or equipment.

1

2

Call 800-531-8521 1 Renters on-base discount is NOT available in CA, FL, IA, LA, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NH, NY, OR, RI, SD, VT, WV, WY, and international locations. Other restrictions apply. 2 For loss due to a covered peril of military uniforms or equipment owned by you and when the loss occurs while you are on active or reserve duty, no deductible will be applied.

Membership eligibility and product restrictions apply and are subject to change. Renters insurance provided by United Services Automobile Association, USAA Casualty Insurance Company, USAA General Indemnity Company, Garrison Property and Casualty Insurance Company, and USAA Limited (Europe), San Antonio, TX and is available only to persons eligible for P&C group membership. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products. No official U.S. Army endorsement is implied.

Sponsorship does not imply endorsement by the Department of Defense. Š 2016 USAA. 234985-0916-A

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JAN | FEB | MAR

facebook.com/blissmwr

VOLUME THIRTEEN | ISSUE ONE

NEW BEGINNINGS FROM THE DIRECTOR

T:11.25”

I am excited to start the New Year and anticipating the next 12 months with a sense of adventure.

Each year brings a new beginning; a fresh start and an invigorating focus on Fort Bliss Family and MWR. We have many things in store in the coming months that will usher in opportunities for our valued Fort Bliss community. We embrace change and view this quarter as a time to renew and rejuvenate.

As we move forward it is imperative that we receive your feedback. In our ever-changing environment the importance of program support cannot be overstated.

The team of MWR is looking forward to providing you great service and program opportunities.

See you out there!

Mark

BY FAMILY AND MWR MARKETING ONE WORLD. ONE VOICE. ONE MAGAZINE.

ONE GREAT STAFF. COMMANDING GENERAL Maj. Gen. Robert P. White GARRISON COMMANDER Col. Mike Hester FAMILY & MWR DIRECTOR Mark A. Cauthers Deputy Director Tony Lovett ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE Nancy Thomas-Mainor BUSINESS OPERATIONS Ronald Telles-Fyffe CHILD & YOUTH SERVICES Pat Smith NAF SUPPORT MANAGER Indri O’Hara RECREATION & SPORTS Eric Hildreth SPECIAL EVENTS William Ketcherside MARKETING MANAGER Michele Wiernicki MARKETING ASSISTANTS Sarrah Morgan Rachelle Phillips WRITER / EDITOR Natalie Hinojos GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Kenny Broomfield Raymond Sanchez

Getyour your copy of blissNOW mailed directly Get copy of blissNOW mailed directly to you.to you.

Email your name and address to: blissmwr@gmail.com Email your name and address to: blissmwr@gmail.com

Vendor: FAST Release Date: 16 Nov 16

RELEASED TO VENDOR

ABOUT THE COVER

www.bliss.armymwr.com

Welcome to a new year full of ‘New Beginnings!’ On the cover of Bliss Now, our friend Khaleesi joins a Fort Bliss Soldier for a stroll on the tracks by the Commissary.

Khaleesi is a three-month-old Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix who has started her new beginning with her adopted Family! Inside this quarter’s issue you will find fun stories on pet adoptions, new facilities and awesome programs.

We hope you enjoy our first issue of 2017!

VISUAL PRODUCTION MARKETING Chris Bohn SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Marlo Brestar ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Michaela Elkobtan OFFICE MANAGER Martina Grise 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, IHG Army Hotels Fort Bliss and the Personnel Processing Center. Circulation: 35,000 quarterly The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Army, Department of Defense or federal government.

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

JAN | FEB | MAR

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a r s t e n i e n v Bloom E l i r p A Run for the Fallen

Easter Egg Swim

April 1 • 8:30am Noel Field

April 15 • 9am-12pm Aquatics Training Team

Volunteer Recognition Ceremony

Easteravaganza

April 21 • 1:30pm Fort Bliss Museum

MCCASA Walk and Family Day April 8 • 10am-2pm Biggs Park

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JAN | FEB | MAR

April 15 • Noon-4pm Biggs Park

Easter Brunch April 16 • 10am-1pm Centennial Banquet & Conference Center

More information at bliss.armymwr.com facebook.com/blissmwr or facebook.com/blissmwr

CONTENTS 56 WARRIOR ZONE OPENING SOON

Spotlight: Albert Alvarez Improving performance through technology Registering for child care Preparing for a job search Changes for the EFMP Respite Care Program

32

Getting back on track after the holidays

CALENDARS 07 11 15 34 36 38

January Events February Events March Events Outdoor Recreation Intramural Sports Youth Sports

www.bliss.armymwr.com

Full of absolute fun and endless

POSSIBILITIES!

ARMY TRIALS RETURN

22

FEATURES 19 25

27 30 31

pages

33 35

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N Get out of your comfort zone

40 43 44

Winner’s Circle Harry Potter Book Night Behind the Scenes of Mickelsen Library

46

Invest in Fort Bliss Family and MWR

RIGHT ARM NIGHT

KNOCKERBALL

Director’s Note Milo Speaks Fort Bliss Maps FMWR Phone Directory

24 39

REGULARS 03 21 50 54

37

LEADERSHIP FORT BLISS

42 JAN | FEB | MAR

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5 K

A N D

2 K

K I D S

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JANUARY 21 SOTO PFC // 7:30AM Open to El Paso and surrounding communities!

Registration is required and can be done until January 18 at Soto, Stout, Milam PFCs or online at raceroster.com $10 - Active Duty for Half Marathon or 5K $35 - All others for Half Marathon $10 - All others for 5K Free - 2K for kids 10 and under

SPORTS, FITNESS AND AQUATICS

bliss.armymwr.com

* Sponsorship does not imply Army endorsement

*Additional $10 late fee for Half Marathon and 5K if registering after January 18*

Late registration & Packet Pick up: January 20 // 11-1PM & 4-6PM // Soto PFC January 21 // 6-7AM // Soto PFC Awards: • Individual: 1st, 2nd & 3rd place awards for all men's and women's categories.

• Overall - Male and Female

Start the New Year off right!

• Half Marathon Finisher Medals for all • Half Marathon finishers T-shirts for all Half Marathon and 5K participants (sizes not guaranteed).

The Resolution Health Fair has great information from our health and wellness vendors.

The event is FREE and will also include mini classes and body composition analysis. page 6

JAN | FEB | MAR

Info: 744-5780

• Finisher Medals for all 2K participants.

Info: 744-5785 or 744-5794 facebook.com/blissmwr

20 21 21 21 21 21 28 28 28 28

Soto Lazer Tag 8:30-10:30pm | Soto PFC Fort Bliss Half Marathon/5K 7:30am | Soto PFC Full S.T.E.A.M Ahead 1-3pm | Mickelsen Community Library Used Book Sale 10:30am-1pm | Mickelsen Community Library Replica Youth Snow Tubing All Day | Ruidoso, NM Fitness Resolution Health Fair 8-11am | Soto PFC Pyrography 10am | Mickelsen Community Library Brushstrokes Club 2pm | Mickelsen Community Library Builder’s Club 2pm | Mickelsen Community Library Gears of War 4 Xbox Tournament Noon | Soldier Activity Center

ONGOING EVENTS

Group Tennis Class for Beginners Mondays & Wednesdays from 8:30-10am Tennis Club

& UT

SOTO P

FC

STO

Story Time 2 Sessions: Tuesdays 10:15am and 11am Mickelsen Community Library Paws for Reading Every Wednesday from 4-5pm Mickelsen Community Library

SNACK BARS

www.bliss.armymwr.com

Do-It-Yourself Auto Safety Orientation Wednesdays, Thursdays from 6-6:30pm and Saturdays from 8-8:30am Auto Crafts Center Night Owls Book Club Every 3rd Friday from 5:30-6:30pm Mickelsen Community Library Fort Bliss Youth Bowling League Every Saturday at 10:30am Desert Strikes Lanes

d n a n i e t o r P e r s e Pu k a h S r e n r u Fat B

F F O 50%

JAN | FEB | MAR

EVENTS THIS JANUARY

Day at the Wall 7 Family Noon-6pm | Soldier Activity Center Open Golf Tourney 7 Commander’s 9am | Underwood Golf Complex Course Day 7 Challenge 10am-2pm | Soldier Activity Center the Book 7 Cook 4pm | Mickelsen Community Library License To Carry Prep Course 8 Texas 8am-3:30pm | Rod and Gun Club Encouraging People 9-11 People 9am-2pm | ACS Hour 12 Yappy 5-7pm | Sam Adams Pub Patio Bliss Got Talent Auditions 12 Fort 1/12 & 1/19 at 5pm | Centennial N’ Pour 13 Paint 6pm | Mickelsen Community Library Bliss Driving Tour 20 Fort 2pm | ACS Your Right Arm Night 20 Bring 4pm | Pershing Pub

Monthly Calendar

January 1 February 28 at both Soto & Stout snack bars.

Info: 781-6809

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EVENTS THIS

JANUARY 21

* Events subject to change without notice.

Info: bliss.armymwr.com or facebook.com/blissmwr

FITNESS RESOLUTION HEALTH FAIR

Looking to expand your child’s horizons? Join Mickelsen Community Library for Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead!

What is S.T.E.A.M.?

It’s an educational approach to learning that employs Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics. It’s FUNctional learning for children. Children ages 8 and older will meet from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 in the MakerSpace room to explore different topics on a monthly basis. Activities will include robotics, circuitry, arts and crafts, 3D printing and much more. Space is limited to 10 children; first-come, first-served. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information, call 915-568-6156.

FULL S.T.E.A.M.

GEARS OF WAR 4 TOURNAMENT

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JAN | FEB | MAR

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Many people set New Year’s resolutions to lose weight. Most try, not knowing where to go or what to do to fulfill those resolutions. To help assist with those goals, Soto Physical Fitness Center will host it’s 7th Annual Health and Fitness Resolution Fair Saturday, Jan. 21.

Beginning at 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. learn about the classes, programs and services offered by the fitness team. Enjoy mini-session classes, and take advantage of community health resources available to educate on health concerns. Don’t miss free body composition tests and giveaways.

For more information, call 915-744-5790.

Grab your buddies and sign up for the Gears of War 4 (5 vs. 5) Tournament Saturday, Jan. 28 starting at 12 p.m. at the Soldier Activity Center gaming room! You must be at least 18 years old and active duty to participate. There will be complimentary food and $1,000 worth of giveaways! You can register online at bliss.armymwr.com, search Xbox or at the Soldier Activity Center Game Room.

Tournament prizes for first place team winners include an Xbox One S, a Gears of War 4 Game, and a Gears of War 4 Championship t-shirt for each member.

They will also participate in the virtual Championship tournament against 5 other installations for a chance to take the title of “Army MWR Gaming Series: Gears of War 4 Champion.” Second place team winners will receive one Gears of War 4 Game for each member.

For more information, call 915-568-6078. facebook.com/blissmwr

MWR CALENDAR

Have a friendly pup?

Then, bring them out to Yappy Hour!

Come out and enjoy delicious burgers and cold drinks available for purchase from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12 at the Sam Adams Pub Patio. This month’s theme is ugly sweaters for you and your pup!

It’s located at 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill Street inside the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center. There will be games for you and your four-legged friend. For more information, call 915-568-7294.

7, 14, 21, 28

YAPPY HOUR FORT BLISS YOUTH BOWLING

12 Replica Youth Center (RYC) is offering snow tubing in Ruidoso, N.M. to all of their registered youth Saturday, Jan. 21. RYC will be heading out at 10 a.m. to start their all day affair at one of the most popular tubing spots in the area, Ruidoso Winter Park. They will have a fun-filled day of tubing before heading out to dinner in Alamogordo, N.M. Cost will be $10 for tubing and dinner.

They must register by Jan. 20, and pick up time will be 8 p.m. For more information, call 915-568-5437. www.bliss.armymwr.com

Does your child need a hobby? Does your child love to bowl?

Help us bring the Youth back into bowling. Bring your children to Desert Strike Lanes and sign them up for the Fort Bliss Youth Bowling league!

There are tournament and scholarship opportunities available!

The league will be held at 10:30 a.m. every Saturday at Desert Strike Lanes. This is a sanctioned USBC Youth League, the fee is $10 for membership. The cost is $10 per week for league lineage and prize fund.

For more information, call Desert Strike Lanes 915-568-6272.

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REPLICA YOUTH SNOW TUBING JAN | FEB | MAR

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It’s back!

J JRR

at the Centennial

Auditions

January 12 & 19 • 5pm

Competition

IT’S YOUR NIGHT TO SHINE!

Auditions - January 12 & 19 • 5pm Competition - February 16 & 23 • 6pm All Talents Welcome! Centennial • 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St.

February 2 & 9 • 6-10pm

ALL TALENTS WELCOME! PRIZES 1st place - $100 2nd place - $75 3rd place - $50

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Centennial 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St.

Open to family members of active duty and retirees ages 15 and under with a maximum of 10 contestants/groups.

Info: bliss.armymwr.com or 915-588-8247.

JAN | FEB | MAR

1st place: $500 • 2nd place: $250 • 3rd place: $100 • UNIT: $250 Info: 915.588.8247 facebook.com/blissmwr or bliss.armymwr.com

Harry Potter Night 5:30-7:30pm | Mickelsen Community Library Jr. Fort Bliss Got Talent 2/2 & 2/9 at 6pm | Centennial Soto Lazer Tag 8:30-10:30pm | Soto PFC Fort Bliss Driving Tour 2pm | ACS Cook the Book 4pm | Mickelsen Community Library Hiring Fair 9am-1pm | Centennial Bring Your Right Arm Night 4pm | Pershing Pub Paint N’ Pour 6:30pm | Mickelsen Community Library EFMP Sweetheart Family Dance 6pm | ACS

10-12 11 11 16 17 17 25 25 25

Hueco Tanks Rodeo TBD | Hueco Tanks National Park Brushstrokes Club 2pm | Mickelsen Community Library Cupid’s Dance 6-10pm | Replica Youth Center Fort Bliss Got Talent 2/16 & 2/23 at 6pm | Centennial Yappy Hour 5-7pm | Sam Adams Pub Patio Post 5K Championship 6:30am | Soto PFC Replica Youth Super Saturday 3:30pm | Replica Youth Center Challenge Course Day 10am-2pm | Soldier Activity Center Pyrography 10am | Mickelsen Community Library

ONGOING EVENTS Group Tennis Class for Beginners Mondays & Wednesdays from 8:30-10am Tennis Club Story Time 2 Sessions: Tuesdays 10:15am & 11am Mickelsen Community Library School Age Book Club Wednesdays at 4pm Mickelsen Community Library Paws for Reading Every Wednesday from 4-5pm Mickelsen Community Library

Do-It-Yourself Auto Safety Orientation Wednesdays, Thursdays: 6-6:30pm Saturdays: 8-8:30am Auto Crafts Center Night Owls Book Club Every 3rd Friday from 5:30-6:30pm Mickelsen Community Library Fort Bliss Youth Bowling League Every Saturday at 10:30am Desert Strikes Lanes

EVENTS THIS FEBRUARY

2 2 3 3 4 9 10 10 10

Monthly Calendar

THE BRANDS YOU WANT. THE CONVENIENCE YOU NEED. A great stay experience, no matter your mission.

Whether you’re staying at the new Holiday Inn Express® on Ft. Bliss or IHG Army Hotels® Biggs Field on Ft. Bliss, you’ll enjoy a host of amenities including complimentary breakfast, free Internet and the convenience of staying inside the gates. Book your next stay now and see why the right place to stay is right on post.

IHGArmyHotels.com — 877.711.8326 www.bliss.armymwr.com

Sponsorship does not imply U.S. Army, Federal Government or Department of Defense endorsement.

JAN | FEB | MAR

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EVENTS THIS

* Events subject to change without notice.

Info: bliss.armymwr.com or facebook.com/blissmwr

FEBRUARY

9

5K POST CHAMPIONSHIP

The Employment Readiness Program at Army Community Service will host the Fort Bliss Hiring Fair from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 9 at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center.

Companies participating in the event range from America’s biggest employers to smaller companies from across the region with jobs at many levels of experience.

Don’t miss this chance to meet with employers looking to fill job openings with qualified military ID card holders.

Admission is free and open to active duty, Family members, Retirees and DoD/DA ID card holders only. Guests must present a military ID card to participate. For more information, call 915-569-5838.

HIRING FAIR

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PYROGRAPHY page 12

JAN | FEB | MAR

17

Join Fort Bliss MWR Sports, Fitness and Aquatics for their first of three Commander Cup running events of 2017!

The Commander’s Cup 5K Post Championship will begin at 6:30 a.m.

Friday, Feb. 17 at Soto Physical Fitness Center (PFC). This is for active duty military personnel, Army Reserve in National Guard in active status or attached to Fort Bliss only.

Registration is required, there will be pre-registration at all physical fitness centers until Feb. 15. On-site registration will be available from 5:30-6:15 a.m. at Soto PFC, located at 20751 Constitution Avenue on Central Fort Bliss. For more information, call 915-744-5788.

Join Mickelsen Community Library Saturday, Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. in the MakerSpace for Intro to Pyrography (wood burning).

Participants will learn new techniques using various wood burning tools, express themselves through creative wood burning, gain familiarity with wood burning as an art form.

A small practice piece of wood and a designated craft item(s) will be provided to each attendee. This month we will be designing a bread board. Registration is required. The fee is $5 cash. Payment reserves your spot and it’s limited to 5 participants.

Due to the nature of the class, this is for adults ages 18 and older. All participants must go over a safety orientation with staff prior to using the wood burning tools. For more information, call 915-568-6156. facebook.com/blissmwr

MWR CALENDAR

CUPID’S DANCE

Replica Youth Center (RYC) will be hosting their annual Cupids Dance Saturday, Feb. 11. The event will start with dinner from 6-7 p.m. followed by a dessert bar and the dance from 7-10 p.m. with a live DJ and disco lights! There will be a photo booth to capture the fun along with a King and Queen to be crowned during the dance. Remember to wear semiformal attire and dancing shoes! For more information, call 915-568-5437

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11

10-12

HUECO ROCK RODEO For those who love climbing, make the trip with Outdoor Recreation Feb. 10 through Feb. 12 to the annual Hueco Rock Rodeo.

This three-day competition brings climbers of all abilities from around the world together for a weekend full of climbing and camaraderie for a great cause.

All proceeds are donated to Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site, www.bliss.armymwr.com

the Climbers of Hueco Tanks Coalition and local El Paso Youth Outreach Programs.

These organizations strive to preserve the park and the privilege to climb at Hueco Tanks. Come and witness a tradition that has been handed down through generations of climbers who love Hueco.

There will be cash prizes and more than $10,000 in gear, raffles and giveaways! Prices vary and space is limited. For more information, call Soldier Activity Center at 915-7441532 or visit www.huecorodeo.com.

REPLICA YOUTH SUPER SATURDAY Come join Replica Youth Center (RYC) Saturday, Feb. 25 from 3:30-10 p.m. for Super Saturday! This is one of RYC’s largest events of the year!

The RYC staff and children will head out at 3:30 p.m. to the eastside Rockin Jump for unlimited jumping from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Then it’s off to CiCi’s Pizza for unlimited pizza and soda bar!

The youth will cap the night off with a newly opened movie for that weekend. All of this for just $10 per person, which must be paid by Feb. 24 at the RYC. For more information, call 915568-5437.

GET YOUR COPY of blissNOW mailed directly to you.

Email your name and address to:

blissmwr@gmail.com

JAN | FEB | MAR

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Win a Pot o' Gold at

You'll be happy you played!

The more you play the more chances you have to win.

bliss.armymwr.com

Everyone that plays from March 1 - March 22 can enter for a chance to win!

The winning name will be drawn during St. Patty's night Bingo on March 22nd.

Winner must be present to claim the prize.

Play for e c n a h c r u o y 0 to win 100 ! rs a l l o d n e d l o g

Play Bingo Bliss at the Metro Bingo Bar in the Centennial every Wednesday & |Saturday, 5:30pm Early Bird start. Info: (915)facebook.com/blissmwr 744-8427. page 14 JAN FEB | MAR

11 13-16 13-17 17 17 17 18 22 31

Team Bliss Special Olympics Practice 3/11, 3/18 & 3/25 at 9am | Stout Field SKIESUnlimited Spring break Week long | Bldg. 131 Doniphan Replica Youth Spring break Week long | Replica Youth Center Launching Hope 1-4pm | ACS Bring Your Right Arm Night 4pm | Pershing Pub Fort Bliss Driving Tour 2pm | ACS Cook the Book 4pm | Mickelsen Community Library Pot of Gold Bingo 5pm | Centennial Sensory Story Time 10-11am | Mickelsen Community Library

ONGOING EVENTS Group Tennis Class for Beginners Mondays & Wednesdays from 8:30-10am Tennis Club School Age Book Club Wednesdays at 4pm Mickelsen Community Library Paws for Reading Every Wednesday from 4-5pm Mickelsen Community Library

www.bliss.armymwr.com

Do-It-Yourself Auto Safety Orientation Wednesdays, Thursdays: 6-6:30pm Saturdays: 8-8:30am Auto Crafts Center Night Owls Book Club Every 3rd Friday from 5:30-6:30pm Mickelsen Community Library Fort Bliss Youth Bowling League Every Saturday at 10:30am Desert Strikes Lanes

JAN | FEB | MAR

EVENTS THIS MARCH

Awareness Quilt Project 1 Autism 3/1-4/1 | ACS Concealed Handgun Course 4 Texas 8am | Rod and Gun Club Coloring 4 Adult 2pm | Mickelsen Community Library Day at the Wall 4 Family Noon-6pm | Soldier Activity Center Madness Fitness Workshop 4 March 9:30-11:30am | Soto PFC Tech Week 6-11 Teen 9am-6pm | Mickelsen Community Library Hour 9 Yappy 5-7pm | Sam Adams Pub Patio Kids Cooking Class 9 EFMP 11am-2pm | CYSS Facility TBD Lazer Tag 10 Soto 8:30-10:30pm | Soto PFC

Monthly Calendar

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EVENTS THIS

* Events subject to change without notice.

Info: bliss.armymwr.com or facebook.com/blissmwr

18

MARCH

3/1-4/1

COOK THE BOOK

AUTISM AWARENESS QUILT

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) would like your participation in completing a quilt project to promote autism awareness March 1 through April 1. Decorate a quilt square to show what autism means to you. Quilt squares will be available at Army Community Service (ACS) located at 2494 Ricker Road at the EFMP Office; weekdays from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Child, Adolescent and Family Behavioral Health Clinic, 2497 Carter Road. The completed quilt will be showcased at the MCCASA Walk and other Fort Bliss facilities throughout the month of April.

For more information, call 915-569-4227, ext. 5.

The purpose of teen tech week is to ensure teens are competent and ethical users of technologies, especially those offered through libraries such as DVDs, databases, audiobooks and video games.

Teen Tech Week encourages teens to use their libraries’ resources for education and recreation.

Get connected at Mickelsen Community Library Monday, March 6 through Saturday, March 11!

Join Mickelsen Library Saturday March 11 for some demos and giveaways from 12-5 p.m. in the MakerSpace room. There will be a Barnes & Noble gift card drawing, Xbox ONE drawing, Makey Makey drawing and other prize giveaways. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, call 915-5686156. page 16

JAN | FEB | MAR

Do you like to browse through cookbooks and try new recipes? Then grab your apron and sign up for this book club! Join Mickelsen Community Library, 4 p.m. Saturday, March 18 for Cook the Book!

Participants get to explore the world of culinary arts and become a chef in their own flavorful way. This month’s theme is Italian food.

Registration is required and can be done at the adult circulation desk at the library. Select your recipe and sign up.

For more information, call 915-568-1902.

TEEN TECH WEEK

6-11

facebook.com/blissmwr

MWR CALENDAR

SKIESUNLIMITED SPRING BREAK

4

Fort Bliss Group Fitness will host its first ever March Madness Fitness Workshop Saturday, March 4 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Soto Physical Fitness Center.

This free competitive two-hour workshop is designed for both individuals and/or teams.

The Fort Bliss Group Fit team will push you through 20-minute sessions of their popular power and endurance classes like Body Pump and Insanity. Work your way successfully through the workshop’s March Madness bracket for a chance to win door prizes and giveaways. This event is open to all DoD ID cardholders ages 12 and older. For more information, call 915-744-5800.

MARCH MADNESS FITNESS WORKSHOP

13-16

SKIESUnlimited will be offering Spring Break Camps this year March 13 through March 16.

Parkour, which will give your child the skills and techniques needed to land safely when falling under unpredicted circumstances. Children will gain strength, balance, and spatial awareness.

There’s also the option of Aerial Acrobatics, this is a beautiful dance form performed on different apparatuses in the air! Children will be taught basic techniques on how to safely suspend themselves in the air while climbing a silk apparatus. During this camp your child will be introduced to basic ballet, contemporary and aerial dance.

SKIES is pleased to offer these and other workshops during Spring Break.

For more information, call 915-5685544. www.bliss.armymwr.com

REPLICA YOUTH SPRING BREAK

13-17

Replica Youth Center (RYC) is offering a Spring Break Camp March 13 through March 17.

This camp is all about keeping busy and having FUN! During this week RYC will hit the best entertainment spots in El Paso to include Bobo’s Family Fun Center, Adventure Zone, bowling, paintball and the movies throughout the week.

RYC will also have plenty for the youth to do at the youth center during the afternoons. If you have nothing to do for Spring Break, this is the place to be! Remember to register for this Spring Break Camp prior to March 13 to save your spot! For more information, call 915-568-5437.

JAN | FEB | MAR

page 17

MWR SOS

Courtesy photos by FMWR SOS

Ramon Ungos Jr. Family

RUN FOR THE

Sgt. Samuel Tilles Family

The Run for the Fallen is important to me as a survivor because it’s a special way to honor my husband’s legacy, and other fallen Soldiers who have served our country. It’s a day we all come together as survivors, Family members and friends to honor our loved ones, and support each other because we all carry the shirt worn the day of the race. same unseen burden each day.

Each year the Run for the — Marva Tilles Fallen has brought more than 1,100 participants to honor our Fallen. The race is held on West Fort Bliss in front of the Field of Honor Monument and continues down Sheridan Road and ends on Pershing Road.

Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) is the official Army program designed to provide long term support to surviving Families of Fallen servicemembers.

Survivor Outreach Services is a “one” Army program. Staff Sgt. Patrick Darin Wayne Poor Family Run for the Fallen is important beSupport is provided regardless of your loved one’s ser- cause it shows that our loved one is vice component, duty status, not forgotten and we are not alone. location, or manner of death.

After last year’s Run for the Fallen, SOS Support Coordinators I received a phone call from a man and Financial Counselors who worked with my husband for are here to provide dedicated many years. He told me how much outreach and support when, it meant to him to be running it in my and for as long as you desire. husband’s memory. I wasn’t able to For more information, con- attend, but I know I’m not alone. My tact SOS at 915-568-5970. husband was stationed at Fort Bliss Brigades are encourage to for his entire Army career and we participate to show tribute to meet people all the time who knew those servicemembers lost. and worked with him, they share Register now at www.ractheir stories with us and help keep his eroster.com and join the Fort memory alive. The run helps everyBliss and El Paso community one remember those we have lost. as we honor those that have — Kori Poor made the ultimate sacrifice.

FALLEN

Run for the Fallen is important to me as a survivor because it is just another way to pay tribute to not only our loved ones who have passed, but to pay tribute to all the men and women who have lost their lives while trying to protect our country and our freedoms. We will always be thinking about our loved ones Helen Barrientes and this is just a wonderful opportu- Family and MWR SOS nity to pay our respects to our fallen The 3rd annual Run for Soldiers. the Fallen will be Saturday, — Mark Ungos April 1. It is a non-competitive 5k run or one mile walk to pay tribute to those servicemembers, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The run/ walk started with a concept brought forward by the Surviving Families of Fort Bliss and the El Paso community.

Survivors can be a spouse, child, mother, father, sister, brother, step-sibling, guardian, and in-law of the Fallen Hero. Survivors, as the term implies, encompasses a diverse Family unit.

The run has brought togethStaff Sgt. Andrew C. Budd Family er Families from all over the It’s important to remember the Fallen city of El Paso and parts of because of the ultimate sacrifice they New Mexico, representing made during their time in the military. all branches of our Armed As a Surviving Family member, I’m Forces. extremely proud that my son SSG Honoring and Respecting Andrew C. Budd chose to follow his the Survivors whose everyparents’ footsteps by joining the US day life has changed with the Army in 2009. Although I will never loss of their servicemember. forget my son, it’s the one day we as Families are encouraged to participate in preparing mileSurviving Families unite to show our markers in honor of their love and how proud we are of our servicemember and it will be Military Service member. placed along the race route.

— Retired Sgt. 1st Class Gold Star Families can be Charles Budd recognized by the black run page 18

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MWR SPOTLIGHT

Courtesy photos by Albert Alvarez/FMWR Outdoor Recreation

2016 SUMMER OLYMPICS: Albert Alvarez, far right, Family and MWR Outdoor Recreation specialist, took a group photo with his team.

Volunteering on a new

LEVEL

Family and MWR Marketing

This past summer one our own Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) colleagues took the trip of a lifetime to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Albert Alvarez, FMWR Outdoor Recreation specialist, volunteered his time and effort as a service team leader and was in charge of 20 to 30 volunteers on a daily basis. “We dealt with people from all over with seating, tickets, directions and things of that sort,” said Albert.

It took two years in order to participate as volunteer in the Summer Olympics.

Albert started applying in 2014. He filled out a resume and had two interviews, one over the phone and the other on Skype. He was selected for his volunteer job based on experience, interviews and personal requests.

“I’ve always wanted to go the Olympics and had looked into volunteering when I was younger,” said Albert. “I Albert Alvarez poses in his Summer Olympics uniform. found out that volunteering could make have tons of friends in Brazil now. I was it cheaper and heighten the experience so also introduced into this crazy sub-culI signed up for updates and information ture of Olympic enthusiasts, travelers, in 2013. It was amazing and a big eyeopener. I got to meet many people and VOLUNTEER Continue on page 47 www.bliss.armymwr.com

Team Bliss Special Olympics seeks track and field athletes!

Open to ages 8 and older.

Practices at Stout Field, 9- 10:30am every Saturday beginning March 4.

Athlete Enrollment/Medical Release Forms and more info can be found at sotx.org/about/areas/area19/.

To register as a Team Bliss athlete, contact the Exceptional Family Member Program (915) 569-4227 (ext 5) or School Liaison Office (915) 568-2784.

JAN | FEB | MAR

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MWR ACS

US Army and Immigration

Arwen Consaul

DESIGNATED WARS & CONFLICTS

Public Affairs Officer USCIS Department of Homeland Security

It’s no surprise immigrants coming to the United States choose to serve in the Armed Forces before becoming citizens.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) naturalizes thousands of military members every year.

Since October 1, 2001, USCIS has naturalized 109,321 members of the military with 11,069 becoming citizens during naturalization ceremonies overseas in 34 foreign countries.

USCIS has partnered with the Defense Department to ensure the military community has accurate information about immigration services and benefits. The USCIS El

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World War I April 6, 1917 - Nov. 11, 1918 World War II Sept. 1, 1939 - Dec. 31, 1946 Korean War June 25, 1950 - July 1, 1955 Vietnam War Feb. 28, 1961 - Oct. 15, 1978 Persian Gulf War Aug. 2, 1990 - April 11, 1991 Operation Enduring Freedom Sept. 11, 2001 - Present

regularly conduct adjustment and naturalization interviews Photo by FMWR ACS and oath ceremonies for Soldiers sit with their American flags during their Naturalization ceremony. military members and their Paso Field office has weekly Bliss Army Community Ser- Family members on military Immigration Services Offi- vice (ACS). installations. In 2016, the El cers available to answer ques- In addition to educational tions every Wednesday at Fort seminars, USCIS employees IMMIGRATION Continue on page 47

JAN | FEB | MAR

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MWR MILO

ADOPTING A FURRY

FAMILY MEMBER Hi friends! I hope you all enjoyed the holiday season, I know I did. There was so much food and even better toys! But, with the holidays being over we can focus on the New Year. And for some of you the New Year means welcoming a new four legged friend to the Family.

I, for one, think having a pet is pawsome, dog or cat! You always have a companion and pets have been known to improve your health and reduce stress.

I might be a little biased, but who’s keeping track? If you are thinking about bringing home a new pet I hope you know what you are getting yourself into.

We need to be fed, walked and picked up after. Let’s be honest pets are pretty much like having a kid with a little more hair!

Here are some things to think about BEFORE you bring home a furry friend.

Are you planning on moving anytime soon? And if so, do you have room for your pet to go. It breaks my puppy heart when I see my friends who are living it up at home, then end up being returned to a shelter. I hope you know it’s cold there, and I’ve heard dogs have to sleep on the FLOOR! Who does that?

Do you have enough money to care for a pet? Sometimes we can get expensive. We need food, water, a bed and sometimes we have to go to the doctor, which can cost a pretty penny.

And, don’t forget about the toys!

The most important question, in my opinion: do you have TIME to play with me? If you humans are always busy it isn’t fair to me to stay at home all day and night with nothing to do. Dogs are pack animals, we like to be with our pack and if you are never home we get sad, which could make us destructive.

Nobody likes coming home to chewed up furniture or shoes. But, it’s not our fault, we need you to walk, run or play with us!

Now, if your Family is ready to adopt a new friend, here are some things to keep in mind.

Know their surroundings

Photos by Sarrah Morgan/FMWR Marketing

For example, have them meet new people and other dogs, watch kids on skateboards or bikes, even take them for rides in the car.

House training

Training is very important. If you don’t want your pet jumping on guests, make sure they have had the proper training to know better.

Personal space

Make sure your new furry friend has a place of their own. You can get them a crate and a bed or even an area in a room.

This helps them feel more comfortable knowing they have a safe place.

Children and Pets

Make sure children know how to play with your pet. Don’t let little kids pull their tail or their fur, it can be scary having little hands all over you.

Being social

It takes time for new pets to get used to It’s time to socialize! This is especially their surroundings. You don’t know how true if you are adopting a puppy. or where they were living before, so give Exposing them to as much as possible them space and keep it quiet. will help them when they are adults. www.bliss.armymwr.com

Patience is key

My last tip is to have a lot of patience.

Remember we only know what YOU teach us. If you don’t pay attention to us we will become a burden. If you teach us how we should act we could be wonderful additions to the Family.

I hope you all enjoyed my tips!

I mean, I am a dog so I do know a thing or two about being a pet. Just remember, pets may seem like a lot of work, but the joy and happiness pets bring outweigh the cost!

See you guys out there!

Paws and Kisses,

JAN | FEB | MAR

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Reception area

Soldiers are able to watch movies or play video games in the gaming area.

Bar and restaurant area

Video game consoles and computer gaming stations.

Computer internet access area

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Family and MWR Marketing

Opening in the spring is the newest multi-program facility, the Warrior Zone! It is designed specifically for the younger single Soldiers located on East Fort Bliss.

This facility will have gaming, computer stations, internet surfing stations, two mini-bowling lanes, stand-alone gaming stations, a home theater, outside sand volleyball pits, grills and bar.

The inside bar will be fully stocked with craft beer on tap and the restaurant will have pizza, gourmet burgers, some grab n’ go food items as well as healthy options.

Renovations began in the fall last year and it will be completed in the spring. This facility is targeted for Soldiers living in the barracks foot print, but it will be open to all military ID card holders 18 and older. www.bliss.armymwr.com

JAN | FEB | MAR

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RIGHTARM NIGHT Sarrah Morgan

ON FORT BLISS

MWR FOOD & FUN

Family and MWR Marketing

Right Arm Night is not only an old Army tradition, but it has been a Fort Bliss tradition for over 20 years.

It is a night of camaraderie and esprit de corps as leaders come together and treat those standing to their right. It is a time to build relationships while mixing and mingling with other leaders and their battle buddies.

Whether you have attended at the Old Officer’s Club, now the Family Resilience Center, or at the Pershing Pub at Pace Hall, you may have witnessed what Right Arm Night is all about.

“Right Arm Night has been a tradition at Fort Bliss for many years and we hope it continues,” said Family and MWR’s Business Operations Officer, Ronald TellesFyffe.

Here on post Right Arm Night is held once a month, and if you have never been to the Pershing Pub, you are definitely missing out! It has that old Army, wood, cozy chair atmosphere – this is definitely the place to be.

Right Arm Night sometimes takes it a step further with great giveaways. Our wonderful sponsors, Sunland Park Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram and Military Dell, graciously donate free oil changes, games, TVs and tablets! The bartender will hand

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JAN | FEB | MAR

Photos by Natalie Hinojos / FMWR Marketing

Attendees enjoy food, drinks and giveaways during Right Arm Nights at the Pershing Pub, located at 243 Club Road.

out a ticket with every purchase made at the bar. The more purchases made, a better chance to win.

Guests can also enjoy complimentary snacks provided by Sunland Park Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram and great drink specials while relaxing and socializing.

So what is there to lose? Everyone has one regardless of rank or job title so grab YOUR battle buddy and come out from 4-9 p.m. Jan. 20, Feb. 10 and March 17 for a night of fun. Right Arm Night is held at the Pershing Pub inside Pace Hall located at 243 Club Road.

For more information, visit bliss.armymwr.com, search “Right Arm Night” or call 915-781-6809.

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MWR FOOD & FUN

Photos by Natalie Hinojos/FMWR Marketing

Underwood Golf Complex has opened at new Performance Center that offers the best golf technology to patrons. Golfers can now practice their technique, sit in the lounge area and watch sports.

FIRST CLASS

Improving performance SMOKES through TECHNOLOGY

Michele Wiernicki

Family and MWR Marketing

The Underwood Golf Complex now has another “only one in El Paso” option for avid golfers! The Performance Center is now open and offering the best in golf technology to our patrons. Inside this unique facility you will find a Trackman 4 radar system and Golf Simulator, a lounge area, full service menu and beverage options and a 55” flat screen TV. This facility will allow you to improve your golf game while practicing and playing on over 150 golf courses from around the world like Pinehurst #2 and Pebble Beach.

Through the use of dual radar technology the Trackman is able to analyze and record everything your club does before, during and after impact. It also tracks the entire flight of your golf ball from the moment of impact until it lands. All these factors are compiled to give the player an accurate summary of areas of success and ways of improvement.

Analytics provided include parameters like club path, face angle, swing direction and spin loft.

Pair up all of this technology with lessons provided by one of our two PGA Professionals and you are well on your way to a more perfect game of golf.

Once you’ve got the hang of the system you can rent the simulator for up to 8 players for just $60 per hour. Golfers can also rent the entire facility for parties of up to 12 people. www.bliss.armymwr.com

Lounge area

Practice range for golfing inside during the cold weather.

Play some golf, eat some food and relax while watching your favorite sports on the big screen TV. Watch the Super Bowl or March Madness while playing golf at the Underwood Performance center.

The Performance Center is available now for lessons and rentals. For more information or to make reservations, call 915-568-1059.

No official U.S. Army endorsement is implied JAN | FEB | MAR

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Destination

SPRING BREAK Spring Break is right around the corner!

Ever wonder what camps are available for your children?

Here’s a list of all of the CYS facilities offering spring break camps.

SKIESUnlimited 131 Doniphan 915-568-5544 Logan SAC 3505 Ellerthorpe Road 915-569-5779 Milam SAC 11898 Haan Road 915-744-2274 Bliss SAC 2012 Sheridan Road 915-568-2178 Replica Youth Center 5037 Sheridan Road 915-568-3523 Milam Youth Center 10960 Haan Road 915-744-2449 Youth Sports Plex 195 Chaffee Road 915-568-2617 Children have to be registered with Parent Central and the facility to utilize the programs.

To register, visit Parent Central at 1743 Victory Avenue or call 915-568-4374.

Hurry up and save a spot! page 26

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MWR CYS

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

REGISTERING FOR CHILD CARE

Rachelle Phillips

Family and MWR Marketing

Ever wonder what Parent Central and Child & Youth Services (CYS) has to offer?

Registration is your first step if you want your child to participate in any child care, SKIESUnlimited classes, Youth Center activities or Youth Sports. However, maybe before you register, you want to know about how our facilities differ from other day care centers in the El Paso area? Well, here is your chance to get all of that information.

Fort Bliss CYS provides a wide variety of child services, from infant child care to piano classes for your middle schooler. They offer full time and hourly care with before and after school programs.

All of our child services to include our Child Development Centers (CDC), Family Child Care (FCC) providers, School Age Services (SAS), Youth Services, Youth Sports, and SKIES are all held to the Department of the Army requirements and standards.

These are standards and regulations that you will not find in an outside childcare program. Their stringent requirements are unique to military child care.

AGE GROUPS: Child Development Center

6 weeks through kindergarten

School Age Services 1st through 5th grade

Youth Center 6th -12th grade

Family Child Care

4 weeks to 12 years old

www.bliss.armymwr.com

The 2015 U.S. Army Child, Youth, and School Services Operations Manual outlines all of regulations and standards applicable to CYS facilities and programming.

CYS also offers a Multidisciplinary Inclusion Action Team plan (MIAT) to those Families that have special medical requirements. A MIAT plan includes allergy and food intolerance, seizures, asthma, ADD/ADHD and many other special needs your child may have. Parents should be aware that if your child does have special needs, it may take about 30 days to complete your registration and enable the use of CYS programs. The health and safety of the children in our care is most important. Once the Army Public Health Nurse signs off on your child’s MIAT plan, they are able to participate in all programming.

Employee training and certification standards are of utmost importance. Child Youth Program Assistants (CYPA) and FCC providers become Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse. They are also required to be trained in First Aid, CPR, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and Medication and Communicable diseases. Additionally, every single CYS employee goes through an intensive background check.

On top of all these considerations, convenience is also a factor. We have six Child Development Centers, three School Age Centers, two Youth Centers and nine Family Child Care providers available. If you are eligible for CYS care then you probably work on Fort Bliss and you will find one of our locations somewhere nearby. But

sometimes the care you need for your child is not during the normal duty hours. We’ve got you covered there too!

Thanks to our FCC providers, Soldiers do not have to worry about care during field problems or staff duty because they offer odd hours, extended and short term care for the Soldier’s Family Care Plan.

So now that we’ve sold you on our amazing CYS programs and care, it’s time to get your children enrolled. Parent Central does allow walk-ins, however, it is recommended that you make an appointment. This will shorten your visit and get you on the road to child care services quicker.

To enroll your child/children, you will need the follow-

ing items: a CYS registration form, a Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) and/or pay stub of both parents residing in the same household, a DEERS printout, and each child’s shot records and health assessments.

If your child is planning on participating in any Youth Sports or SKIES activities, they will need a sports physical as well. Additional documents are required if your child has any special needs.

Please call Parent Central to find out what documents you will need to bring.

All forms must be provided at the time of registration. The LES and/or pay stubs are used

REGISTRATION Continue on page 48

JAN | FEB | MAR

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JAN | FEB | MAR

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PREPARING

FOR A JOB SEARCH

Danita W. Johnson

Fort Bliss Employment Readiness Specialist

If you are actively job searching or considering to start, let the Fort Bliss Employment Readiness Program (ERP) assist you.

ERP provides resources to assist with career planning and job search, including employment workshops, Civilian and federal resume writing assistance, and individual job search counseling.

Whether you have a solid work history or gaps in your employment, ERP is here to help. It will be beneficial to build a detailed resume that highlights duties, skills and accomplishments. Many employers require job searchers to apply online for vacant positions. Often times, there will also be an opportunity to upload or build page 30

JAN | FEB | MAR

a resume on the site.

The resume will need to be tailored to the position which you are applying.

This will require you to read and understand the requirements and make sure to show those requirements in your resume.

Once you have your resume built and have started your job search, it is important to keep track of the companies that you are applying with and the positions that you are applying for. This can be done by creating a simple tracking system with company names, position titles and dates applied.

Ensure that you are fully prepared for an interview with the company. Do research about the company and the position. Be prepared to answer questions pertaining to your work history as you have described in your resume. It is

important to wear appropriate business attire to an interview. At the end of the interview, be prepared to ask questions.

Make sure to get the name and title of the person(s) managing the interview, and follow-up with a thank you letter.

This simple gesture shows the employer you are thankful for their time and expresses your interest in the position.

If you have any questions regarding the job search process, remember the Fort Bliss Employment Readiness staff is here to assist you.

For more information, call 915-5695838 or visit www.bliss.armymwr.com, search ERP and follow us on Facebook Fort Bliss ERP. ERP is located at 2494 Ricker Road at Army Community Service. facebook.com/blissmwr

MWR ACS

Beth Ellis

Changes for the EFMP Respite Care Program

Family and MWR EFMP

In 2007, during a high operational tempo period, the Army recognized the need to provide more support to Families with special needs while their servicemember was deployed.

The Army has worked with the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) and created the Respite Care Program to provide a temporary rest period for the primary caregivers of Family members with special needs.

To date, the program has been successful in providing many Families with a benefit that positively impacts Soldier and Family resiliency.

What is Respite Care?

Families of a loved one with special needs know it can be overwhelming with the commitment and intensity of care necessary for that Exceptional Family Member (EFM). They do their best to meet the responsibilities, but it can add stress to the Family. Parents can become accustomed to having zero time for

To ensure the Army can continue to afford providing respite care services to EFMs with the greatest need, effective July 1, 2017, EFMP respite care services will be provided only to enrolled EFMs meeting the eligibility criteria for care levels three and four.

EFMP Families currently receiving respite care services will continue to do so at their current number of hours awarded until July 1, 2017.

Those receiving respite services at levels one and two will no longer be eligible to do so under the Army EFMP Respite Care Program effective July 1, 2017.

For those receiving respite care services at less than 25 hours, for levels three and four, they will remain the same. If they have been receiving more than 25 hours, If it ain’t broke, why fix it?

Although the EFMP Respite Care Pro- it will decrease. gram is benefitting many Army Families, Are there resources available? current fiscal limits and proposed reducContact the Army Community Sertions in staffing, means it is no longer vice EFMP Office to obtain information sustainable in its current form. There- regarding other services or programs fore, EFMP respite care is being restruc- available in the community for particitured to ensure the maintenance of the program in the long term.

EFMP Continue on page 48

themselves or their non-EFM children.

Respite Care is an essential part of Family support to provide temporary care to persons with special health care needs, including individuals at risk of abuse or neglect, or in crisis situations.

Respite Care is an opportunity for selfcare and is intended to prevent exhaustion and Family conflict.

There are four different levels of care provided, four ranked as the highest needs, and the amount of hours awarded ranges from 12 to 40 hours per month.

Fort Bliss currently has 44 EFMP Families at all levels of care opening relief services through the Army Community Service EFMP Respite Care Program.

915-562-1172

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% * APR for 6 mos.

After intro rate period, rate will change to an APR rate between 7.9% to 18%.

Visit FirstLightFCU.org to apply now!

www.bliss.armymwr.com *APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Subject to credit approval. Certain restrictions apply.

JAN | FEB | MAR

page 31

Federally Insured by NCUA.

MWR ACS

Getting back r e f t a k c a t r on the holidays Rito G. Vallez

Personal Financial Readiness Specialist

The holidays are over and now it is time to get back on track. Most of us are making New Year’s Resolutions, for weight loss and new workout strategies. Health is by far a very important factor in living a good quality of life.

However, we challenge you to add to that goal and start 2017 with a Financial New Year’s Resolution, by reducing debt and building wealth.

The first step is to know exactly where every penny is being spent, which can often be challenging for some consumers.

Knowing where your money is going

requires a detailed budget and a method for tracking expenses. Sometimes, people will attempt to track their spending through a bank statement. However, this can be inaccurate for cash withdrawals because there is no way to track what the cash was spent on.

If you need assistance, contact Financial Readiness in Army Community Service (ACS) located at building 2494 Ricker Road. Financial Readiness specialists are here to help you and your Family create a budget keeping you on the right path to financial success.

If you’re looking for a way to pay off a credit card early or get out of debt, you will need to have a surplus and Financial Readiness specialists can help achieve that goal.

In one scenario, a consumer tacks on $2,500 dollars in credit card debt with a 15% APR, during the holidays, and makes a $35 monthly payment. The total interest paid would be $3,793.18 and it would take

HOLIDAYS Continue on page 48

DRIVE

YOUR FUTURE FORWARD Phoenix Truck Driving School makes reintegration from military to civilian life seamless.

We specialize in CDL training for military personnel. As a licensed commercial truck driver, not only will you be in high demand, you’ll also earn a great paycheck! Come tour our on-post facility and meet one-on-one with our advisors today.

ElPasoCDL.com

877-206-8344

Member of the Ft. Bliss Career Skills Program. No official U.S. Army endorsement is implied.

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MWR ACS

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N Cher Poehlein

Family and MWR ACS

Just like the song goes … “V-A-C-A-TI-O-N in the summer sun,” January is the time to start thinking about your travel plans for the upcoming year.

If you are dreaming of taking a cruise or visiting a location other than the United States, a passport application must be in your future.

Once upon a time a quick trip to Mexico did not require a passport. Now, Americans, including infants, must hold a valid United States passport when arriving in Mexico by air, and possess proper documentation when returning to the United States. Just a reminder you cannot travel with your “Official Military Passport” unless you are on orders.

The U.S. Department of State says, international travelers must carry a passport if unexpectedly leaving by air. Children traveling internationally without one or both parents must carry a notarized permission letter from the absent parent approving the child’s attendance, parent’s name, the child’s name, a list of those traveling with the child and a brief trip overview. The original letter is accompanied by proof of Family relationship between the parent and child, such as a birth certificate.

Call Army Community Service (ACS) for dates of upcoming Military Passport Days, the next available day is Feb. 16.

During the designated days and times, you will meet with a Department of State representative who will process your passport in as little as 5 to 10 days. ACS not only streamlines this process, but saves you from paying the Expedite Fee. Call ACS at 915-569-4227, ext. 0 for more information on our next Military www.bliss.armymwr.com

Passport Event.

TRAVELING TIPS:

Research your destination at www. travel.state.gov to learn about Visa requirements, local laws, customs, and medical care in the countries you will be visiting. Be aware of any travel warnings or travel alerts for your destination by going online at www.state.gov. It is recommended to check the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you are traveling for current security messages.

Find out if there are any health precautions. The U. S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) can provide recommendations or vaccinations and other travel health precautions for your trip abroad.

Before you go, notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling. Ask what the fees are to use debit or credit cards and ATMs. Carry contact details for the nearest U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate, in English and the local language. For emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, D.C. you can call 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444.

Now for the really important stuff, the passport photo, go for a “classic” look. Today’s trends are tomorrow’s embarrassments, keep your clothes and hair subdued for your new passport photo. Get enough sleep the night before.

Finally, look happy for your photo – think about all the fun you’ll have on your trip.

Now grab your new passport and your new knowledge and get out there– bon voyage!

Shoppes at El Paso I-10 Exit 6A & Transmountain

Shop over 95 stores like:

Free Shuttle Service Bookings at: www.theoutletshoppesatelpaso.com 915.877.3208 JAN | FEB | MAR

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ODR Activities Calendar

Level of Activity Intensity Easy: Family oriented, little conditioning required Medium: Average physical conditioning, caution with small children Difficult: Young adults and adults in good physical condition Extremely Difficult: Special skills required to participate

4

4 hours (Half Day Trip)

8

8 hours (Full Day Trip)

16

16+ hours (Overnight Camping)

Fort Bliss Outdoor Recreation Events. This schedule is subject to change without notice. All off-post excursions may be CANCELLED within 2 weeks due to lack of participation. Tickets to scheduled events can be purchased at the following location:

ROBERTO LOEZA SOLDIER ACTIVITY CENTER - 20732 CONSTITUTION AVE., CENTRAL FORT BLISS - (915) 744-1532

When

What

Where

Activity

Cost

Family Day at the Wall Challenge Course Day

Soldier Activity Center Soldier Activity Center

Open Climb for all Ages $4 High Ropes Challenge $10

Family Day at the Wall Family Day at the Wall

Soldier Activity Center Soldier Activity Center

Open Climb for all Ages $4 Open Climb for all Ages $4

Soto Laser Tag Family Day at the Wall

Soto Gym Soldier Activity Center

Indoor Laser Tag (all ages) $10* Open Climb for all Ages $4

January 5, 7, 8 7th 12, 14, 15 19, 21, 22 20th 26, 28, 29

4 4 4 4 4 4

BIGG Laser Tag: Outdoors at Biggs Park, a team of players

February 2, 4, 5

4

Family Day at the Wall

Soldier Activity Center

Open Climb for all Ages $4

3rd

4

Soto Laser Tag

Soto Gym

Indoor Laser Tag (all ages)

9, 11, 12

4

Family Day at the Wall

Soldier Activity Center

Open Climb for all Ages $4

10-12th

16

Hueco Rock Rodeo

Hueco Tanks State Park

Camping, Bouldering

$10* $150

16, 18, 19 23, 25, 26

4

Family Day at the Wall Family Day at the Wall

Soldier Activity Center Soldier Activity Center

Open Climb for all Ages $4 Open Climb for all Ages $4

25th

4

Challenge Course Day

Soldier Activity Center

High Ropes & PingPong $10

4

16, 18, 19 23, 25, 26 30th

attempt to score points by tagging targets with a hand-held infrared-emitting targeting device. This is an all ages event.

Tower / High Ropes Day:

Come join us for the opportunity to try one of our two challenge courses. The Tower is located at Biggs Park and features a 65ft tower, power pole, and six challenging obstacles. The High Ropes is located at the Soldier Activity Center and features three 30ft climbing obstacles and seven aerial obstacles.

Rock Climbing:

Enjoy either sport climbing or bouldering with a certified guide and instructor. Bring a positive attitude and the will to challenge yourself and we'll make sure you are safe and in good hands. All equipment is provided as well as transportation to and from climbing sites.

Hueco Rock Rodeo:

Some of the world's best climbers will converge on Hueco Tanks to compete for a spot on the winner's podium. Climbers of all skill levels are welcome to participate.

March 2, 4, 5 9, 11, 12 10th

General Information

4 4 4 4 4 4

Family Day at the Wall Family Day at the Wall Soto Laser Tag

Soldier Activity Center Soldier Activity Center Soto Gym

Open Climb for all Ages $4 Open Climb for all Ages $4 Indoor Laser Tag (all ages) $10*

Family Day at the Wall

Soldier Activity Center

Open Climb for all Ages $4

Family Day at the Wall Family Day at the Wall

Soldier Activity Center Soldier Activity Center

Open Climb for all Ages $4 Open Climb for all Ages $4

Family Day at the Wall: The wall will be open for ages 4

and up from 12pm - 6pm. Must weigh at least 30lbs. Time limits may apply. Climbing available on a first come, first-served basis.

Camping, Climbing & Specialty Equipment Rental Price is per day - *Batteries not included

Sleeping Bag Cook Sets (big / small) 4-6 Person Tent Backpacking Stove *Lantern Bouldering Pad Spooner Board Shade Canopy(sm) GPS Device Flotation Device

$6 $5 $10 $4 $3 $10 $5 $7 $5 $4

2-Burner Propane Stove 2-3 Person Tent French Press Coffee Maker *Headlamp Dish Washing Kit Chalk Bag Wild River Tubes Water Jugs Snow Shoes (child)

$5 $8 $2 $1 $1 $3 $6 $2 $6

Sleeping Pad Personal Dish Set Backpack Alpine Dish Set Climbing Shoes Kayak Set Snow/sand Disc Sleds Ice Chest Snow Shoes (adult)

$1 $1 $6 $6 $4 $30 $2 $4 $8 * Pay day of @ Biggs Park/Soldier Activity Center/Soto Gym

Bike Rental (Mountain / Road)

Fort Bliss Outdoor Recreation

Bike rentals start at $2 per hour /per bike - Late Fees: 1 hour - $4 • 2 hours - $6 • 6 hours - $12 • 24 hours - $20

1 Day or Overnight $20

page 34

2 Days

JAN | FEB | MAR

$40

7 Days

$100

facebook.com/BlissODR or bliss.armymwr.com

facebook.com/blissmwr

GET OUT OF YOUR

MWR RECREATION

COMFORT

ZONE Julia Peterson

Family and MWR Sport and Fitness Groups

Fort Bliss Group Fit wants you to be your best self this year, and they are doing everything in their power to help get you there!

The new Unlimited Monthly Pass for group fitness, which arrived in October, opens up the possibility for you to try all of the classes Group Fit has to offer. What do you have to lose?

January is an exciting time for group fitness. There are two brand new classes to the program that are not found anywhere else in El Paso. POUND® is the world’s first cardio jam session inspired by the infectious, energizing and sweatdripping fun of playing the drums. Using Ripstix®, lightly weighted drumsticks engineered specifically for exercising, POUND® transforms drumming into an incredibly effective way of working out.

This exhilarating, full-body workout combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training with yoga and pilates-inspired movements. Designed for all fitness levels, POUND® provides the perfect atmosphere for letting loose, getting energized, toning up and rockin’ out!

Next, in case you missed the viral video, Aquafloat classes hit the calendar as well. When you hear the phrase “aqua fitness” the majority of the people visualize water aerobics geared towards a more senior population. However, ask any fitness professional and they will tell you essentially any landbased workout can be transitioned to the water.

Group Fit started fusing what are generally considered land workouts to the water at the beginning of 2016 by adding Aqua Cycle to the program. www.bliss.armymwr.com

Courtesy photos by FMWR Sports and Fitness

This class utilizes hydro-cycles under the direction of an instructor to pedal through H20 resistance. Due to the interest and growth of the class, it’s increased the demand for other aqua fitness classes.

Introducing the Aquabase, a floating exercise mat that merges the space between land and water. Utilizing the Aquabase we are able to offer fitness classes that take place on top of the water.

What makes this a greater challenge is removing an element taken for granted on land, and that’s balance. Burpees, mountain climbers, lunges, squats, running and planking are all things you can expect to do when you attend an Aquabase class. Each of these movements are challenging enough on their own but having to continually find your center of balance, it becomes more difficult.

As with any class, we encourage patrons to go at their own pace and we will offer modifications for all fitness levels.

You don’t have to be a professional drummer to burn up the calories during POUND® and no one is going to be a master of the Aquabase or Aqua Cycle their first time around. There’s going to be a learning process, but is it fun? Absolutely! You better be prepared to get a workout during our classes!

For more information or questions, call Group Fitness at 915-744-5800.

JAN | FEB | MAR

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Ft. Bliss 2017

in t r a m u r a l

sport s cale ndar Commander's Cup leagues are divided into three divisions: Independent League, 11th BDE and Armor League

All leagues will have a mandatory coaches meeting prior to the start date

For more information on the sports program: 744-5785 or 744-5794

*CC are Commander Cups and only open to Active Duty Soldiers

January

Group Fitness Health Fair Fort Bliss 1/2 Marathon, 5k & 2k kids run CC Basketball

21 Jan 21 Jan 30 Jan

February

CC Bowling CC 5k Post Championship

6 Feb 17 Feb

March

Group Fitness Workshop Warrior Trials

April

Run for the Fallen 5k Easter Egg Swim SFA Fitness Throwdown Water Safety Day

May

Movie Float Old Ironsides Mud Challenge CC Softball CC Indoor Soccer Ten Miler Qualifier

June

CC 10k Post Championship Group Fitness Workshop Open Volleyball Spin Into Summer

Sports M.O.I.s located at bliss.armymwr.com

www.facebook.com/teamblisssports

page 36

JAN | FEB | MAR

4 Mar 24 Mar - 7 Apr 1 Apr 15 Apr 22 Apr 29 Apr 6 May 13 May 15 May - 10 Aug 15 May - 20 July 19 May 2 3 16 21

Jun Jun Jun Jun

SPORTS, FITNESS AND AQUATICS

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MWR RECREATION Army Cpt. Kelly Elmlinger participates in the wheelchair bike trials at Soto track March 1, 2016.

Photo by Spc. Audrequez Evans/Army

Photo by EJ Hersom/DoD

Medically retired Army Staff Sgt. Timothy Payne competes in seated discus at Fort Bliss, April 1, 2015.

Photo by EJ Hersom/DoD

Retired Army Spc. Haywood Range III poses for a photo after a swimming event during the Army Trials at Fort Bliss, March 27, 2015.

ARMY TRIALS

John M. Rosenberg

Warrior Care and Transition

ARLINGTON, VA – For the third year in a row the state-of-the-art sports and fitness facilities and windswept streets of Fort Bliss will play host to the Army Trials.

The 2017 Army Trials is scheduled for March 27 April 7 to select from a pool of approximately 150 wounded, ill and injured Army athletes, competing across eight adaptive sports categories, to advance to the 2017 Warrior Games held in Chicago.

The Warrior Games was created in 2010 as a way to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded warriors through participation in adaptive sports.

The 2016 DoD Warrior Games featured five U.S. teams representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy/Coast Guard, Air Force and the Spewww.bliss.armymwr.com

cial Operations Command, as well as a British armed forces team. During the Games, teams compete in archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field and wheelchair basketball.

Team Army has finished atop the Warrior Games medal count the past three years, and the athletes who advance from Army Trials at Fort Bliss will be under pressure to make it four in a row.

Army athletes at each of the 14 Warrior Transition Battalions began their quest for Warrior Games gold at local trials that began in September.

Those who were selected attended Regional Trials, held at Fort Benning, Georgia and Fort Hood, Texas, in October to determine who will advance to next year’s Army Trials.

In many cases athletes may

return to Fort Bliss

be trying certain sports for the first time. Whether or not they progress to Army Trials and beyond, each Soldier athlete should be saluted for giving it their all and demonstrating to the world the meaning of resilience.

Army Trials also provides a tremendous opportunity for athletes to train with world class coaches and improve upon their technique. Previous participants have represented the United States at the Paralympic level with some winning gold, silver and bronze medals.

Fundamental to adaptive sports is its principle of focusing on what an athlete can, as opposed to cannot, achieve.

Adaptive sport athletes are matchless in making evident what is possible and what it means in refusing to take no for an answer.

Throughout their extensive

training and participation in adaptive sports these athletes make great strides in overcoming their injuries.

Another natural outgrowth of adaptive sports competition is the opportunity to build a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, thus enabling wounded, ill and injured Soldiers to further motivate one another.

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Smith, the non-commissioned officer in charge of operations for adaptive reconditioning division and a multi-medalist in recent Warrior Games said, “There is an undeniable atmosphere of excitement in going to Army Trials. You’re practicing with and competing against other Army athletes, yet you realize the positive impact that this has on yourself as well as your teammates.”

JAN | FEB | MAR

page 37

MWR YOUTH SERVICES

2017-2018 Youth Sports Calendar SPORT

AGE

COST OF 1ST CHILD/ADDITIONAL CHILD

REGISTRATION MONTH

SEASON DATES (2017 - 2018)

Boys’ Spring Soccer Girls’ Spring Soccer

3-15 3-15

$45/38 $45/38

15 Dec. 2016 - 15 Jan. 2017

Feb. - Mar. Feb. - Mar.

Tennis Boys’ Tee-Ball

8-18 3-6

$65/54 $45/38

Girls’ Tee-Ball

3-6

Baseball Girls’ Softball

15 Dec. 2016 - 15 Jan. 2017 Jan. 16 - Feb. 15 Feb. 15 - Mar. 15

Mar. - Apr. Apr. - May

$45/38

Feb. 15 - Mar. 15

Apr. - May

7-15

$45/38

Feb. 15 - Mar. 15

Apr. - May

(upon coach participation and enrollment)

7-15

$45/38

Feb. 15 - Mar. 15

Apr. - May

Flag Football

7-15

$45/38

Feb. 15 - Mar. 15

Apr. - May

Girls’ Volleyball USA Track & Field

10-16 5-18

$45/38 $45/38

Feb. 15 - Mar.15 Mar. 15 - Apr. 17

Apr. - May May - July

Tackle Football

8-11

$65/55

May 15 - July 17

Aug. - Nov.

Boys’ Summer Basketball 5-15

$45/38

May 15 - June 15

July - Aug.

Girls’ Summer Basketball 5-15

$45/38

May 15 - June 15

July - Aug.

Boys’ Fall Soccer

3-15

$45/38

Sept. - Oct.

Girls’ Fall Soccer

3-15

$45/38

July 15 - Aug. 15 July 15 - Aug. 15

USATF Cross Country

5-18

$45/38

July 15 - Aug. 15

Aug. - Nov.

Wrestling (Folkstyle)

5-15

$45/38

July 15 - Aug. 15

Sept. - Jan. 2018

Boys’ Winter Basketball

5-15

$45/38

Sept.15 - Oct. 16

Nov. 2017 - Jan. 2018

Girls’ Winter Basketball

5-15

$45/38

Sept. 15 - Oct. 16

Nov. 2017 - Jan. 2018

Sept. - Oct.

Registration: Child’s CYSS Registration and Sports Physical must be current throughout the season to register for all sports.

Contact Parent Central at 568-4374/5501. Mandatory Parent Sportsmanship Class is required to ensure participation. Dates, times, and locations will be announced by the Youth Sports Staff or Volunteer Coach.

To contact Youth Sports, please call 915-568-2617/1568

bliss.armymwr.com

page 38

JAN | FEB | MAR

facebook.com/blissmwr

MWR RECREATION

Photo by FMWR Marketing

Marketing, Special Events, Sports and Outdoor Recreation staff play a game of knockerball at the Multipurpose Artifical Turf Field located outside of Soto Physical Fitness Center.

KNOCKERBALL®:

Bring your Strength, Agility and Sense of Humor Michele Wiernicki

Family and MWR Marketing

Knockerball definition: “An allencompassing, protective, safe, single chambered ball of air with inner handles and shoulder straps that enables you to almost literally defy gravity and defy pain,” as stated by www.knockerball. com.

Gone are the days when most team sports consisted of the basics such as soccer, football, baseball, softball and track.

Crazy organized athletics are cropping up around the world and the crazier, the better. Extreme athletes and rookies

www.bliss.armymwr.com

are trying everything from Parkour to Quidditch, mud running to Pickle ball.

We are not immune here at Fort Bliss to this new wave of sporting activities.

KnockerBall, also known as Bubble Soccer, has been gaining popularity because it combines all the benefits of soccer while providing a challenging upper-body workout – a fully inflated ball weighs 28 lbs. On top of that it’s also side-splitting, hilarious fun!

The Marketing and Special Events staff were the first victims to try out this insane sport against the Sports and Outdoor Recreation staff. Within minutes of the whistle blowing, legs were flying and

bodies were airborne. The sound heard above all others was laughter.

The Outdoor Recreation (ODR) department runs Fort Bliss Knockerball at the Soldier Activity Center (SAC).

Participants interested in playing, must be 16 years or older and sign a waiver. Those younger than 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver. All games will be held at Biggs Park for just $75 per hour.

The ODR staff will reserve up to 30 balls for a game. They will also brief players on safety, use of the equipment and help officiate the game.

For more information or to reserve a date, call 915-744-1532.

JAN | FEB | MAR

page 39

Role Models

Sulma Soto Amber Livingston Allison Davis Rachel Arizaga Nicole Slattery

!

Friends of Family and MWR This award is given to an individual or organization outside of FMWR that has provided assistance to FMWR.

Rachel Barber Sebastian Fernandez El Paso Art Association

0 TO SUCCESS

Effective Team:

The “Effective Team� award is given to recognize the accomplishments of teams who work together in harmony to produce outstanding results.

Biggs Park Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Edgar Perkins Apolinar Fernandez Avery Guillermo Cecilia Villalobos Salvador Rocha Jr. Tina Lozoya Carlos Reyes Matthew Orlowski Christian Ramos Joshua Cueller Angelina Parris-Wheeler Carlos Garcia Laurence Galvez Maria Estrada Elvira Amey Salvador Rocha Sr. Shane Martin Juan Pablo Contreras Teia Mack Holly Lebejko Jacqueline Ward Brian Sifuentes Daniel Zamora DO NOT Antonio Hyder Meranda Johnson Phillip Grise Charles Floyd Anna Sutton Natira Morden Clinton Good Lovelyn Sosef Lila Barkley Kenneth Guillermo Jennicia Salas

Facility/Program of the Quarter

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Fort Bliss Sports, Fitness and Aquatics Branch JAN | FEB | MAR

Length of Service

Rosa Telly, 20 years Vickie Mccluney, 20 years Jose Holguin, 20 years facebook.com/blissmwr

Taking the Road to Success

Family and MWR holds the Bi-Annual award ceremony, Winner’s Circle, to recognize employees who have provided excellent service for Soldiers. Winner’s Circle is a directorate-level incentive awards program primarily designed to recognized outstanding customer service and teamwork by Family and MWR staff members.

Employees are nominated by their peers, patrons of Family and MWR, outside agencies, or are identified by name in an ICE comment.

Commitment to Excellence

The following employees are “Commitment to Excellence” winners for routinely providing exceptional service to internal and external customers.

Franchesca Casas Jacqueline Herbin Eduardo Gallegos Yvonne Romero Mary Helen Barrientes Christopher Bohn THERE IS ALWAYS MORE THAN JUST

Director’s Choice

Joy Clickener Gilberto Mendez Jade Rosales Isaac Pepper Edgar Perkins

Special Recognition Tabitha Bohn

Humanitarian Award

This award is given to recognize outstanding individuals who have distinguished themselves by conducting an act of humanitarian nature or an act towards saving a human life.

Eric Hickman Ana Escarsega

Kimberlee Cardiel Amy Wilson

Beth Ellis Antonio Cassagnol William Ketcherside

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS IS ALWAYS

UNDER CONSTRUCTION www.bliss.armymwr.com

JAN | FEB | MAR

page 41

MWR FEATURES

Leadership Fort Bliss

Special to Bliss NOW magazine

In today’s fast-paced environment and limited resources it is easy to overlook the importance of leadership development.

However, the Fort Bliss Garrison has made the decision to continue to invest in their workforce in an effort to influence their up and coming leaders for success.

Leadership Fort Bliss is a year-long development program that started two years ago. The second class – who recently graduated in December – had 20 participants representing several garrison organizations across the installation.

For many, it has been an eyeopening experience to realize the sheer complexity of the Garrison, but also an astonishment to see how many people come together on a daily basis to keep the installation functioning.

“The class was partially modeled after a similar program called Leadership El Paso through the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce,” said Shannon Navarro, a cofounder of the program and Chief of Plans, Analysis and Integration Office at Fort Bliss. “In a time of budget and manpower cuts this has been an innovative cost-effective way for participants to gain invaluable insight and knowledge of the command in which they work. Many of us come to work every day and never have the opportunity to see anything outside of our realm of responsibility. This program provides the opportunity to see our garrison in action in addition to receiving phenomenal leadership training from an accredited local university.”

Good leadership development takes a systematic method to build upon the knowlpage 42

Courtesy photos by Plans, Analysis and Integration Office (PAIO)

Above: The Leadership Fort Bliss second class attend a Directorate of Plans, Training and Mobilization Security (DPTMS) Day. Throughout the year the class visited museums, training facilities, recreational activities and rode in a Black Hawk helicopter.

El Paso Museum of Art

Military Police dog demonstration

Directorate of Emergency Services (DES) group

Black Hawk helicopter ride

JAN | FEB | MAR

Soldier Activity Center (SAC) wall climbing

edge of each individual within an organization.

Leadership Fort Bliss used that approach when building this innovative program designed to bring both formal and informal leadership training to the Civilian workforce.

The first step of the program is to apply. The program is open to all Fort Bliss Garrison appropriated and non-appropriated fund employees. Applications are sent out to the workforce by the end of November.

Each application goes through a selection board process, in which the applications are reviewed and scored based on the individual’s response to approximately 10 leadership questions.

The program meets once a month and includes six familiarization days which allow students to engage with several organizations on the installation.

For example, there was a Directorate of Emergency Services day where students were able to gain some hands on experience with the fire department and the military police.

They had a chance to view a demonstration by the military working dogs.

The program also had an MWR day where students toured the Soldier Activity Center, climbed the rock wall, played laser tag at Biggs Park and visited the Aquatics Training Center.

However, one of the most significant parts of the program was having the opportunity to ride in a Black Hawk helicopter. Students received a birds-eye view of the whole Fort Bliss training area and more. This was a once and a lifetime experience for many of them.

Off the installation, students LEADERSHIP Continue on page 48 facebook.com/blissmwr

MWR RECREATION

Photo by FMWR Mickelsen Community Library

Staff and attendees dress up for last year’s Harry Potter Night.

Rachel Arizaga

Mickelsen Community Library

Wizards, witches and muggles, rejoice!

Harry Potter Book Night is returning to the Mickelsen Community Library! Come for a night of magic to celebrate the Harry Potter series in this global event.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the initial publication of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the library will be giving away five complete sets of the Harry Potter Series (along with coloring books, gift cards, calendars and other Harry Potter themed items).

The theme this year is “The Professors

www.bliss.armymwr.com

of Hogwarts.” Come dressed up and select a wand, attend classes at Hogwarts, and participate in the costume contest (awards for best costume in youth and adult categories).

Harry Potter Book Night provides an opportunity to pass the magic on to young readers who haven’t discovered these unforgettable books!

Drop in from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 2 at Mickelsen Community Library while supplies last. It’s intended for ages 8 and older, but all ages are welcome!

There will be contests, costumes, crafts, games, giveaways and more. It’s open to DoD ID card holders. For more information, call 915-568-6156.

JAN | FEB | MAR

page 43

m

Behind the Scenes of FMWR:

ickelsen Community Library

Natalie Hinojos

Family and MWR Marketing

When you imagine a Community library, most people picture a book storage facility with tables and chairs, people reading quietly, and a librarian watching over everyone, “shushing” people if they are too loud. But what most people do not know about OUR library, it’s a place to communicate Library. y it n with people and staff, learn different u m en Com f Mickels o n techniques on the computers or find o ti c e ’s s Children interesting books to read. Let’s take a look “Behind the Scenes” of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) with the Mickelsen Community Library, where fun, ingenuity and vision come to life!

At the Mickelsen Community Library it is anything but a quiet place to be in.

As people walk down the stairs to the e, Lisa Dav . basement of the Non-Commissioned d n a , ft r Bash rson, le Earl Jeffe slime for Monste , Officer (NCO) Academy building, it s n ia ic n ark ch Library teate glow-in-the-d opens up to a whole new world of disre c t, h rig covery. Children and adults can explore the colorful walls of books, movies and video games at the library. Children of all ages are able to attend programs for free such as Story Time, School Age Book Club, Teen Book Club and Paws for Reading. Children and adults also have the opportunity to interact with e tools, crafts, robots and 3D printers in orks on th nician, w n desk. h c te the MakerSpace room. ry circulatio right, libra Tomblin, ickelsen Library .

A Since 1996, Mickelsen Library id v a D r at the M compute has been a tenant at the NCO Academy building and will be moving above ground in 2018.

There are 13 employees working at Mickelsen, who are tasked to do various things such as filing, cataloging, ordering books, conducting instructional tutorials, inventorying, teaching classes and reading to children.

“I help develop the programs ry. for our patrons by planning and ra lib e th Time at ng Story marketing it,” said Rachel Arizaga, ri u d n re child s to

, left, read

Lisa Dave

page 44

JAN | FEB | MAR

librarian at the Mickelsen Community Library. “However, it’s the staff who takes the lead in teaching it and carrying it out.

They put their creative bent on it. We’ll look at it as, ‘let’s offer things that people want to do,’ within the capabilities of our staff.”

Rachel correlates each staff member to a class or program — such as pyrography, crocheting, brushstrokes and more – because of their own creative talents. It’s the imagination of the staff that comes up with many of the ideas to excel.

“While working at the library, you have to be willing to learn new things,” said Earl Jefferson, Mickelsen Community Library technician.

There are a lot of things offered for free to the patrons at Mickelsen such as, Zinio a multi-platform distribution service for digital magazines, with 5,500 magazines from a wide-range of publishers. Video games, movies and television shows can also be checked out – like books – for free.

The library staff attends and hosts many FMWR events throughout the year, one in particular is the Summer Reading Program. It is the biggest initiative for literacy and is sponsored by the Department of Defense. It’s open to all ages and more than 500 patrons participated in the event last year.

One of the many functions of the library is to provide technology to its patrons that may not have the resources available at home like computers, scanners or internet access. Informal instruction is also provided for sending emails, learning databases and Army Learning Management System training digital instructions.

“We do inter-library loans,

MICKELSEN Continue on page 47 facebook.com/blissmwr

Childre particip n and adult annua ate in the s Readinl Summer party g Program Commat Mickelsen unity L ibrary.

Jamie left, ch Buckner, lead li ildren’s technicbrary Becky ian, and library Hillman, partic technician annuaipate in the Regatt l Cardboard Aquati a at the Center.cs Training

From (Top) Rleft to right: Micke achel Ariz Lisa D lsen librarianaga, Jamie ave, (bottom , Stacy Buckner an ) techn Walker, librad annuaician, attend ry at the l Monster Bathe Tradin g Post.sh

Adult of Mic section Librarykelsen maga provides puter azines, comacces nd internet gamess, video and m , movies ore.

www.bliss.armymwr.com

JAN | FEB | MAR

page 45

Invest in Fort Bliss

Family and MWR

Photos by FMWR Marketing

Sponsors attend various events throughout the year supporting Soldiers and their Families with Family and MWR.

Marlo Brestar

Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) Fort Bliss is home to more offers an array of sponsorship than 33,000 service members. and advertising opportunities, that will benefit any company Combine that number with looking for this one of a Family members, Retirees and Civilian employees, our kind exposure in the military community. population is over 165,000 When you contribute to strong.

FMWR you are giving directly If you are a business not to the Soldiers and Families currently advertising at Fort Bliss, you are missing out on of Fort Bliss. Our goal is to a huge opportunity. Fort Bliss provide programs, services Family and MWR Marketing

and activities to enrich their lives culturally and creatively.

By partnering with FMWR, you can help enhance and add to the Morale, Welfare and Recreational services we provide to our unique and deserving military Families.

It is our mission to ensure you receive the full value from your investment in FMWR. We have packages for all budgets and will cater

specifically to your business needs. As partners, we want the relationship to be mutually beneficial and rewarding for us all.

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

2017 AER Campaign Season is here

Ana Hernandez

Financial Readiness Program Manager

Army Emergency Relief (AER) announces the 2017 campaign that will run from March 1 through May 15. The goal is to create greater awareness of the benefits of AER, as well as, providing Soldiers the opportunity to help their fellow Soldiers.

Over the last several years AER has made significant changes to meet the needs of today’s Army. New categories of assistance include HVAC repair, essential furniture, essential appliances and dependent dental care, among others. The latest policy change allows all Soldiers, regardless of rank, direct access to AER page 46

assistance with some exceptions that will apply.

The online application is the most recent assistance process change, participants can go online at www.aerhq. org to begin.

“Never Leaving a Soldier in Need is in keeping with the Army’s core values,” said AER’s Director, retired Army Lt. Gen. Robert Foley.

“Whether the need is money for a Soldier’s emergency leave, new brakes for the Family car or to cover the initial rent deposit on a new apartment, AER is there! To maintain this level of assistance

JAN | FEB | MAR

today, donations from Soldiers, active and retired, are essential to ensure the legacy of Soldiers Helping Soldiers.”

Army Emergency Relief is a private non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to Soldiers, active and retired, and their Families.

Since it was founded in 1942, AER has provided more than $1.7 billion to more than 3.6 million Soldiers and Families. Last year AER provided more than $71 million dollars in assistance to nearly 47,000 Soldiers and Families which includes $7.9 million for 4,149

scholarships to Spouses and Children of Soldiers. In fact scholarship applications are now being accepted through May 1, 2017, to apply visit www.aerhq.org.

Soldiers needing AER assistance can contact their unit Chain of Command, go to ACS Bldg. 2494 Ricker Road, call 915-569-4227, ext. 1 or visit www.aerhq.org.

Soldiers wishing to contribute, may do so through their Unit AER Project Officer or online at www.aerhq.org. Civilians, who want to contribute, can write a check or go online.

For more information, visit bliss.armymwr.com, search “AER” or follow us at Facebook.com/AERHQ. facebook.com/blissmwr

MWR CONTINUED STORIES

IMMIGRATION Continued from page 20

Paso Field Office held military naturalization ceremonies at Fort Bliss on Independence Day and Veterans Day.

BACKGROUND

Special provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) authorize USCIS to expedite the naturalization process for current members of the U.S. Armed Forces, selected reserve of the Ready Reserves and Veterans.

In general, only citizens and lawful permanent residents – green-card holders – of the United States may enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces and only U.S. citizens may become officers.

Under special provisions in Section 329 of the INA, the President signed an executive order, authorizing all noncitizens who have served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces on or after Sept.

11, 2001, to immediately file for citizenship. This order also covers veterans of certain designated past wars and conflicts.

QUALIFICATIONS

A member of the U.S. Army must meet the following requirements and qualifications to become a citizen of the United States. A member must have good moral character, have knowledge of the English language, knowledge of U.S. government and history, and an attachment to the United States by taking an Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. Constitution.

All Soldiers going through basic training, or technical school, are considered active duty personnel for the naturalization process. In addition, military orders greater than 30 days also qualify for the expedited naturalization process. Proof of service through a DD-214 is required for expedited service.

HOW TO APPLY

Every military installation has a designated point-of-contact, generally in the personnel division or the Judge Advocate General’s Office. The packet includes an application for Naturalization: USCIS Form N-400 and request for Certification of Military or Naval Service: USCIS Form N-426.

For more information about the naturalization process for servicemembers and their Families, visit www.USCIS. gov/military or call 1-877-CIS-4MIL. www.bliss.armymwr.com

Photos by Natalie Hinojos/ FMWR Marketing

From left to right: Children attend School Age Book Club, Paws for Reading and visit the MakerSpace room provided at Mickelsen Community Library.

MICKELSEN

Continued from page 44

if people can’t find something here, we work with other libraries around the world, who might have it,” said Rachel. “We recently had something from England that we borrowed and returned along with a postcard, saying ‘Thank you for lending us this book.’ ” Additionally, behind the scenes, employees work diligently to order new books to stock up for their readers.

Once the books have been ordered and delivered, they are catalogued into the system.

Employees with coding experience ensure all the books are properly labeled and then placed on the shelves

accordingly. It is tedious work for the staff, but it takes time and effort to make sure all items are catalogued properly.

If there are overdue items, the staff has to create and process a report, and notify patrons or, if necessary, their chain of command about overdue items. There are no late fees, however, if readers lose the item they must pay for it.

Rachel and her staff work hard to give patrons the atmosphere of a community couch, where people gather around to create, mingle and learn different things at the Mickelsen Community Library.

In the Bliss NOW Spring issue we will be going “Behind the Scenes” with Child and Youth Services as we celebrate Month of the Military Child in April.

VOLUNTEER Continued from page 19

and volunteers.”

Through this experience, Albert expanded his horizons to new opportunities.

“One of the big things that helped me was joining volunteer groups and mining for information from the seasoned volunteers,” said Albert. “There are people who have gone to ten or fifteen Olympic games and they are full of all the secret knowledge about commemorative pins, country (team) houses, special events, discounts, meet and greets

Courtesy photo by Albert Alvarez/FMWR Outdoor Recreation

Albert, back row center, poses with his entire volunteer team in their uniforms at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

and venues.”

He urges people to volunteer and plans to join the next upcoming Olympics.

“I would recommend

this to everyone. The experience and people alone far exceeded my expectations and I’m ready to sign up for 2020 in Japan,” said Albert.

JAN | FEB | MAR

page 47

MWR CONTINUED STORIES

EFMP

Continued from page 31

pants who may be eligible.

This may include federal and state services such as Child & Youth Services, Medicaid, TRICARE ECHO Respite Care, or other community resources that may require Families to pay out of pocket.

To contact the Army Com-

REGISTRATION Continued from page 27

to calculate household income with categories ranging from 1 to 9.

The category level is used to calculate your monthly payments. If they are not among the paperwork provided at your appointment, your fee level will automatically default to the most expensive level, category 9. Parents can get a 30 day waiver for nonsports health assessments.

It’s not the easiest process

munity Service EFMP Office, call 915-569-4227, ext.

5, Monday – Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., except Federal Holidays.

For more information and to register for EFMP events, visit www.bliss.armymwr.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com, search EFMP Fort Bliss. but doing things right sometimes takes extra time. Making sure your children are well cared for is our top priority and we can do that if we have the right tools.

Our best advice is to make an appointment, ask questions, and pick up the paperwork ahead of time. Walk into your appointment with everything ready and you’ll be registered in no time.

For more information and to make an appointment, call 915-568-4374 or visit online at www.bliss.armymwr.com.

HOLIDAYS

Continued from page 32

15 years to pay it off. The consumer should trim expenses; such as, dining out, energy drinks and entertainment in order to increase the monthly surplus. In return, payoff time would be reduced from 15 years to 3 years, not to mention the savings on interest. Small sacrifices can make a huge impact on your financial success.

According to “Personal Finance in your 20s,” by Eric Tyson, it states, “what you spend your money on is sometimes a matter of habit rather than a matter of what you really want or value.”

Income tax season is upon us and a vast majority of our servicemen and women receive income tax returns.

Before going out and spending money, visit ACS and talk with a Fort Bliss Financial Readiness specialist

for guidance and counseling.

“A personal wealth-creation strategy is based on specific goals. Key points to remember with the development of your goals, be realistic; establish time frames; devise a plan; and be flexible; goals can change,” stated in “Building Wealth, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.”

Regardless of your age it is never too late to start saving.

Join our Financial Readiness team in 2017 to make your pledge to reduce debt and build savings. Financial Readiness will be offering classes on post as well as throughout the city of El Paso.

Contact the Fort Bliss Financial Readiness team if you would like us to come out to your unit/FRG. This is a great opportunity to gain financial knowledge that will help achieve your personal financial goals.

For more information, call 915-569-8376.

LEADERSHIP Continued from page 42

had three 12-hour sessions at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), as students learned about different types of leadership, to include how to be an effective leader. They listened to the instructor’s experiences about what they have learned and gained over their time in leadership positions.

“Leadership Fort Bliss has been instrumental in my growth and development as a leader,” said Beth Ellis, manager of the Exceptional Family Member Program.

“Many times we see a large scale exercise or post-wide event that has taken place without realizing all the collaboration it took between multiple directorates, units and agencies to pull it off effortlessly.

Leadership Fort Bliss gave us that peek behind the curtain, and I feel that this experience has been invaluable.”

On the El Paso familiarization days, students were able to sit down with El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser as he talked about the importance of El Paso and Fort Bliss working together, and how leadership plays a huge role in that dynamic.

Students also toured several museums page 48

JAN | FEB | MAR

Photos by Plans, Analysis and Integration Office

Leadership Fort Bliss students pose in front of the El Paso Water Utilities statue of Willie the Water Drop.

such as Region 19 Intellizeum, El Paso digital wall, the Paul Foster School of Medicine and Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing and the Chamizal National Monument.

“I know when I say this I am speaking for most of my fellow participants,” said Sarrah Morgan, marketing assistant for Family and MWR Marketing department.

“This program has taught us a lot about ourselves. It has forced us to look at our personality strengths and weaknesses. It really has given us the tools that we need to not only be better leaders, but to be better people.”

Cher Poehlein, Leadership Fort Bliss student, puts on a firefighters suit during Directorate of Emergency Services day.

Leadership Fort Bliss class pose for a picture at Region 19 Intellizeum.

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JAN | FEB | MAR

page 49

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WORK AVE

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Fire Emergencies Housing Areas Military Police Ambulance Information Operator

VICTORY A

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500B Adjutant General 45 American Red Cross 7060 Armed Services YMCA 2494 Army Community Service Automotive Skills Center/Auto Crafts 820 Bowling Center/Desert Strike Lanes 2949 197 Car Wash 448 Chaplain 1730 Child Development Center, Main PIERCE AVE Child Development Center, Replica 5036 504B Civilian Personnel Office 1717 Commissary 250 Community Pool 11 Family and MWR Headquarters 250 Family Resilience Center 820 Framing Bliss Freedom Crossing Post Exchange, Grand Theatre Third-party Shops 1741 18 Garrison Command BUREN AVE 7777 19VAN Hospital: WBAMC 7777 Information 7777 Ambulance MONROE AVE 7777 Appointments 7777 Red Cross 1991 20 Housing: On-Post/Balfour Beatty 1741 21 Housing: Off-Post 1744 22McKINLEY IHG Army AVE Hotels at Fort Bliss 505 23 In-Processing/Welcome Center 8 24 Inspector General 2996 25 Ironworks Gym West 1611 26 LTS Kiosk at Freedom Crossing 1991 27 Kelly Park 113 28 Legal Assistance 1310 29 Dunkin’ Donuts FORT BLVD 2 30 Mickelsen Community Library 2499 31 Milam Fitness Center 1735 32 Old Ironsides Museum 5054 33 Old Fort Bliss Replica 2968 34 Omar Bradley Softball Complex 1743 35 Parent Central/CYSS Registration 1733 36 Post Office 37 POV Car Resale Lot 1334 38 Recycling Center 5035 39 Replica Aquatic Center 131 40 SKIESUnlimited Gymnastic Center 2010 41 School-Age Center, Bliss 5037 42 Replica Youth Center 43 Soldier and Family Assistance Center 887 2496 44 Soldier and Family Medical Clinic 2930 45 Stout Physical Fitness Center 241 46 Survivor Outreach Services 262 47 Tennis Club & Fitness Zone Transportation 505 48 Inbound ALTURA AVE Transportation 503B 49 Outbound Transportation 1717 50 Trading Post RICHMOND AVE Fort Bliss Thrift Shop Junior Enlisted Family Center 2408 51 USO 503A 52 Vehicle Registration 6077 53 Veterinary Services 195 54 Youth Sports Plex AURORA AVE 243 55 Pershing Pub 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

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CENTRAL FORT BLISS CENTRAL FORT BLISS LEGEND No.

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17

Organization

Aquatics Training Facility Biggs Express Biggs Park Biggs Physical Fitness Center Centennial Club Catering Dining Room/Samuel Adams Pub Metro Bingo Bar Child Development Center, Central Bliss Child Development Center, Milam Community Center Troop Store East Bliss Mini Mall Ironworks Gym East Military Police Station School-Age Center, Milam Soldier Activity Center BOSS Headquarters Leisure Travel Services (LTS) Library Outdoor Recreation Unit Funds Soto Physical Fitness Center Wi-Fi in snack bar area only Youth Center, Milam USO/FirstLight Federal Credit Union USO FirstLight Federal Credit Union U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy Warrior Gym (Quartermaster Road)

Bldg.

Telephone

20733 11284 11388 11251 11199

(915) 741-5901 (915) 562-8442 (915) 744-8087 (915) 744-8730 (915) 744-8427 (915) 744-1711

20707 11896 20752 13471 T20700 20709 11898 20732

20751 10960 20727

(915) 744-8427 (915) 744-3731 (915) 744-7879 (915) 799-3156 (915) 566-5479 (915) 744-8697 (915) 744-9311 (915) 744-2274 (915) 744-1532 (915) 744-1525 (915) 744-1522 (915) 744-1534 (915) 744-1532 (915) 744-5105 (915) 744-5788 (915) 744-5792 (915) 744-2449

11291

(915) 744-5105 (915) 744-2278 (915) 744-8009

21145

(915) 741-5930

WENDOVER

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17

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4

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page 53

MWRDIRECTORY

Give Us

A CALL

OR VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.BLISS.ARMYMWR.COM

Army Community Service

Food, Leisure & Entertainment

ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE 2494 Ricker Road 915-569-4227 Army Emergency Relief 915-569-4227, ext. 1 Financial Readiness 915-569-4227, ext. 2 Employment Readiness 915-569-5838 Family Advocacy Program 915-568-9129 Exceptional Family Member Program 915-569-4227, ext. 5 Relocation Readiness 915-569-4227, ext. 6 Army Volunteer Corps.

915-569-4227, ext. 7 Army Family Action Plan 915-569-2672 FAMILY RESILIENCE CENTER 250 Club Road Army Family Team Building Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Master Resilience Training Mobilization Deployment Support Stability Operations 915-569-5500 SOLDIER & FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER 887 Marshall Road 915-568-6879 SURVIVOR OUTREACH SVCS 241 Sheridan Road 915-568-5970

DESERT STRIKE LANES 2949 Carter Road 915-568-6272 Strike Zone Lounge 915-568-6272 LEISURE TRAVEL SERVICES (LTS) Freedom Crossing LTS 915-569-6446 Soldier Activity Center LTS 915-744-1522

OLD FORT BLISS REPLICA 5054 Pershing Road 915-588-8482 PERSHING PUB, PACE HALL 243 Club Road 915-781-6809 ROD & GUN CLUB 3730 Roy Johnson Lane 915-568-2983 The Bulls-eye Bar & Grill 915-568-2983 RV PARK 4130 Ellerthorpe Road 915-568-0106

AUTO CRAFTS 820 Marshall Road 915-568-7280 BIGGS PARK 11388 Sgt. Major Blvd.

915-744-8984

SPECIAL EVENTS 11 Pershing Road 915-588-8247

CENTENNIAL BANQUET & CONFERENCE CENTER 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill Street 915-744-1171 BINGO 915-744-8427 Catering 915-744-9330 Samuel Adams Pub 915-744-8427

UNDERWOOD GOLF COMPLEX 3200 Coe Avenue 915-568-1059 The Golden Tee Restaurant 915-568-1116

page 54

INTRAMURAL SPORTS Soto PFC, 20751 Constitution Avenue 915-744-5785

SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICE 505B Pershing Road, Room 135 915-569-5064

PHYSICAL FITNESS CENTERS Biggs, 11251 Biggs Street 915-744-8730 Ironworks Central, T20700 Anzio Way 915-744-5201 Ironworks West, 2996 Cassidy Road 915-568-2892 Logan Heights, 4797 Ellerthorpe Road 915-568-5198 Milam, 2499 Cassidy Road 915-568-7318 Soto, 20751 Constitution Avenue 915-744-5788 Stout, 2930 Cassidy Road 915-568-3264 Tennis Club/Fitness Zone, 262 Club Road 915-569-5448 Warrior Gym, 21145 Quartermaster Road 915-741-5930

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS East Bliss, 20707 Kasserine Way 915-744-2731 Logan, 3500 Story Street 915-568-3989 Main, 1730 Haan Road 915-568-5689 Milam, 11896 Haan Road 915-744-7877 Replica, 5036 Sheridan Road 915-569-7196

LIBRARY Mickelsen, 2E Sheridan Road 915-568-1902 SAC, 20732 Constitution Avenue 915-744-1534

Sports, Fitness & Aquatics

PARENT CENTRAL SERVICES 1743 Victory Avenue 915-568-4374

FAMILY CHILD CARE 5036 Sheridan Road - Inside Replica CDC 915-568-4198

SOLDIER ACTIVITY CTR (SAC) 20732 Constitution Avenue 915-744-1522 Outdoor Recreation & Equipment Rental 915-744-1532 Better Opportunites for Single Soldiers 915-526-4264

Food, Leisure & Entertainment

Child & Youth Services

SCHOOL AGE CENTERS Bliss, 2012 Sheridan Road 915-568-2178 Logan, 3505 Ellerthorpe Road 915-569-5779 Milam, 11898 Haan Road 915-744-2274

AQUATICS TRAINING CENTER 20733 Constitution Avenue 915-741-5901

SKIESUnlimited 3508 Ellerthorpe Road 915-568-8336 Gymnastics Ctr, 131 Doniphan Road 915-568-5544

COMMUNITY POOL* 253 Club Road 915-568-4825

YOUTH ACTIVITY CENTERS Replica, 5037 Sheridan Road 915-568-5437 Milam, 10960 Haan Road 915-744-2449

BIGGS SPLASH PARK* 11388 Sgt. Major Blvd.

915-744-8087

REPLICA AQUATIC CENTER* (Closed for renovations) 5035 Dickman Road 915-568-7431 SAC OUTDOOR POOL* 20732 Constitution Avenue 915-744-1532

YOUTH SPORTS PLEX 195 Chaffee Road 915-568-2617/2475 YOUTH EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES 505B Pershing Road 915-568-2784

WARRIOR ZONE - *SPRING 2017* 21171 Medic Avenue

JAN | FEB | MAR

*Indicates a facility is seasonal

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JAN | FEB | MAR

page 55

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

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

PAYMENTS AS LOW AS $199/down and $199/month NO HIDDEN FEES!

Free rides to and from Ft. Bliss 1-10 & Redd Rd

1-10 & Lee Trevino call us (915) 845-8001

rudolphcars.com/military page 56

JAN | FEB | MAR

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