¡blissNOW! Summer 2013 by Fort Bliss Family and MWR

splash into summer hotter days | cooler fun | make a splash with family and mwr

s u m m e r 2013

w w w. b l i s s m w r . c o m

• NAME BRAND FURNITURE • TABLETS & COMPUTERS • HOME ELECTRONICS • MAJOR APPLIANCES • CAR ACCESSORIES • JEWELRY & MORE! ®

ACTIV E DUTY

• EASY FINANCING • GET PRE-APPROVED ONLINE! • PAYROLL & ALLOTMENT PLANS • IMMEDIATE DELIVERY • POWER OF ATTORNEY ACCEPTED • SUPERIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE ED

PROV P A MILITARY S Y AND GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES ALWA

EL PASO - 1430 NORTH LEE TREVINO DR. 915-591-3143 / 1-877-787-4177 FLETCHER’S JEWELERS - CIELO VISTA MALL 8401 GATEWAY BLVD. / 915-771-7300

WHY RENT WHEN YOU CAN OWN? STORE HOURS: MON-SAT 10AM-9PM • SUN 12PM-6PM WWW.USADISCOUNTERS.NET • WWW.FLETCHERSJEWELERS.COM Jewelry enlarged to show detail and may not always be exactly as pictured. No Federal endorsement of sponsor is implied.

one world. one voice. one magazine.

SUMMER 2013

VOLUME NINE • ISSUE THREE

one great staff. COMMANDING GENERAL Maj. Gen. Dana J.H. Pittard GARRISON COMMANDER Col. Brant V. Dayley FAMILY & MWR DIRECTOR Melinda S. Sorrell ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE Nancy Thomas-Mainor BUSINESS OPERATIONS Ronald Telles CHILD, YOUTH & SCHOOL SERVICES Pat Smith NAF SUPPORT MANAGER Indri O’Hara RECREATION & SPORTS Eric Hildreth SPECIAL EVENTS William Ketcherside MARKETING COORDINATOR Heather Wilburn

4 calendar july 8 calendar august 12 calendar september 15 recognition Family and MWR 17 recognition SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT 19 around mwr CUSTOMER SERVICE 20 feature essay contest 24 clubs FOOD & FUN 29 recreation old fort bliss 30 recreation SOUTHWEST ADVENTURE 32 recreation sports & fitness 34 family cyss 39 community acs

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

MARKETING ASSISTANTS Tiffany Kurak Meredith McLean GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Kenny Broomfield Raymond Sanchez COMMERCIAL SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR Jenny Daugherty ADVERTISING SPECIALIST Jennifer Badr 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: 30,000 quarterly The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Army, Department of Defense or federal government. The information in this issue is current at the time of publication; activities and events are subject to change without notice. For more information, please call the individual facilities. Family and MWR Marketing is located in Building 12, Pershing Road, Fort Bliss, TX 79916 and may be reached by calling (915) 568-6741.

www.blissmwr.com

Family & MWR Director’s Comments If you’ve stepped outside in the past 30 days, you already know that summer is officially here. The sun is shining, the temperatures are climbing and – let’s face it – it’s hot out there. Great news: Family and MWR offers a variety of ways to keep cool! Take a dip in one of our fantastic aquatics facilities. Don’t miss the crown jewel: the newly-opened Aquatics Training Center, which boasts three bodies of water to accommodate everything from Soldier training to family fun. This state-of-the-art facility is the first of its kind in the Army, and we’re incredibly proud to lead the way here at Fort Bliss. Speaking of cool, have you heard about the laser light show that’s part of this year’s Pop Goes the Fort festivities? We’re excited to partner with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra for the third consecutive year, and the laser show gives us something that no other celebration in El Paso will have to offer. This family-friendly event is free – bring your picnic baskets out and enjoy an evening of amazing music and proud patriotism. If your children think it’s too hot to be outdoors, we’ve got the cure to their summertime blues. Staying inside doesn’t mean your kids have to stay glued to the television – our Child, Youth and School Services programs offer a variety of summer camps that will involve and engage your youth. School-Age Services, the Middle School and Teen Program, Youth Sports and SKIESUnlimited all have day-camp options, so there’s no excuse for boredom! It has been my distinct pleasure to serve for many years with the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation. It is now time for me “to get out there” and have some fun. I am sure that whoever the next director is, you will be in good hands and continue the important work we all do to support our Soldiers, family members and retirees. Hooah! Melinda Sorrell

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2013 • 3

calendar JULY

photos by heather wilburn \\ family and mwr marketing

Celebrate Independence Day with Family and MWR and the El Paso Symphony Orchestra! The third annual Pop Goes the Fort celebration is set for Thursday, July 4 at Biggs Park. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the music begins at 7:30 p.m., with El Paso’s only Independence Day laser light show following the performance. In addition to the musical entertainment, Fort Bliss family readiness groups will be on hand to provide games and crafts for a nominal fee; all money raised will benefit FRGs. Guests are welcome to bring picnic baskets and coolers; however, glass containers and outside alcoholic beverages are not allowed. A food truck food court will also be available. There is no ATM at Biggs Park – be sure to bring cash for games, crafts and vendors. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. Pets are prohibited. Pop Goes the Fort is generously sponsored by FirstLight Federal Credit Union, Casa Ford Lincoln Nissan, USAA, Bravo, USA Discounters, Omni and Viva Auto Group. AT&T is the official telecommunications sponsor of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra’s 4th of July celebration. Biggs Park is located at 11138 Sergeant Major Blvd. on East Fort Bliss. For more information on Pop Goes the Fort, call (915) 568-6741.

4 • Summer 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

www.blissmwr.com

PGA Family Golf Month July 1-31 • Underwood Golf Complex Wagon Trails Market

PGA Family Golf Month

through july 31

Every Friday • 4-6pm • Old Fort Bliss Pop Goes the Fort July 4 • Gates open at 5pm • Biggs Park Tube the River with Southwest Adventure July 6 • Rio Grande • New Mexico Family Day at the Wall July 11 • 10am-8pm • Soldier Activity Center Bunco: Night of Elegance July 11 • 6pm • Pershing Pub Individual Aquathlon July 12 • 6:30am • Replica Aquatic Center Biggs Laser Tag July 12 • 8pm • Biggs Park

July is PGA Family Golf Month, and at Underwood Golf Complex that means spouses and children, with valid military ID, pay no greens fees when they play with their active-duty service member. The family that golfs together, stays together; pack up the spouse, the kids and the clubs and join us for great family fun on a budget. This offer is not valid on federal holidays or with any other offer. Underwood Golf Complex is located at 3200 Coe Ave., near the Logan Heights housing area. For more information, visit blissmwr.com/golf call (915) 568-1059.

calendar JULY

julyevents

Family Day at the Wall

Commander’s Cup Golf Championship July 12-14 • Underwood Golf Complex Bunco: Charlie’s Angels (70s theme) July 18 • 6pm • Pershing Pub Right Arm Night July 19 • 5pm • Pershing Pub Family Car Camping with Southwest Adventure July 20-21 • White Sands National Monument, N.M. Army Community Service’s 48th Birthday (See page 39) July 25 • 7:30am-4:30pm • Army Community Service Bunco: Bunco in Paradise July 25 • 6pm • Pershing Pub MWR Open Golf Tournament July 26 • 9am • Underwood Golf Complex Biggs Laser Tag July 26 • 8pm • Biggs Park Chili Cook-Off July 27 • 10am • Rod and Gun Club PK-12 Education Fair July 30 • 8:30-11:30am • Centennial

www.blissmwr.com

If you’ve been waiting for a chance to take on the wall at the Soldier Activity Center, here’s your opportunity: Family Day is here, and the wall is open to all climbers age 6 and older! Family Day at the Wall runs from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, July 11, as well as August 8 and September 12. Family Day is free; climbing is available on

a first-come, firstserved basis. Time limits may be instituted if demand is high The Soldier Activity Center is located at 20732 Constitution Ave. on East Fort Bliss. For more information, visit blissmwr. com or call (915) 744-1532.

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2013 • 5

calendar JULY

Wagon Trails Market at Old Fort Bliss

Anne marie bond detavernier | old fort bliss replica

EVERY

FRIDAY

Right Arm Night Frid

through September 27

Shop for crafts, services, food items and more at the Wagon Trails Market at Old Fort Bliss. From 4-6 p.m. every Friday through September 27 (except those associated with a federal holiday weekend), head to the Old Fort Bliss Replica at the corner of Pershing and Pleasonton for a fun family shopping experience. Browse vendors, enjoy entertainment and find a great way to spend a Friday evening ... you might even find something to take home for dinner! Recent vendors have included everything from jam to jewelry, along with handcrafted signs, birdhouses and more. Vendors and entertainers of all sorts are welcome to contact the replica’s education program manager for more information on setting up at the market. The Old Fort Bliss Replica is located at 5054 Pershing Road on West Fort Bliss, at the intersection with Pleasonton. For more information, visit blissmwr.com/oldfortbliss or call (915) 568-4518 or (915) 588-8482.

blissm

wr.co m

Great drink specia ls!

ay, July 1

RIGHT ARM

Show your “right arm” how much Pershing you appreciate 243 Club Pub their service durRo INSIDE HIS Bring you ing Right Arm TORIC PA ad r CE HALL camarad “Right Arm” and er en ie jo , free snac y Night, starting In ks and g a night of formatio re at drink sp n: 915.56 ecials! at 5 p.m. Friday, 8.6272 July 19 at Pershing Pub. The event is hosted by Fort Bliss Garrison Command. Right Arm Night allows Soldiers to spend time together outside of the workplace. Show your “right arm” your appreciation, and enjoy a night of camaraderie, free snacks and great music. Drink specials include $2 wells and $2.75 Shock Top drafts. Pershing Pub is located at 243 Club Road on West Fort Bliss. For more information, call (915) 568-6272.

9 • 5pm

NIGHT

Find us on Facebook! facebook.com/blissmwr Follow us on Twitter! twitter.com/blissmwr 6 • Summer 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

MWR Open Tournament Get into the swing of things with the MWR Open Tournament Friday, July 26 at Underwood Golf Complex. Hosted by Family and MWR and Garrison Command, the MWR Open is open to all. Bring your friends to compete in this four-person scramble tournament, or register on your own and get teamed with other players. Entry costs $40 per player and includes green fees, cart rental, range balls and lunch. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places, and closest to the pin. Play will begin with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. on the Sunrise Course. Underwood Golf Complex is located at 3200 Coe Ave., near the Logan Heights housing area. For more information, call (915) 568-1059.

www.blissmwr.com

calendar AUGUST

S V

WITH

STARS IN STEREO AND MORE!

ROCK FORT 8 • Summer 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

You’re ready to rock ... but are you ready for P.O.D., Flyleaf, Stars in Stereo and more when Rock the Fort returns to Biggs Park Saturday, August 3? Admission to Rock the Fort is free. Gates open at 4 p.m. No outside food or beverages are permitted. Coolers, glass containers, alcohol and pets are also prohibited. There is no ATM at Biggs Park – bring cash to take advantage of food, beverage and merchandise vendors. Enjoy the ever-popular Rock the Fort Beer Garden for just $10 and receive 10 beer samples and preferred tent seating. Only guests age 21 and older, with valid ID, are permitted in the beer garden. No children or strollers are allowed. Rock the Fort is generously sponsored by Casa Ford Lincoln Nissan, USA Discounters, Viva Autogroup, USAA and Bravo. While you’re there, don’t miss the fifth annual Rock the Fort Car and Bike Show, presented by Western Technical College. Entry and registration are free! Download the entry form from blissmwr. com and pre-register by emailing mwrspecialevents@gmail.com. To learn more, visit blissmwr.com or call (915) 588-8247.

www.blissmwr.com

PGA Driving Range Month

August 1-31 • Underwood Golf Complex 10-Miler in the Heat August 3 • 7am • Soto Physical Fitness Center Rock the Fort August 3 • 4-10pm • Biggs Park Bienvenidos a Bliss Relocation Fair August 7 • 1-5pm • Centennial Open Shooting League August 7 • 4-8pm • Rod and Gun Club Family Day at the Wall August 8 • 10am-8pm • Soldier Activity Center Bunco: Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend

PGA Driving Range Month August is PGA Driving Range Month, and at Underwood Golf Complex that means when you buy one bucket of range balls, you get one free! There’s no better time to brush up on your swing. Underwood Golf Complex is located at 3200 Coe Ave., near the Logan Heights housing area. For more information, visit blissmwr.com/golf call (915) 568-1059.

month of august

calendar AUGUST

augustevents

August 8 • 6pm • Pershing Pub Biggs Laser Tag August 9 • 8pm • Biggs Park Come on Down! Hiking + Rappelling with Southwest Adventure August 10 • Organ Mountains, Las Cruces, N.M. Hawaiian Luau August 10 • noon-5pm • Rod and Gun Club Commander’s Cup Mini Golf Championship August 13-15 • Kelly Park Mini Golf Course Open Shooting League August 14 • 4-8pm • Rod and Gun Club Fort Bliss Hiring Fair August 15 • 9am-1pm • Centennial Bunco: Cowgirl Round-Up August 15 • 6pm • Pershing Pub Family Car Camping with Southwest Adventure August 17-18 • White Sands National Monument, N.M. Commander’s Cup Flag Football League Begins August 19 • Omar Bradley Sports Complex Open Shooting League August 21 • 4-8pm • Rod and Gun Club Bunco: Bunco and the City August 22 • 6pm • Pershing Pub MWR Open Golf Tournament August 23 • 9am • Underwood Golf Complex Biggs Laser Tag August 23 • 8pm • Biggs Park Tower Day at Tango Tower August 24 • 10am-4:30pm • Tango Tower at Biggs Park High Stakes Bingo August 24 • 7pm • Centennial Commander’s Cup Indoor Soccer League Begins August 26 • Biggs Physical Fitness Center Open Shooting League August 28 • 4-8pm • Rod and Gun Club Gold Rush with Southwest Adventure August 30-September 2 • Northern New Mexico

heather wilburn \\ family and mwr marketing

Bienvenidos a Bliss Relocation Fair The Bienvenidos a Bliss Relocation Fair is scheduled for 1-5 p.m. Wednesday, August 7 at the Centennial. The event gives newcomers a chance to get the scoop on their surroundings. The fair showcases services provided by Army Community Service, Family and MWR and various post support agencies, along with community resources, volunteer opportunities and more.

More than 200 on and off post agencies will be present to provide information. An Armed Services Blood Program blood drive, William Beaumont Army Medical Center health fair, volunteer fair, entertainment and more are just part of the fun. The Centennial is located at 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St. on East Fort Bliss. For more information, call (915) 5694227.

Fort Bliss Hiring Fair

The Employment Readiness Program at Army Community Service will host the Fort Bliss Hiring Fair Thursday, August 15. The fair will take place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Centennial, and is open to active-duty military, family members, retirees and DoD/ DA ID card holders only. Guests must present a military ID card to participate. The Centennial is located at 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St. on East Fort Bliss. For information, call (915) 569-5838.

family and mwr marketing photo

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2013 • 9

calendar AUGUST

High Stakes Bingo Bingo Bar. Play for your share of $12,000 in cash. Each winning game pays at least $500, and there are two jackpots – one $2,000 and one $3,000 – up for grabs! Doors open at 5 p.m. and early-bird games begin at 6:30 p.m. The regular bingo session will begin at 7 p.m. Buy-ins cost $60 each for 14 games and include a Mexican dinner buffet that will run from 5-6:30 p.m. Pre-sale tickets and electronics will be available July 6. Electronics are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets can be purchased at the Centennial, located at 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St. on East Fort Bliss. Buy your ticket early – space is limited to the first 150 people. For more information, visit blissmwr. com/bingo or call (915) 744-1171.

Family car camping trip

24 heather wilburn \\ family and mwr marketing

Want to win a little extra cash just in time to celebrate the end of summer? Check out High Stakes Bingo Saturday, August 24 at the Centennial’s Metro

Open shooting league BEGINS

august

Set your sights on winning! The Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club has lined up to bring you Fort Bliss’ first open shooting league. Matches begin Wednesday, August 7 and will feature trap on odd days and skeet on event. The league is open to all shooters age 12 and older and costs $20 per day for 50 targets. Youth ages 12-17 must complete the range safety course before participating. Matches will take place from 4-8 p.m. August 7, August 14,

August 21, August 28, September 4 and September 11, with a final shoot-off set for September 18. The Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club is located at 3730 Roy Johnson Lane in northeast El Paso. For more information, visit blissmwr.com/rodadngun or call (915) 565-4867.

Load up your family and head out to experience one of nature’s wonders when you join Southwest Adventure for a camping excursion to New Mexico’s White Sands National Monument Saturday, August 17. For just $10 per person or $35 per family, campers will enjoy games in the sand, camping under the stars, hamburgers and hot dogs and any camping equipment required. The fee covers equipment rental and a dinner cookout. Campers will provide their own transportation and meet at the park. You may have to pay additional park entry fees. Active-duty military are eligible for free annual national park passes. Visit nps.gov for more information. Tickets must be purchased in advance and can be obtained at the Soldier Activity Center, located at 20732 Constitution Ave. on East Fort Bliss. Catch up with Southwest Adventure on Facebook at facebook.com/blissodr. For more information, visit blissmwr.com/southwestadventure or call (915) 744-1532.

REDSTONE—IT’S LIKE COMING HOME. The transition to civilian life can be challenging, but it’s easier when you share it with fellow veterans. That’s where Redstone College comes in—approximately 40% of our instructors and 1/3 of our students are veterans. Earn a degree and launch a career in just 18 months or less in one of these in-demand fields: Advanced Electronics Technology

17 southwest adventure photo

Airframe & Powerplant

CONTACT Redstone College today at 800 888 3995. Ask for Military Admissions, or visit us at redstone.edu.

Redstone College – Denver East is an additional location of Redstone College – Denver. All Redstone College campuses are nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). Not all programs available at all campuses. © 2013 Alta Colleges, Inc.

10 • Summer 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

www.blissmwr.com

calendar SEPTEMBER

German-American Oktoberfest Night Run

Get out your running shoes and head over to Freedom Crossing Saturday, September 14 for the 20th annual GermanAmerican Oktoberfest Night Run, presented by FirstLight Federal Credit Union, the German Air Force Air Defense Center and Family and MWR. You don't have to be a runner to enjoy the event. Pre-race activities start at 4 p.m. and include the sale of German coffee and pastries, along with soft drinks, snow cones and more. Children's activities include a bounce house, games and the Freedom Crossing play areas. The run starts at 6 p.m. and features an 8-kilometer race and 5-kilometer fun run/walk. There is also a military unit team division. The top three male and female finishers will win prizes. Last year, more than 1,000 registered participants hit the pavement at this event. Organizers hope even more will join this year, as the run marks its third year at Freedom Crossing. After the race, stay to enjoy German bratwurst and beer, and more entertainment, including live music. Freedom Crossing is located at 1611 Haan Road on West Fort Bliss. For more information, including registration fees and deadlines, visit ganightrun.com or blissmwr.com, or call (915) 744-5794. photos by heather wilburn \\ family and mwr marketing

12 • Summer 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

www.blissmwr.com

Open Shooting League September 4, 11 + 18 • 4-8pm • Rod and Gun Club Border Rumble Boxing Smoker September 6 • 6pm • Stout Physical Fitness Center Biggs Laser Tag September 6 • 8pm • Biggs Park Family Day at the Wall September 12 • 10am-8pm • Soldier Activity Center Family Car Camping with Southwest Adventure September 14-15 • White Sands National Monument, N.M. German-American Oktoberfest Night Run September 14 • 6pm • Freedom Crossing MWR Through the Years Exhibit Opens September 20 • 6pm • Old Fort Bliss Harvest Hoedown September 20 • 6pm • Rod and Gun Club Biggs Laser Tag September 20 • 8pm • Biggs Park Fall Open Softball League Begins

Martini and a Manicure

Pamper yourself with Martini and a Manicure at 4:30 p.m. Friday, September 27 at the Centennial. For just $10, kick off the weekend in style with a manicure and after a hard week’s work. one of our specialty Guests must be age martinis. Martini 21 or older to attend. No and a Manicure is a children are allowed. great way to relax The Centennial is

tiffany kurak \\ family and mwr marketing

located at 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St. on East Fort Bliss. For more information, visit blissmwr.com or call (915) 744-1171.

calendar SEPTEMBER

septemberevents

Strongman Competition

Do you have what it takes to conquer the Strongman Competition? You won’t know until you try! The 2013 Fort Bliss Strongman Competition will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 21 at Soto Physical Fitness Center. The competition consists of four events: the tire flip, farmer walk, log press and truck pull. Registration is free and open to active-duty military and their spouses. Register at Stout or Soto PFC from August 1-September 15. Awards will be given to the top three competitors in each division. Soto PFC is located at 20751 Constitution Ave. on East Fort Bliss. For information, call (915) 744-5201.

September 21 • Omar Bradley Complex Strongman Competition September 21 • 9am • Soto Physical Fitness Center Tower Day at Tango Tower September 21 • 10am-4:30pm • Tango Tower at Biggs Park BOSS Bash September 27 • 9am-5pm • Biggs Park Martini and a Manicure September 27 • 4:30pm • Centennial Right Arm Night September 27 • 5pm • Pershing Pub Iron Soldier Sprint Triathlon September 28 • 7:30am • Aquatics Training Center Sport Climbing Clinic with Southwest Adventure September 28 • Rough and Ready Hills Range, N.M

MWR Through the Years: Setting the Standard for Excellence Relive Family and MWR history when you Exhibit opens visit the “MWR Through the Years: Setting the Standard for Excellence” exhibit at Old Fort September Bliss. The exhibit will open with a social hour at 6 p.m. Friday, September 20. These decades of memories will be on display for a short time only - the exhibit runs through October 16. The Old Fort Bliss Replica is located at Bldg. 5054, at the corner or Pershing and Pleansonton on West Fort Bliss. For more information, call (915) 568-4518.

www.blissmwr.com

MWR Through the Years : Setting the Standard for Excellence

View and re-live Fort Bliss Family and MWR through the years. Decades of memories displayed only for a short time, ending August 9.

Friday, June 28 6pm social hour

blissmwr.com/oldfortbliss

Old Fort Bliss Replica Bldg. 5054 · 915-588-8482 corner of Pershing + Pleasonton

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2013 • 13

14 • Summer 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

www.blissmwr.com

CIRCLE AWARD

Tiffany Kurak Family and MWR Marketing

Team Bliss Sports, Fitness, and Aquatics’ newest addition to the team is intramural sports coordinator Holly Imbriaco. “I have always been around military, so working for Family and MWR was a perfect fit for me,” said Imbriaco. After graduating from University of Colorado at Colorado Springs with a degree in sports health and wellness promotion, Imbriaco was selected to participate in the Family and MWR manager-in-training program at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. “I knew I wanted to get out and see the world – working for Family and MWR makes that possible,” she noted. Upon completion of the manager-in-training program, Imbriaco set her sights set on Heidelberg, Germany, where she worked as a facility manager at Campbell Fitness Center. Later, she transferred to Stuttgart, Germany, and worked as a fitness coordinator. There, Imbriaco also met her husband Joe, and became a military spouse. “Being a spouse adds another level of appreciation and respect to being able to work within the military community,” she added. Shortly following their marriage, the Imbriacos moved back to the states and served a short stint in Fort Benning, Ga., before receiving orders to Fort Bliss. “Fort Bliss definitely has one of the biggest intramural programs that I have ever seen, let alone had to oversee,” said Imbriaco. “There is a lot of wonderful staff here on Fort Bliss, and their passion to keep expanding the programs and setting a new standard has me really excited.” Imbriaco would like to add her own twist to the sports calendar as well. “I would really like to start incorporating some themed runs and more family runs,” she explained. The future of Team Bliss Sports, Fitness and Aquatics looks bright with this motivated and ambitious individual heading the intramurals program. Stay tuned for excitement!

www.blissmwr.com

Winner’s Circle Employees go above and beyond

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

kristopher brown

2nd quarter 2013

Youth Sports Volunteer Coach

Special Events

michael hayes

Youth Sports Volunteer Coach

olga hayes

Joshua alvidrez

sharday brown

jose ibarguen

melinda scott

stephanie mcgruder

shannon dooley

melissa ross

lisa paniagua

Milam Child Development Center

Stout Physical Fitness Center

DFMWR Management Assistant

Stout Physical Fitness Center Aquatics Training Center

Framing Bliss

Army Community Service

Middle School and Teen Program

chandra platt

ELIZABETH McGILL

Army Community Service

rodolfo moreno Auto Crafts

blanca Cespedes

Financial Management Division

jesus ortiz

Army Community Service

melinda mcweeny Rod and Gun Club

delia bell

Replica Child Development Center

lucia rimada

Logan Child Development Center

Lisa Hensen

Financial Management Division

Patricia rees

Army Community Service

valerie mares

Army Community Service

rebecca konieczny Family Child Care

tonyA phillips SKIESUnlmited

donna williams

Logan Child Development Center

maria Sanchez

Logan Child Development Center

Robert Alba

Rod and Gun Club

FAMILY and MWR

MWR

recognition

MWR

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

2nd quarter 2013

stout physical fitness center

William Lee Blanco Muro Jose Ibarguen Joshua Alvidrez Clinton Good Justin Hinojos Melissa Apodaca Melissa Baxendale Nicolas Sias Penrod Robert Pearson Adriana Alvarez

program review board

Melinda Scott Kimberly Garner Angelika Schmidt Maria Persson Michelle Perales

To nominate a Family and MWR employee for a Winner’s Circle award, contact Melinda Scott at (915) 568-3500. To submit a compliment or suggestion for improvement for any Family and MWR program, check out the ICE system at http://ice.disa.mil.

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2013 • 15

16 • Summer 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

www.blissmwr.com

’

DIRTY 0 AAirPARssauILlt 1Copm2urse

art Jeb Stu s) Blis ing and Persh ction (West Interse

9am-

Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR marketing

If it seems like you’ve seen First Command Financial Services everywhere lately, it’s no surprise. While First Command has sups Old Ironsideng ported Family and MWR for years, this year they have committed tary - Free Mud coCurhasellewith 15e+ obstacles Active-Duty Miliders - $25 to participate in almost 20 events! Ed Daffron, the El Paso district advisor Hol d ID Car 4-mile istration closes April 17 Fort Bliss Pas nity - $30 El o Commu 00am Early reg m 7:30-11: fro for First Command, and his staff lend a hand to events small and large, from y onl e * registration is on-sit Late the Military Spouse Appreciation Expo to family-oriented events like Easter* RST 00TOGEFINT AISHT-SHIRT FI 5 avaganza and amazing concerts like Rock the Fort. “Since our founding by a military professional in 1958, First Command Financial Services has been faithful to the belief that military families deserve to have an advocate, a trusted confidant, coach and ally in their pursuit of financial security,” explained Ed Daffron, First Command’s e e : : Fr ups , iers gro , 20-290-over old s: $20 S e El Paso district advisor. “We understand the challenges of military y g r r t A nde 49, 5 -du runne u e ive 19- 39, 40 Act other o th ners t life – the stresses of temporary assignments, permanent changes 30s l TIONl irt run ReEsCIA A DAY T-sht 200 edAsPiPz firs rante st 100EXPO of station and deployments, the need to provide for your family’s r a Gu the fi 10 · 1-4 pm May for 6 1 well-being in the event of a disabling injury or your death and the Friday, h arc day, M financial concerns that arise when you’re considering a transition Satur t Soto PFC g 8am a ll, includin ity or retirement to civilian life.” un to a Open Paso comm “We consider it an honor to partner with the Fort Bliss MWR and we look l E the forward to continue supporting future efforts that enhance the quality of life for Soldiers, family members and civilians,” he continued. In the near future, you’ll see First Command at Pop Goes the Fort, Rock FREE ADMISSION the Fort, the Bienvenidos a Bliss relocation fair, BOSS Bash and more. Stop by and thank them for their support of Family and MWR – they’ll be happy to see you! n at Soto or

Registratio 20751

n Ave

Stout Snack

idy Road

Bar, and on

active.com

sizes are

***Participants

under the age

nteed

not guara

icipate with a

of 18 must part

y a D s ' y t t a P . St le 6-Mi pay an additionaln. All participants day-of registratio $10 late fee for

2930 Cass

Constitutio

parent***

blis smw

bl iss

.co m wr

r.co m

nial lunch at the Centen Come early for cake with lunch purchase and receive free i and a Manicure, Stay after for Martinand one martini for $10 ure receive a manic

m e.co ctiv nA 13 no rch Ma ope Bar ay, now Snack ednesd n o t 0 W ti tra /Stou til COB ners: $2 :30am is g n -7 n u ru Re t Soto :30 tion l other m6 0 tra fro ers: $3 or a gis ee • al ite

TARY SPOUSE MILI

y re : fr n-s runn er no Earl ve-duty atio • all oth acti istr 4 reg : $10

7 uty ate Center 4.5 et & ConferenceL tive-d Centennial Banqu .74 ac Bliss ill St., East Fort 915 11199 Sgt. E. Church ation, fo: For more inform In call 915.569.5500 e.

ent

ors

y end ly Arm

t imp

es no

ip do

rsh

nso

* Spo

nstit

1 Co

2075

n utio

sponsor SPOTLIGHT

Spotlight on

LET S GET

blissmwr.com Sponsorship does

not imply Army

endorsement

e $20 r th s= s fo nner size 0 ed er ru oth s = $3 arante k Bar All ner s. Gu Snac ee & run t = Fr other runner /Stou 0 to Duty All ive $10 & first 20or at So 00 ct e A 08 = ch) to th com 13; uty Mar ive D shirts ctive. ch 20 A ct , 13 TMar ter day 0) A 50+ en on , 16 73 -49; nes op rday s Cen ter Wed 30-0 Satu Fitnes s Cen l COB ay 06 -39; 40 ion now D Soto Fitnes n (unti (Race -29; 30 gistrat Soto istratio ation nder. 20 nity. Re tr Reg Regis s: 19-u ommu Late group Paso C Age to El en Op

first

100

available! Free child care ed with CYSS Child must be register with CYSS required tions Advance reserva provided at event Voucher will be

ts Mini spa treatmen · DIY demos Cooking demos es · Snacks Mini fitness class more! Door prizes · And

Freedom-ElPaso[FBM1012].pdf 1 9/11/2012 3:46:40 PM

www.blissmwr.com

*The U.S. Army, Department of Defense, federal government and Family and MWR do not endorse any vendors, goods or services.

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2013 • 17

T E G

BUY TICKETS AT BOTH ITR LOCATIONS ON POST!

GLOBA

601

TORCH ORC

TOR Y

ANS

BAC

EAG

EASTSIDE TERMINAL 7, 25, 50, 51, 52, 53, 55, 58, 59, 63, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74

NT AN

8:00 8:20 8:40 8:57 9:05 9:22 9:40 9:45 10:05 10:25 10:42 10:50 11:07 11:25 11:30 11:50 12:10 12:27 12:35 12:52 1:10 1:15 1:35 1:55 2:12 2:20 2:37 2:55 3:00 3:20 3:40 3:57 4:05 4:22 4:40 4:45 5:05 5:25 5:42 5:50 6:07 6:25 6:30 6:50 7:10 7:27 7:35 7:52 8:10 8:10 8:30 8:50 9:07 9:15 9:32 9:50

save money • save energy • save the planet

18 • Summer 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

Torch at Medic

Soto Gym

Saturday Freedom Crossing

Eastside Terminal

Freedom Crossing

Soto Gym

Torch at Medic

7:00 7:22 7:44 8:04 8:13 8:35 8:55 8:00 8:22 8:44 9:04 9:13 9:35 9:55 9:00 9:22 9:44 10:04 10:13 10:35 10:55 10:00 10:22 10:44 11:04 11:13 11:35 11:55 11:00 11:22 11:44 12:04 12:13 12:35 12:55 12:00 12:22 12:44 1:04 1:13 1:35 1:55 1:00 1:22 1:44 2:04 2:13 2:35 2:55 2:00 2:22 2:44 3:04 3:13 3:35 3:55 3:00 3:22 3:44 4:04 4:13 4:35 4:55 4:00 4:22 4:44 5:04 5:13 5:35 5:55 5:00 5:22 5:44 6:04 6:13 6:35 6:55 6:00 6:22 6:44 7:04 7:13 7:35 7:55 7:00 7:22 7:44 8:04 8:13 8:35 8:55

CONNECTING POINTS TO ROUTES Freedom Crossing (30) Airway/Montana (33,50)

Eastside Terminal

CIELO VISTA MALL

Soto Gym

WALMART/ SAMS

Freedom Crossing

EASTSIDE TRANSFER CENTER

Eastside Terminal

AI RW AY

Monday - Friday

Freedom Crossing

RT O RP AI

601

NET

MAN

V IC

D WAR

BAYO

375

SHER

A RE

SERGEANT MAJOR

3 GULF

S SI SG M S

MIN

SOTO GYM

TOR

COL

BLDG. 21167

MT P

WILLIAM H. CHAMBERS DENTAL CLINIC

AVE IRONSIDES

CONSTITU T I O

HA AN

OLD

RT UA

SID

601

SERGE ANT M

AJ OR

Soto Gym

MEDIC

ANCE

Ft. Bliss / Eastside Connector

HIA

ORDIN

FREEDOM CROSSING COMISSARY/PX

• Cielo Vista Mall • Cinemark • Sam’s • Wal-Mart • PX/Freedom Crossing

Eastside Terminal

WHERE?

T S O P F F O

sunmetro.net

533.3333 www.blissmwr.com

We don’t take good customer service for granted “The goal as a company is to have customer service that is not just the best but legendary.”

– Sam Walton

“It starts with respect. If you respect the customer as a human being, and truly honor their right to be treated fairly and honestly, everything else is much easier.” – Doug Smith

Cathie Garner, Customer Service Program Coordinator

The goal of Family and MWR is to make every effort to provide outstanding, “legendary” customer service to our service members and their families every day. We strive to create value for our customers through predictable, consistent, efficient and customer-focused service. It is a responsibility we don’t take for granted. To make certain we continue to provide a higher level of service to our customers, every Family and MWR team member attends Operation Excellence Customer Service training. Operation Excellence Customer Service training – or OPEX – is a standardized program of classroom and online instruction designed to build and develop professional customer service skills. As a result of this annual training, our team members are able to maintain customer service competency and build higher-level skills. OPEX is also an opportunity for our team to re-energize

and re-focus on our mission to support our service members and their families. Our goal is to create “Customer Service Champions.” Family and MWR understands the importance of maintaining good customer relationships. Our team members are encouraged to always treat our customers with respect and as individuals who are valued. Our “Customer Service Champions” will meet you with a prompt and friendly greeting in a professional and courteous manner. We will continue to provide high-quality products and services in an aesthetically pleasing facility. Our knowledgeable team members are standing by to offer timely, accurate and helpful information while in turn giving you an opportunity to provide valuable feedback. Family and MWR will continue to invest in the development of our team to ensure we are delivering the highest level of customer service you deserve. We are committed to providing quality through service excellence that is commensurate with the quality of service our service members and their families provide to our nation.

around FAMILY and MWR

Operation Excellence

Promote your finances with FirstLight Federal Credit Union! You’ll find major products and services to help you, from general savings and checking accounts to private on-line banking and more! ✪ Special Military Auto Loans ✪ VA and Special-Need Home Grants Available ✪ Loans for Children’s Education ✪ Retirement Planning & Consulting ✪ Personal and Business Accounts/Loans

“It’s a great day to be a soldier’s credit union”

www.military.firstlightfcu.org East Ft. Bliss - 20727 Constitution Ave. 1741 Marshall Rd. • WBAMC - 1st Floor

915 562-1172 www.blissmwr.com

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2013 • 19

2013

MWR

M AG A Z I N E

(Very) Short Essay Contest

“What Freedom Means to Me”

Being Free

I celebrate freedom when I’m able to do what I want to do. When I do what I want to do I get to play with my friends that I want to play with instead of people telling me who to play with. Freedom is being able to eat whatever I want to eat. The government can’t tell us what to eat if we are free. I also like being free because I can wear whatever I want on Mondays at school and on the weekends. I like being free because people can not tell kids what to do or say to other kids, adults or babies. It’s fun being free because I can go wherever I want to go without anyone telling me who to go with or where to go. It’s also great because you can play whatever you want. I like being free because I can go to which ever school I want to. This is important to me because I get to be free and have lots of fun. I like being free in this country that my Daddy is fighting for.

r e n n i W p rou G e g A

to Me . Over s n a e m M to different people m o d e e r o What F means different thingsand more things freedeing

m re b ore Freedo ht of m things a g t u n o a t h r t e . t impo rs I hav speech f he mos o t f the yea m o o e eed om lud the fr to me. S n s a n t e Revo a n e h a t m t w h u g o u ty t fo do wha had no have to e n e w m able to m ilitia eedo ing e the fr onial m l v o a c h d and K e t n h o a l n g If t t n h ig om E wed ar, we m dom fr W e e y r r nd allo f a a s l n u g n d tio E e n gai from at war eedom r f g n i ts. day. Th n i ll of righ ule. Ga i r parb ’s I e I I h t e for my ite r t p w e Georg o c t x son o {e n s Jeffer hat to d cceed i w u s e n m a Thoma l l c te far I OP cannot to how e m CAN ST People t E i N m i O l t O no o. N nd can ant to g w I e ents} a r e ywh e is n go an ns hav a life. I ca c i r e e Am n reright w t n ME!!! a one ca t r o o n p s n m st i t, t mea The mo we wan ch. Tha n e e e h p s w f , ant dom o at we w h w the free g in y from sa r . ogethe strict us t t n s a u s w p e kee ere we to we hav and wh t gether a o h t t k r m o o w ed n we ans The fre a natio s a ave me h d n e a w , n m tio edo ts as a na .The fre he righ t m e o v d a e h e is fr ns I keep th e it mea t. s u a c e at I wan e, b h m w o y t a t s a lo nd I want a t a h w to do

www.blissmwr.com

This year, Fort Bliss Family and MWR held the second annual blissNOW! (Very) Short Essay Contest. Youth in 1st-12th grades were invited to submit essays expressing the theme “What Freedom Means to Me.” We received many entries, but what you’ll read here are the winners (and some honorable mentions), printed EXACT LY as we received them. Our overall winner, Amanda Ward, picked up a 16 GB iPod Nano. Age group winners each earned a $25 Visa gift card, and the remaining entries earned each author a $10 VIsa gift card. Congratulations!

What Free dom

Means to M e

Freedom t o me is th e right to be, and be be who I w ing able to a n t to do what I w one telling ant withou me the wa t somey my life sh I can choo ould go. It s e h ow I s means hould rais who I shou e my child ld marry a re n a n d nd of wha Freedom is t race he s being able hould be. to have m believing in y o w n religion an what I wa d nt. I have ma ny types o f freedom, building a I can walk nd not be into a of my race ju d g e d or mistrea or skin colo te d r, because I can do th only men ings and p could do. la y I s c ports that an help m am a girl. y dad hun I have the t e v e fr n though eedom of ing or a ga I speech, I c thering an a n g o d say wha to a m to keep it lo eett I feel and cked insid I don’t hav e . I h e a dom to g ve the free et an edu c a t io n only boys n o w when had been able go to I am ver y s c hools. grateful fo r freedom think freed , and I om is som ething tha stay in Am t is going Means to Me m o erica. It is g d ee Fr t a h W o ing to stay rent things. First, it ffe di y of people li an m ns ea b m ecause ke my dad be To me freedom going to w me a lot. He cannot ho om d a y p ro te fr ay aw o is rk every cting my fr or means my dad s or when I am hurt eedom. A on si ca oc l ia what freed ec sp y ll of this is able om means home for man rn eighteen I will be tu I to me. n he w t, ex N . ck be able when I am si edom means I will fre , ly st La t. en id es pr d jointo vote for thankful for my da am I s. ce oi ch n ow y to make m e and my y and fighting for m m Ar es at St d te ni U ing the so thankful ’s freedom. I am al om m y m d an ’s er st two si thankful for being am I . ry ta ili m of s pe elter, for the different ty family has food, sh y m e us ca be en tiz freest an American ci erica because it’s the Am r fo ul kf an th going to and safety. I am turn thirty-five, I am I n he W . se er iv un e country in th with hard ica is a free country, er Am e nc Si t. en id run for pres whatever ill be able to choose w I n, io at in rm te de work and any different freedom means m e, m To t. ge to t an job I w me. most important to e th e ar e es th t bu things

Age-Group Winner

www.blissmwr.com

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2013 • 21

Jonathan Delgado, 10th grade

have it as well. Freedom also brings us the opportunity to go to a public school for free, choose what we get or don’t get with no interference from a person or group who will lead us without our say on how things should be done. This is what freedom means to me.

Age Group Winner

Samuel Torres, 7th grade Age Group Winner

What Freedom Means to Me The meaning of freedom is different for everyone. Getting to go to college, buying their first car, or getting to leave home might be freedom for some people. For me, freedom is the right to do what i want with no interference from a dictator or a king. Therefore, for this to happen we have brave men and women to defend America at all times. In our country, we are able to buy or sell items that we need or don’t need, we are able to go to public school for free till twelfth grade, and we can choose what jobs we want and how to spend our money. In other countries, people can’t choose jobs that they want, they may get and education but they may have to pay for it, and some countries may not even have schools. To buy or sell items is hard because they don’t have enough money or have very few of that item they want to sell. And to add to that, with jobs so limited, it would be hard to get the job of your choice because of the economy itself. “Freedom is not free.” This expression is true. If it was not true though, we won’t have a military to defend us, and we won’t have to worry about an enemy attacking us or attacking innocent civilians in or outside the country. With freedom comes a large price that can’t be taken back though. With conflicts in other countries, troops lose their lives deploying to those countries in order to bring peace and harmony to homes that were corrupted with war. Therefore, freedom is not free, for we have to pay a price for us to have this freedom and for others to

What Freedom Means to Me

“What does freedom mean to me”? Well it means a lot of things to me. Most importantly, it means my family and a great quality of life. There is a very big price for freedom, and it comes at the expense of American soldiers and other law enforcement agencies fighting and protecting America and it’s people, every day. So because of this, I try to enjoy every second of it, and be grateful for the country that I live in. Sometimes people take freedom for granted, but I don’t. I don’t because my father is a soldier in the Army, and my two uncles are Border Patrol agents. I feel that all three of them put their lives at risk to defend and continue to give the United States of American the freedom we have. My dad gets deployed every couple of years, and there could be a possibility that one day he might not return home. He is a hero to my sisters and myself. I don’t want to take for granted the freedom we have, because I know it is a hard thing that has been worked for and many have suffered in order to continue to have freedom. Freedom to me is being able to go to church on Sundays, and enjoying the beautiful days outside with my friends. Freedom means that I can go to school and have an education.

Freedom means that I can be a child and I don’t have to worry about strict laws and orders. I pray to God every day and night and give thanks for all the troops and others that protect our country so that we can feel safe and know that we are a country where we can be free! I ask that God protect our nation and my father most importantly. That alone shows what freedom means. It means that I can pray, and be allowed to believe in God.

Caleb Weber, 5th grade and Carter Weber, 2nd grade What Freedom Means to Me

Freedom means that I can make my own choices. Every day I can wake up and do whatever I want and go anywhere. I have the freedom to go to school and get a good education. Then I can go to high school and college. I can play sports and have fun with my family. With freedom I can pick my own job. To m e h a v ing freedom means that I can dream big and have the chance to make them come true. I am very thankful to live in a country that is free and you can explore for yourself. It also means that I can vote. Freedom makes me feel safe at home. Some people don’t think about freedom, but I do because my Dad is in the Army. People in the military have to deploy so that everbody in the U.S. can keep their freedom. My Dad has to deploy and I don’t see him for a whole year. He makes sure we are safe and gives us freedoms. He is our hero and we miss him very much.

Mauricio Solano, MBA Broker/REALTOR/US ARMY (Retired)

WORRIED ABOUT BUYING, OR SELLING YOUR HOME? DON'T WORRY, CALL MAURY!!! "PARA UN BUEN SERVICIO LLÁMELE A MAURICIO"

915-309-6513 Visit me at: www.maurysolano.com E-Mail me at: maury.solano@yahoo.com

22 • Summer 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

20% OFF present coupon next appointment expires 9-31-2013

For in fo call 915.58 8.1312

ONLY $25.49

www.blissmwr.com

Daniel McCauley, 2nd grade I LOVE MY FREEDOM!!!

Elizabeth Anne Andrews, 2nd grade Freedom means life to me. Soldiers go into battle What Freedom Means to Me

because they know what freedom is and what it means. Soldiers value freedom for themselves and for other men and women. Freedom means freedom of religion which means we are not forced to believe another religion. Red, white and blue are the colors I’m proud of. Red means the blood that was shed in all the wars. Blue means the color of the union- 50 states come together to be one. White means freedom from harmful laws. Freedom means to be able to own a gun, and not be forced to quarter soldiers. Freedom means we are not enslaved by other men. Freedom sometimes means my daddy is home and sometimes he is overseas to help our nation keep it’s freedom. Because our country is free, we can travel safely, whenever and wherever we want to go in America. Freedom means that freedom to vote for who we want for president. Because our country is free, I will not be forced to be a doctor or lawyer, if I want to be a scientist. Freedom means you are not forced to have a certain amount of children. I love that we live in a free country!

Jaclyn Villagomez, 6th grade What Freedom Means to Me

Freedom to me is the sweetest word that I’ve heard. It’s just as beautiful as watching a baby bird opening it’s wings, ready to soar high. Freedom is what helps me express myself and feel better about myself. I feel like the world wants me to be happy and alive. Being free is one of the best feelings in the world. You’re life isn’t under control, it’s yours to keep. You’re not a marionette puppet on strings, being controlled by people. Free is how everyone should feel. The people of this world, don’t deserve to be locked up or enslaved. No should be like that period. I think that almost everyone deserves freedom. The ability to express, do, say anything they want. Freedom lets me do anything and everything I want. Let out what you have to say for yourself. Our founding fathers made this country on free and fair grounds. This is what everyone needs for once. This is what freedom means to me.

www.blissmwr.com

Izaak Hopper, 8th grade What Freedom Means to Me

Freedom means life to me. I’m glad to have freedom in everything I do. What I’m trying to say is that America defines freedom. Whether it is the freedom of speech, religion or to own weapons. America has all of that to offer. Freedom means you do something not because you have to but because you can. Freedom means you can do something and not be cricized for your opinions. Freedom is not living, doing or being the something as everyone else. By that I mean that freedom is not having the same job as everyone else, the same kind of the traditions, the same clothes, basically being the same person. That isn’t freedom. Freedom is being your own unique person who stands out. Freedom is being able to live in a place where you don’t have to worry about authority treating you cruelly just because just because you are expressing your personal opinions. Freedom is what I love. I love my family. I love my friends. I love my peers. I don’t love them because I have to but because I want to. I’m able to love, live and laugh not because I have to but because freedom never said I couldn’t and America represents freedom. This is the land of opportuCaleb Townley, 5th grade nity that provides the rights I mentioned. I love America very What Freedom Means to Me Freedom means to have the ability and right to much because of these freedoms. That is what freedom do certain things such as play football and be home- means to me. schooled with out government interference. Also we have the right to Eileen McCauley, 8th grade choose our job to Freedom choose to serve or not Freedom is when we have liberty. Freedom means we serve in the military. are an Army family. When our soldiers are deployed and Freedom gives us opwhen they come back from deployment it makes me feel portunity to decide happy. The children are when, where and if we free to go to school here. worship God. When The military keeps us we have freedom we safe. The American flag can have a job to earn represents the thirteen money to spend as colonies and the fifty we like. I am thankful that freedom gives me a chance to go to school states. The flag makes and learn math ,history, science, spelling and gram- me think of liberty and mar. We have the ability and opportunity to travel and justice and makes me learn about our environment and history in our national proud of our soldiers. I parks such as The Grand Canyon, Carlsbad Caverns , am proud of the children who support their dads White Sands Missile Range and Hueco tanks. Freedom means that my Dad is sometimes de- during the war. Once of my favorite rights the U.S. Constituployed. Sometimes it means I have had to leave my tion offers Americans is the freedom of religion. I am glad we friends when we relocate to a different place. I have have the freedom of religion because it means I won’t get also made friends in Korea, Kansas, Oklahoma and persecuted for my faith. I am also glad it gives us the right to Texas. Freedom is worth having my Dad deployed to own guns, because then we can go hunting. When I think of freedom, I thank God. I am proud of my freedom!!! help others enjoy it more. Freedom means alot to me. Freedom is great, awesome, amazing, outstanding and priceless. Because I have freedom I am allowed to be a Christian. I am allowed to tell others about Jesus’s Love for us. I am allowed to be in school. I can do all kinds of things that people in other countries can’t. I can be homeschooled, have free time, do art, have tons of reading time, and choose what I wear. I can do all kinds of things because I have freedom. Without freedom I wouldn’t be able to be when I grow up. If our countrie didn’t have freedom some of us would be slaves. Freedom is the condition of being free from restraints. Freedom is Liberty from slavery and oppresion. Without Freedom I would be controlled by another person. Freedom is the power to make your own choice. I love freedom!

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2013 • 23

clubs FOOD&FUN

Taking the lead

Desert Strike Lanes manager tapped to coach All-Army team

Tiffany Kurak, Family and MWR Marketing

Strikes, spares and splits are part of everyday lingo for Desert Strike Lanes’ manager, Don Aguilar. For Aguilar, bowling isn’t just any old job – he has dedicated many years to bowling and Family and MWR. “There is nothing like being able to help those who put their lives on the line every day so I can do what I enjoy,” said Aguilar. In April, Aguilar took his passion and expertise to Camp Lejeune, N.C., with the All-Army Bowling Team. For the second year in a row, he coached the All-Army team to compete at the national Armed Forces Bowling Championship. The AllArmy team dominated the tournament, winning 17 of the 29 available medals; this reflects an improvement over 2012, when the All-Army team took home seven medals. Even though the tournament is over, Aguilar is not on hiatus from his awardwinning team. “I will keep sending the players performance improvement guides, and giving them advice for the duration of the year,” he noted. There are only bright things ahead for Aguilar. “We are very proud of Don and all of his accomplishments with the All-Army Bowling Team, and we look forward to sending him to coach next year as well,” said Ronald Telles, chief of the Business Operations Division at Fort Bliss Family and MWR. “He is an excellent example of the standard we set here at Fort Bliss.”

courtesy photos

Don Aguilar, far left, the manager at Fort Bliss’ Desert Strike Lanes bowling center, coached the 2013 All-Army Bowling Team to victory at the 2013 Armed Forces Bowling Championship. This marks the second year Aguilar has coached the team, which took home 17 of the 29 available medals at this year’s event.

proud of Don “andWeof allareofvery his accomplishments

with the All-Army Bowling Team ... He is an excellent example of the standard we set here at Fort Bliss.

”

MILITARY DISCOUNTS • FIRST MONTH FREE!

24-HOUR KEYPAD ENTRY • FREE TRUCK USE WITH UNIT RENTAL 10520 Dyer Street • El Paso • 915.373.6171 • 915.821.4350 24 • Summer 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

www.blissmwr.com

Sam Adams Brew Pub to offer casual dining, craft beer Tiffany Kurak, Family and MWR Marketing

It’s time to “paak the caa,” and get a beer ... If you read that in a Boston accent, you’re ready for Fort Bliss’ newest dining and lounge option: Family and MWR is proud to present the Sam Adams Brew Pub at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center. The Sam Adams Brew Pub is tentatively set to open in September. “The Sam Adams Brew Pub is not a replacement of our Old English Pub, but an enhancement of the goods and services we offered there,” said Tianna Bowden, food and beverage program manager for Family and MWR’s Business Operations Division. “We are continuously looking to raise the bar of what is expected in a Family and MWR facility. Sam Adams’ commitment to excellence is a fantastic fit with that philosophy, and the new Sam Adams Brew Pub is going to be a top-notch destination on East Fort Bliss.” The trendy new gastropub will offers a sleek and contemporary décor, while showcasing Sam Adams’ worldfamous brews, including the award-winning Samuel Adams Boston Lager. In addition, the pub will carry six varieties of Samuel Adams draft, a wide variety of bottled Samuel Adams beers and a selection of other beverages. “Craft beer has become very popular,” Bowden explained. “Opening the Sam Adams Brew Pub allows us to meet that demand, and gives a differentiated pub atmosphere from the Pershing Pub.” The Sam Adams Brew Pub is not only a place to enjoy a great beer, but a place to have a bite to eat as well. “The Sam Adams Brew Pub is also going to provide the opportunity for a place to have a sit-down, casual dining experience on East Fort Bliss,” Bowden said. “Currently, no other facility offers this as an option.” The thoughtfully crafted menu is complementary to the Sam Adams beer lineup. You can sink your teeth into a juicy brewhouse bacon cheese burger, munch on wheat beer chili nachos, or dive into fish and chips. “The menu is small, but well-planned to complement

www.blissmwr.com

clubs FOOD&FUN

A Boston accent

Artists’ rendering depict the planned interior, above, and exterior of the Sam Adams Brew Pub. The new addition to the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center is set to open in September, and will provide the only sit-down casual dining experience available on East Fort Bliss.

the Samuel Adams beer line,” Bowden said. “The menu is very well-rounded, offering everything from appetizers to desserts.” Bringing the Sam Adams Brew Pub to Fort Bliss was no easy task. Currently, Fort Irwin, Calif., and Fort Bliss are the only two Army installations to house a Sam Adams Brew Pub. “This has been a project in the making for two and half years,” Bowden said. “Everything inside the pub, including the menu, had to be sent to Boston for approval from Sam Adams headquarters.” The Sam Adams Brew Pub will be housed inside the Centennial, located at 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St. on East Fort Bliss. For more information, visit blissmwr.com.

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2013 • 25

clubs FOOD&FUN

Let the good times roll

Pershing Pub hosts Bunco, with more fun on the way

Bunco

blissmwr.com

Enjoy weekly drink specials and event theme nights!

Thursday nights at 6pm

July 11 - Night of Elegance July 18 - Charlie's Angels (70s) July 25 - Bunco in Paradise August 8 - Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend August 15 - Cowgirl Round-Up August 22 - Bunco and the City Reservations recommended 915-781-6809

$10 per person

Pershing Pub 243 Club Road

Tiffany Kurak, Family and MWR Marketing

The Pershing Pub opened its doors not too long ago, and has been a huge success. Many people have taken the opportunity to enjoy the restored English-style pub on Friday nights. The pub has also been utilized for a number of hail and farewells, special events and meetings. However, it still felt like it was missing something. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The pub is doing very well,â&#x20AC;? said Melinda McWeeny, the assistant manager at the Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club, who also pulls double duty as an event coordinator at the Pershing Pub. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great place for adults to come after a long week and relax. And now that it is up and running, it is time to bring in some fun programs that will allow the facility to be further enjoyed.â&#x20AC;? The premier program? Bunco! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bunco is an easy-to-learn dice game that is tons of fun and is very popular among a lot of military wives,â&#x20AC;? McWeeny said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of course, we are extending our invitation to everyone 18 years of age and older

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be a spouse to come out and play.â&#x20AC;? Bunco is held select Thursday nights, starting at 6 p.m. The $10 buy-in fee includes complimentary snacks, and drink specials support the theme for the week. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We encourage everyone who participates to dress up and really have fun with it,â&#x20AC;? said McWeeny. With themes like Bunco in Paradise, Charlieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Angels and Bunco and the City, there is a costume for everyone. Bunco is not the only game making its way to the Pershing Pub. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are looking to start a Texas Hold â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Em group,â&#x20AC;? McWeeny noted. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are still working out the details, but we would like to bring poker â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and a lot of other different events â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to the pub.â&#x20AC;? Pershing Pub is located at 243 Club Road on West Fort Bliss. For information about Bunco and other programming, call (915) 781-6809. For information about pub hours or reserving the pub for a function, call (915) 568-6272.

Â Â?Â? Â? Â?

Â ÂÂ&#x20AC; Â Â&#x201A;

Â Â&#x192; Â&#x201E; Â Â&#x201E; Â Â&#x2026; Â&#x2020; Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x201E; Â&#x2026;

Â Â&#x2021;Â&#x201A; Â&#x2C6; Â? Â? Â&#x2030;Â&#x160;Â&#x2039; 26 â&#x20AC;˘ Summer 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ ÂĄblissNOW!

www.blissmwr.com

Rod and Gun club continues to set sights on family events holic beverage. As the summer days start to end and The Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club has school looms ahead, the Rod and Gun held tons of family-friendly events this Luau August 10 will help celebrate another year – and they aren’t done yet. fantastic summer with a taste of paradise. “The goal is to have something every The event will be full of games, hula dancmonth where families can come out and ing and – of course – food. enjoy different events,” said Melinda “We are going to have pig roast in the McWeeny, Rod and Gun Club assistant fire pit, and it is going to be the perfect topmanager. per to our luau,” said McWeeny. It is time pull out the chilies and don In September, dust off your boots –the your apron again: In July, the Rod and cowboy kind –and get ready for Harvest Gun Club will host its second chili cookHoedown September 20. The evening off of 2013. To register as a contestant, call A taster prepares to sample entries in the Rod and Gun will feature live country music, line danc(915) 565-4867; contest entry is free. Club’s February chili cook-off. The next chili cook-off is ing, square dancing and a great barbecue “The first chili cook-off was great, but set for July 27. Entry is free for competitors. menu. Enjoy an evening on the patio with we want to expand on it,” said McWeeny. “We thought summer would be a great time to add another cook- the family, and have fun bobbing for apples and playing classic off to the calendar, and this time we’re making it an all-day event.” children’s games. “The weather should be perfect,” McWeeny said. “This time of The cook-off is set for July 27 and is sure to be a day full fun and eating, but it isn’t all fun and games. The top chili earns its chef a year is not too hot, it’s not too cold. It’s not humid ... it’s just right for a fun night outdoors. This is going to be a great event the whole $100 gift card. “Chili cook-offs are a competition, and people take their chili family can enjoy.” The Rod and Gun Club is located at 3730 Roy Johnson Lane in very seriously,” McWeeny noted. If chili cooking isn’t your forte, come as a taster for just $5. The northeast El Paso. For more information on the Rod and Gun Club, small fee covers a sample of each chili, corn bread and a non-alco- visit blissmwr.com/rodandgun or call (915) 565-4867.

Tiffany Kurak, Family and MWR Marketing

clubs FOOD&FUN

Target: Fun

tiffany kurak \\ family and mwr marketing

Need money this summer for something important? YES! Need it now? YES! Come to the people who love to say yes. For 63 years Omni has been making loans exclusively to the military. In need of a personal loan for any good reason? Come to Omni. Fixed rate loans from $500 to $10,000 but only with your ability to repay in mind Fast, friendly and above all trustworthy service and you can apply by phone Satisfaction Guaranteed or we’ll cancel your loan at no cost to you

Come in, call, or apply online at www.yesomni.com

3910 Dyer Street • El Paso 915-566-OMNI(6664)

F I N A N C I A L

(Next to Papa John’s) Hours: M-F 9AM to 7PM and Sat. 10AM to 4PM

“We love to say yes”

www.blissmwr.com

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2013 • 27

Wagon Trails Market offers shopping with a homemade twist Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

Now in its second year, the Wagon Trails Market at the Old Fort Bliss Replica is back and better than ever. Each Friday through September 28, shoppers will have the chance to browse crafts, antique and unique goods, produce and food items, and more. The market runs from 4-6 p.m. each week, except on weekends associated with a federal holidays. The market began in 2012 as an extension of the Sundown Caravan market series the facility hosted in the fall of 2011. “We’re basically expanded on that format,” said Wanda Kienzle, education program director at Old Fort Bliss. “And we’re expecting a variety of vendors selling products and services ranging from jam to jewelry. “At different times of the year, we’ll have different products,” she explained. While the shopping is fun, Kienzle said she hopes to make the market more than just a place to buy things and then go home. “This is an opportunity to bring people together and let them know about the different, fun activities available in our community,” she said. “It’s a way to let them know about sources for things they might be interested in.” To that end, Kienzle hopes to bring in entertainers and make family-friendly educational activities part of the lineup, as well. “It is a market, but it’s also kind of like a bazaar, so I open it up to people who have other things, other products and services, to come see me,” she added. Entertainers of all stripes, from musicians to dancers, are invited to contact Kienzle about the possibility of performing at a market. Activities would be anything from craft classes that the kids can take part in, to games like horseshoes and more. Kienzle said she hopes the market can become a social venue where people will be able to come together. “I’ve had so many people ask questions about the community, and so many people have made comments about there not being enough activities for their families,” she said. Another goal is to benefit the businesses that participate as vendors. “It’s kind of like an incubator,” Kienzle said. “It’s a great way for people who have little businesses to get those things started, to

www.blissmwr.com

recreation OLD FORT BLISS

Happy trails start here

photos by anne marie bond detavernier \\ old fort bliss replica

Above: Zelda and Juan Rocha, vendors selling homemade jams and salsa, chat with a customer at the Wagon Trails Market, held from 4-6 p.m. each Friday at Old Fort Bliss. Right: Vendors offering handcrafted gourd birdhouses display their goods during the Wagon Trails Market. Shoppers can find anything from handmade crafts to antique items and more at the eclectic market, held Fridays through September 28 at Old Fort Bliss.

get the word out so they can be productive, while having another activity for people to participate in – specifically, an outside activity that families can share in.” Small and home-based businesses supply just the type of goods and services the market was created to promote. Vendors interested in selling their goods and services at the market should contact Kienzle for more information. “We’re always looking to bring in some new vendors,” she said. “We’ll set up booths inside the replica and outside on the ground. There’s lots of space.” Ultimately, Kienzle said, she just wants to provide Soldiers and family members

with a good time. “Come, shop, learn about different things, let the kids play,” she said. “It’s a pretty nice way to enjoy a couple hours on a Friday evening, and you still get to go home in time for dinner. Maybe you’ll even take something home that will be part of your dinner!” The Old Fort Bliss Replica is located at Bldg. 5054, at the corner of Pershing and Pleasonton roads. Visit blissmwr.com/ oldfortbliss for information on upcoming events and programming. For more information about the Wagon Trails Market or becoming a vendor, call (915) 568-4518 or (915) 588-8482.

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2013 • 29

recreation southwest adventure

southwest adventure photos

Family car camping trips to White Sands National Monument, pictured above, are a very popular feature on the Southwest Adventure calendar. This summer, there’s one trip scheduled every month. Tower Days (pictured below left) are also a big draw. Looking for something a little more high-octane? Head to New Mexico Try rappelling in the Organ Mountains or sport climbing in the Rough and Ready Hills Range.

Destination: Adventure

Summer heats up with action close to home and further afield

30 • Summer 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

Southwest Adventure has everything they need to get you outdoors and active this summer. With everything from camping and climbing to laser tag – even an expedition for gold – Family and MWR’s outdoor recreation experts have you covered. How’s the view from the top? Find out during Family Day at the Wall, a new addition to the outdoor recreation calendar. The Soldier Activity Center is normally open to guests ages 18 and older, but on Family Day, the wall is open to all climbers age 6 and up. Climbing is available on a first-come, first-served basis from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and there’s one scheduled in July, August and September. For more high-altitude adventure, check out the August hiking and rappelling trip to the Organ Mountains in Las Cruces, or the sport climbing clinic set for September in the Rough and Ready Hills Range. To catch some sky closer to home, Tower Day returns to the lineup in August.

There’s gold in them there hills ... maybe. Pack your gear and head to northern New Mexico for the Gold Rush backpacking and gold finding expedition. Will you find Forrest Fenn’s treasure? Probably not, but you’re bound to have fun. After all, the scenery there is beautiful, and it’s a great way to spend Labor Day weekend! If a lazy day is more your style, try tubing the Rio Grande. Southwest Adventure is heading to wherever there’s water, and you can join to float your cares away. Also carefree: the overnight family car camping trips at White Sands National Monument, N.M. Southwest Adventure provides the gear, the games and the grub, in the form of a dinner cookout. You just have to show up have fun – how easy is that? Climbing, hiking and camping are all part of summer fun, and so is spending a day at the park. But what about a night at Biggs Park? Biggs Laser Tag is back, and there’s no better

www.blissmwr.com

Date:

Activity:

Location:

Includes:

July 6

Tube the River

Rio Grande in New Mexico

$12

Transportation, equipment rental, guide services

July 11

Family Day at the Wall

Soldier Activity Center

FREE

Free use of the climbing wall for guests age 6 and over

July 12

Biggs Laser Tag

Biggs Park

$10

Entry fee, laser tag equipment *For all ages

July 20-21

Family Car Camping

White Sands National Monument, N.M.

$10/person or $35/family

Equipment, games, dinner cookout *You may have to pay additional entry fees to White Sands

July 26

Biggs Laser Tag

Biggs Park

$10

Entry fee, laser tag equipment *For all ages

August 8

Family Day at the Wall

Soldier Activity Center

FREE

Free use of the climbing wall for guests age 6 and over

August 9

Biggs Laser Tag

Biggs Park

$10

Entry fee, laser tag equipment *For all ages

August 10

Come on Down! Hiking Organ Mountains, and Rappelling Las Cruces, N.M.

$18

Transportation, equipment rental, guide services

August 17-18

Family Car Camping

White Sands National Monument, N.M.

$10/person or $35/family

Equipment, games, dinner cookout *You may have to pay additional entry fees to White Sands

August 23

Biggs Laser Tag

Biggs Park

$10

Entry fee, laser tag equipment *For all ages

August 24 10am--4:30pm

Tower Day

Tango Tower, Biggs Park

Unlimited use of Tango Tower on morning or afternoon ticket for climbers 6 and older

August 30-September 2

Gold Rush: Backpacking Northern New Mexico and Gold Hunting

TBD

Transportation, equipment, guide services, some meals

September 6

Biggs Laser Tag

Biggs Park

$10

Entry fee, laser tag equipment *For all ages

September 12

Family Day at the Wall

Soldier Activity Center

FREE

Free use of the climbing wall for guests age 6 and over

September 14-15

Family Car Camping

White Sands National Monument, N.M.

$10/person or $35/family

Equipment, games, dinner cookout *You may have to pay additional entry fees to White Sands

September 20

Biggs Laser Tag

Biggs Park

$10

Entry fee, laser tag equipment *For all ages

September 21 10am--4:30pm Tower Day

Tango Tower, Biggs Park

Unlimited use of Tango Tower on morning or afternoon ticket for climbers 6 and older

September 28

Rough and Ready Hills Range, N.M.

$35

Professional climbing instruction, transportation, equipment rental, guide services

Sport Climbing Clinic

way to set your sights on fun. We’ve got options from a .50-caliber laser turret to pea shooters for the little ones, and everything in between. This night laser tag adventure is open to all ages, and at just $10 per person it’s a steal. Speaking of Biggs Park, have you visited Biggs Paintball? There are two great courses available for your paintballing pleasure, and the prices can’t be beat ... unless you purchase a yearly membership, and then prices are even lower! For just $75 per year,

www.blissmwr.com

recreation southwest adventure

southwest adventure calendar of events

you receive free air and field fees, plus access to special sales and discounts throughout the year. Southwest Adventure is headquartered at the Soldier Activity Center, located at 20732 Constitution Ave. on East Fort Bliss. Learn more at blissmwr.com/southwestadventure, or call (915) 744-1532. For the latest and greatest information about what’s happening in outdoor rec, follow Southwest Adventure on Facebook at facebook.com/ blissodr.

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2013 • 31

Competition is hot on the summer sports calendar Tiffany Kurak, Family and MWR Marketing

As we enter into the hottest months in El Paso, some of us will tough it out in the heat, while others look for ways to cool down. Team Bliss Sports, Fitness and Aquatics is covering all the bases by offering a wide variety of sports leagues and intramural sports this summer season. If you need to a little break from the heat, the individual aquathlon is set for July 12. The race will consist of a 5k run, 400 meter swim and finish with a second 5k run. The event is part of the Commander’s Cup series, but is open to all Fort Bliss ID card holders age 18 and older. “The aquathlon is a great event because it is a great trainer for the Iron Soldier Sprint Triathlon later in the year, and it breaks up just doing a regular run,” said Holly Imbriaco, intramural sports coordinator. For all you heat lovers, August 3 will bring the 10-Miler in the Heat. This race is open to everyone, but is also the second qualifier for activeduty Soldiers looking to join the elite Fort Bliss Army Ten-Miler team that will compete in Washington D.C. in October. “I have seen the dedication that the runners put into being able to compete in this event,” said Imbriaco. “It is inspiring to see that level of commitment and focus, not to mention that they are doing it in El Paso summer heat.” More of a team player? The Fall Open Softball League starts September 21, with games played at the Omar Bradley Sports Complex. “Softball is one our most popular leagues,” said Imbriaco. “They are competitive, but the camaraderie and playing the game is what makes it most enjoyable.” The open softball league is open to all-active duty Soldiers, family members 18 and older, and DoD/DA civilians. The summer season sports finale is the Iron Soldier Sprint Triathlon September 28. The 400-meter swim, 11-mile bike ride and 5k run has become a semi-annual favorite. “The triathlons are very high-energy, exciting events,” said Imbriaco. “As a spectator, watching athletes battle it out multiple times all over the courses is very exciting, and keeps it fast-paced.” However, there is still much, much more going on when it comes to Team Bliss Sports, Fitness and Aquatics events: the Commander’s Cup Golf Championship will take place July 12-14, while the Commander’s

sports calendar

recreation sports&fitness

Beat the heat

EVENT NAME AND ELIGIBILITY

DATE

Team bliss sports, fitness and aquatics photo

A runner nears the finish line during the 2012 10-Miler in the Heat run. This year’s 10-Miler in the Heat is set for August 3. The run is open to the community, and will also serve as a second qualifier for Fort Bliss’ Army Ten-Miler team. Cup Mini Golf Championship is set for August 13-15. The Commander’s Cup Indoor Soccer League will begin play August 26, and the Strongman Competition is set for September 21. To view the full calendar, visit blissmwr.com/intramurals or check out the Team Bliss Sports, Fitness, and Aquatics Facebook page at facebook.com/teamblisssports. To learn more, call (915) 744-5794.

LOCATION

COMMANDER’S CUP EVENT?

Open to active-duty fort bliss military Commander’s Cup Golf Championship

July 12-14

Underwood Golf Comple

Yes

Commander's Cup Mini-Golf Championship

August 13-15

Kelly Park

Yes

Commander’s Cup Flag Football League

August 19

Stout Field

Yes

Commander’s Cup Indoor Soccer League

August 26

Biggs Physical Fitness Center

Yes

Commander’s Cup Dodgeball Championship

June 29

Soto Physical Fitness Center

Yes

Border Rumble Boxing Smoker

September 6

Stout Physical Fitness Center

open to all military ID holders Individual Aquathlon

July 12

Replica Aquatic Center

Yes

Fall Open Softball League

September 21

Omar Bradley Complex

Strongman Competition

September 21

Soto Physical Fitness Center

Open to fort bliss and el paso community 10-Miler in the Heat

August 3

Soto Physical Fitness Center

German-American Oktoberfest Night Run

September 14

Freedom Crossing

Iron Soldier Sprint Triathlon

September 28

Aquatics Training Center

32 • Summer 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

www.blissmwr.com

Aquatics Training Center opens just in time for summer

Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

The brand-new, state-of-the art Aquatics Training Center opened its doors May 13, and the new facility has quickly become a popular addition to the fitness and recreation options offered through Fort Bliss Family and MWR. The center is the first of its kind in the Army and will accommodate the recreational needs of the community; however, the center exists primarily to support Soldier readiness. But that doesn’t mean there’s no room for fun! “The facility’s capability to have unlimited training for the Soldiers has been incredible,” said Stephanie McGruder, aquatics manager for Team Bliss Sports, Fitness and Aquatics. “Even though the Soldiers’ training is the priority, families have been able to benefit greatly from the facility as well. The multipurpose pool allows for swimmers of all ages to enjoy the water safely and still have a great time.” Eighteen months in the making – construction began in November 2011, and planning began as early as 2005 – the 50,000-squarefoot facility was designed to offer users more than the average pool experience. To begin with, the Aquatics Training Center features three pools: a 50-meter Olympic-sized pool, a multi-purpose pool and a 13-foot-deep diving well. Each body of water boasts its own innovative characteristics. Unique features of the multipurpose pool include zero-depth entry with a maximum depth of 8 feet, a 12-foot climbing wall located on the deck, a permanent basketball goal and volleyballcourt capabilities. Heaters can warm the water to therapy temperature within four hours to support wounded warrior rehabilitation. The zero-depth entry feature, which makes entering the pool similar to entering the ocean from a beach, also supports shallow-water egress training. The eight-lane, Olympic-sized pool features multiple depths and a moveable bulkhead that can divide the pool into two separate sections, enabling simultaneous use of the pool for multiple aquatic programs. The 13-foot diving well features two 1-meter boards and a 3-meter platform and is designed for diving and drown-proofing, and can accommodate helicopter cab dunk training. Aquatics Training Center amenities include fully-equipped men’s and women’s locker rooms and family changing areas, and a large classroom available for trainings. And in the future, Mc-

tiffany kurak // family and mwr marketing

Swimmers demonstrate a game of inner-tube water polo during the grand opening of the Aquatics Training Center on East Fort Bliss. Gruder hope to add to the center’s features by adding programming that focuses on fitness and fun. “Looking forward, we want to start incorporating a lot of different programs,” she said. “There will be the standard water aerobics, Aqua Zumba and swim lessons, but we also want to introduce physical therapy classes, a diving team and water polo. The facility really lends itself to endless possibilities when it comes to what we can offer.” In addition to showing the Army’s commitment to Soldier readiness, the facility also displays the commitment to make Fort Bliss one of the premier installations in the Department of Defense. Located on East Fort Bliss and built at a cost of $15.5 million, it is the third of the “Town Center” facilities opened by Family and MWR within the past three years – the other two being Soto Physical Fitness Center and the Loeza Soldier Activity Center. All told, the three facilities represent an Army investment of $46.5 million. “No other installation in the Army has been the recipient of projects of this scale and nature,” explained Melinda Sorrell, director of Family and MWR at Fort Bliss. “All three are truly world-class facilities, and greatly enhance the quality of life here at Fort Bliss.” The Aquatics Training Center is located at 20733 Constitution Ave. on East Fort Bliss. For more information, visit blissmwr.com/ pools or call (915) 741-5901.

It Works!

WRAP YOUR ABS

recreation sports&fitness

Making waves

NEED TO MAKE TAPE ?

SEE RESULTS

MINUTES! IN AS LITTLE AS • TIGHTENS, TONES & FIRMS • • • •

PATR ICI A INDEP ENDENT DISTR IB UTO R

Improves skin texture & tightness Progressive results over 72 hours Minimizes cellulite appearance The Ultimate Body Applicator is a non-woven cloth wrap infused with a powerful , bontanically-based formula to deliver maximum results.

( 5 75 ) - 791 - 5 819 www.itriminches.com FOR MEN AND WOMEN www.blissmwr.com

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2013 • 33

family CYSS

A smooth transition

Education fair, pre-registration make getting school info easy Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

If you’re in the market for information about area schools, don’t miss School Liaison Services’ PK-12 Education Fair. From 8:3011:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 30, the Centennial will be packed with representatives from local public school districts, charter, parochial and private schools, virtual academies, home-schooling organizations and more. Fort Bliss’ Child, Youth and School Services will be on hand to provide information about before- and after-school programming and extracurricular activities; Army Community Service will also have program representatives present. The PK-12 Education Fair provides military families with one-stop shopping for their children’s education, said Simone Hendricks of the School Liaison Office. “It allows parents to meet face-to-face with school administrators,” she said. “It also gives families a great opportunity to learn about the many school choices and school programs available in the El Paso area. Families will get to meet the school principals and counselors, ask questions and learn about

The fair gives families “a chance to learn about the many school choices and school programs available in the El Paso area.

”

programs at the schools – all in one place.” The fair hosts nine Texas school districts: Anthony, Canutillo, Clint, El Paso, Fabens, San Elizario, Socorro, Tornillo and Ysleta independent school districts. For the second year, the Gadsden, N.M., independent school district has also been invited to attend. Each school district will have on hand representatives from programs including special education, magnet programs, gifted and talented, athletics, fine arts, guidance and counseling, health services, transportation, early college high school and more. All told, more than 100 entities are expected to be present. This means parents and students

can find out what they need to register for school or for individual programs before registration, making the process easier. Pre-registration for families new to the El Paso ISD will occur at campuses with the highest military populations Thursday, August 8, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and from 1-4 p.m. The campuses participating in preregistration are Bliss Elementary School, Burnet Elementary School, Hughey Elementary School, Logan Elementary School, Milam Elementary School, Nixon Elementary School, Powell Elementary School, Tom Lea Elementary School, Travis Elementary School, Bassett Middle School, Richardson Middle School, Ross Middle School, Andress High School, Burges High School and Chapin High School. Pre-registration is only for military families new to the EPISD; students already enrolled in the district will have to register during normal registration. For more information on the PK-12 Education Fair or EPISD pre-registration, visit blissmwr.com/sts or call the School Liaison Office at (915) 569-5064.

Bunco

blissmwr.com

Enjoy weekly drink specials and event theme nights!

Thursday nights at 6pm

July 11 - Night of Elegance July 18 - Charlie's Angels (70s) July 25 - Bunco in Paradise August 8 - Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend August 15 - Cowgirl Round-Up August 22 - Bunco and the City

Rental Program

 Full Line of Instruments  Hassle-Free Rentals  Rental Payments Can Be Applied Towards Purchase  Repair Service & Maintenance Plans Available

Reservations recommended 915-781-6809

Special Offer on Rental Rates $5.00 Pays Your First Month’s Rent!

Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Violin, Viola, Bell or Drum Kits. Other Instruments also available at great rates. (1-month minimum rental) • Financing Available • Credit Cards Accepted •

$10 per person

DESERT PASSAGE PLAZA 1320 N. ZARAGOZA EL PASO, TX 79936 (915) 858-6700 Fax: (915) 858-6711

125 THUNDERBIRD, SUITE ‘H’ El PASO, TX 79912 (915) 833-0346 Fax: (915) 833-2069

34 • Summer 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

Pershing Pub 243 Club Road

www.blissmwr.com

Learn something new at one of the SKIES summer camps you? The SKIESUnlimited Cheer Camp provides all the spirit Don’t let your kid spend another summer in front of the TV! students need to develop their cheerleading skills. The camp will take place from July 15-19, with separate sessions for ages SKIESUnlimited has a full lineup of summer 6-10 and ages 11-17. Registration costs $40 per student. For day camps that will entertain and educate advanced students, Competition Cheer Camp will be your children. held August 5-9 for cheerleaders ages 6-17 at Looking for a blast from the past? The a cost of $60 per student. Instructor approval music history camp, designed for stuis required for registration. dents who are already reading music, This cam Get with the beat! Dance Camp teaches will cover four periods of music history We will copveisr foforustudents wh o r peri Baroq ods o are readin ue f mus g mus students the basics. The four-day camp will and composers. Students will dive into Roma C ic lassic ic history ntic al Co and c Mode ompo rn Pe sers run July 8-12 for students ages 6 and older, and the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Regsist tr$60 riods begin ation s May costs $40. Registration is open now. Advanced Modern periods during this four-day 20 Dace Camp will run from August 12-16. A precamp. SKIES offers two session: July requisite of ballet with SKIES is required for 22-25 and August 5-8. Registration students enrolling in the advanced camp. Regisis currently open and costs $60 per tration is open now for students ages 6 and older student. and costs $40 per student. Roll over, Beethoven! The Fun Gymnastics Camp runs from July 22-25 and Auwith Piano camp lets students exgust 12-16. There are two sessions: one for students plore fun with music. Sessions for in Levels 1 and 2, and a second session for students students age 5-8 will be held July Mond ay thro ugh T hursd at Level 2.5 and over. Registration is currently open 8-11 and August 12-15. Sessions ay For m 10 ore in fo call am - noon and is limited to one session per student. Costs range for students ages 9-12 will be held July : 568.5 544 from $40-$55 per student, depending on the level. 15-18, July 29-August 1, and August 19-22. The cost For more information about SKIESUnlimited sumfor the four-day camp is $60 per student and registration is mer camps and other instructional programs, visit blissmwr. currently under way. We’ve got spirit, yes we do ... We’ve got spirit, how ‘bout com/skies or call (915) 568-5544.

Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

family CYSS

Summer skills

blissm

wr.com

www.blissmwr.com

3508

Ellert

horpe

Rd. Lo

gan H

eight

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2013 • 35

Military Tickets $15! Excludes Rinkside and VIP seats. No double discounts. Additional fees may apply.

OCT. 2 – 6

Wed. OCT. 2 ★ 7:30 PM

OPENING NIGHT SAVE $5 on Tickets!*

Thu. OCT. 3

Fri. OCT. 4

7:30 PM^

7:30 PM

Sat.. OCT. 5 12 NOON 3:30 PM 7:30 PM

Sun. OCT. 6 12 NOON 3:30 PM 7:30 PM

*Excludes Rinkside and VIP seats. No double discounts. ^Spanish performances

Purchase tickets at the Information Office in the PX through Ticketmaster. Regular Ticket Prices: $15 • $21 • $26 • $35 VIP • $45 Rinkside 240683

Additional fees may apply.

disneyonice.com

#DisneyOnIce

Enrollment for School-Age Services programs opens in July Fort Bliss Child, Youth and School Services

Fort Bliss Child, Youth and School Services will open beforeand after-school program enrollments July 29 for the 2013-14 school year. School-Age Services provides care for children in first through fifth grades. Each school-age center provides a nationally accredited before-school program from 5:30 a.m. until the first school bell rings, and an after-school program from dismissal bell to 6 p.m. As an added benefit to regular School-Age Services users, from September-May your child’s school-out days, field trips, breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks are always inclusive to make your child care budgeting hassle-free. Bliss School-Age Center, located at 2012 Sheridan Road on West Fort Bliss, will escort students to and from Bliss Elementary School, and will transport students to and from Hughey Elementary School for before- and after-school care. The center also transports students to Ross Middle School following beforeschool care only, as a fee-based service. Logan SAC, located at 3505 Ellerthorpe Ave. in the Logan Heights housing area, will escort students to and from Logan Elementary School and will transport students to and from Colin Powell, Burnett, Travis and Our Lady of Assumption elementary schools. Milam SAC, located at 11898 Haan Road on East Fort Bliss, will escort students to and from Milam Elementary School. Mi-

family CYSS

After-school special

lam SAC also escorts students to the Ross Middle School bus stop following before-school care only, as a fee-based service. In addition, the center serves as a host site for Socorro Independent School District intercession school-out days. Before- and after-school program fees are based upon total family income and range from $44-$336 per month. Advance payments are required each month. CYSS offers a 15 percent multiple-child discount for siblings in regular care with either Child Development Services or School-Age Services, or with a Family Child Care provider. Once established by the customer, reoccurring monthly fees may be paid online. Children must be registered with Child, Youth and School Services before enrollment into a program to receive CYSS services. If your child is already registered with CYSS, you can enroll for before- and after-school care at any school-age center during summer business hours of 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. If your child is not enrolled with CYSS, make an enrollment appointment today with Parent Central Services, located at 1743 Victory Ave. on West Fort Bliss. Call (915) 568-4374 to make an appointment. For more information on the School-Age Services program, visit blissmwr.com/sas or call the school-age center you wish to learn more about. Reach Bliss SAC at (915) 568-2178, Logan SAC at (915) 569-5779, or Milam SAC at (915) 744-2274.

MWR Open Tournament COURSE AT UNDERWOOD GOLF COMPLEX MWRSUNRISE Open Tournament

UNDERWOOD GOLF COMPLEX WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21

friday, July 26 friday, aUGUST 23 Shotgun start at 9am Four person scramble

Shotgun start at 9 am Four person scramble

open to all

$40

Sunrise and Sunset Courses UNDERWOOD GOLF COMPLEX · FORT BLISS

open to all blissmwr.com

Entry fee per person

Up to $1000 in gift certificates based on participation

Includes cart, green feE, range balls and lunch

Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd placE and Prizes for closest to the pin

www.blissmwr.com

¡blissNOW! • Summer 2013 • 37

www.blissmwr.com

Music by

the El Paso Symphony Orchestra Bohuslav Rattay, Conductor

El Paso's only Independence Day laser light show!

July 4 • Gates open at 5pm Biggs Park • East Fort Bliss

Games and crafts to raise money for FRGs Bring a picnic or enjoy our food truck food court SPONSORED BY:

FORD LINCOLN NISSAN

38 • Summer 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

OUTSIDE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, GLASS CONTAINERS, OR PETS - NO ATM ON SITE

CALL 915-568-6741 OR BLISSMWR.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION www.blissmwr.com

ACS celebrates with essay contest, customer appreciation

community ACS

Happy birthday, ACS!

“This year, we wanted to add something new to the mix,” she conFor almost half a century, Army How has ACS helped you? tinued. “I thought it would be nice for Community Service has come to the Tell us your story and you could people to be able to share their stories aid of Soldiers, family members, retirwin an ACS prize pack, and have about how ACS has helped them, to ees and Department of Defense civilyour essay published in the fall encourage others to utilize the many ians. issue of ¡blissNOW! programs and services we offer. The When Army Community Service marks its 48th birthday, Fort Bliss ACS In an essay of 250 words or more, tell us about essay contest is just an extension of an event, an occasion, a class or assistance that line of thinking; it will allow our will celebrate with an essay contest from ACS that has positively impacted your clients to share their experiences with and customer appreciation day. life. Participants will be honored at the ACS others in the Fort Bliss community. In From 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. July 25, birthday celebration July 25, with the grand this way, those who are less familiar stop by ACS and enjoy learning about prize winner announced during the festivities. with ACS can learn about ways we its component programs during a cusThe grand-prize winner will receive an ACS can help provide them with real-life tomer appreciation day. Stop by inforprize package and have their essay featured solutions for successful Army living.” mational tables and see what you’ve in the fall edition of ¡blissNOW! magazine. Top From its humble beginnings in been missing while you take advanessays will be posted at the ACS facility for 1965 to the integral role it plays today tage of fun, free giveaways. public display. in the lives of Army families across The customer appreciation day is a Essay submissions should be sent to the globe, Army Community Service standard fixture of ACS birthday celsally.l.gonzalez.via@mail.mil no later has been working to provide “Real ebrations – but the essay contest is a than July 19. Life Solutions for Successful Army new addition to the festivities. Living.” “We’re always excited to celebrate For more information, call ACS at (915) Army Community Service is locatthe ACS birthday,” said Sally Gonza569-4227 ed at 2494 Ricker Road on West Fort lez, manager of the Information, Referral and Outreach program at ACS. “Every year, we observe the Bliss. For more information about the programs and services occasion with a customer appreciation day, and it’s always a offered through ACS, visit blissmwr.com/acs or call (915) 5694227. lot of fun.

Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

High Saturday, August 24th at Stakes the Centennial Bingo **Hurry, space is limited to the first 150 people

blissmwr.com/bingo

11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St. East Fort Bliss Call 744-1171 for more info

Doors open at 5pm, early bird games start at 6:30pm and the session starts at 7pm

Presale tickets and electronics begin July 6. Electronics are limited; first-come, first-served.

14 Games / $60 Buy-in Includes 1st paper bingo pack & 1 Mexican dinner buffet Enjoy $3 margaritas!

2 JACKPOTS $2,000 & $3,000!

from 5pm to 6:30pm

2 JACKPOTS - $2,000 & $3,000! www.blissmwr.com

$12,000

in cash prizes Minimum payout of $500 on winning games

*All cash prizes will be divided equallyif there are multiple winners ¡blissNOW! • Summer 2013 • 39

community ACS

food drive Tephanie Hopper, Army Volunteer Corps Manager

d Fooruns e drivrough th

! 6 2 t ints: Q s u AuDrgop-orefdf pDoivisinonPFHC

mo • Loga S r A t 1s to PFC C • AC enter M C So WBA munityrk om elly Pa C C BB at K Buy a donation bag for just

at the Commissary 40 • Summer 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

In America, there are more than 50 million people who go to bed hungry each night. When we think about those who are hungry, many of us routinely think about the homeless in our community – but that’s not necessarily the case. Hunger affects Americans of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds. Hunger could be affecting your neighbor, your child’s classmate or even a Soldier serving their country. But what should we do when this problem is next door? The simple answer to this question is HELP. We should not only help the person next door, but also the person two doors down, up the street and even into the next city. We need to reach all those who are hungry across our country, and we can start in our local community. We should not sit idly and watch our neighbors go hungry. We must DO SOMETHING! The torch to help in the fight against hunger has been given to the Fort Bliss community through the Feds Feed Families campaign. The Feds Feed Families campaign is a government-wide effort to help our neighbors by helping to replenish food banks of the Fort Bliss and El Paso communities. Feds Feed Families kicked off June 26 and will run through August 26. Our goal is to collect 10,000 pounds of food and other non-perishable items to support families across our community. There will be drop-off points located all across the installation where you can do your part in the fight against hunger in our community. The Feds Feed Families campaign will also offer a creative opportunity to fight hunger through the Feds Feed Families CANStruction Contest. The Feds Feed Families CANStruction Contest is a dynamic design competition using nonperishable food items and is a great way to showcase our community’s abundant talent and creative power, with an added benefit of helping to feed hungry families. The torch has been given to you to help fight hunger: Pick up your torch and run to help thy neighbor! For more information on Feds Feed Families, contact the Fort Bliss Army Volunteer Corps at (915) 569-7733, fortblissvolunteer@yahoo.com or blissmwr.com/volunteer.

CANstruction Contest INFO:

August 19: Team entry deadline August 27: Build day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.) August 28: Exhibit and voting; open to public August 29: Judging and awards at 10am Deconstruction and pickup at 11am www.blissmwr.com

FORT BLISS & FAMILY FRED WILSON RD

SLICER A

MA ST

agord To Ala m

HAAN RD

ARTILLERY RD

29 7

28 40 8

CLUB RD

PERSHING RD

SHERIDAN RD

CASSIDY GATE

SLATER RD

CUSTER RD

PIKE RD

DONIPHAN RD

DYER ST

SHERIDAN GATE

HUMPHREY RD

ADAIR RD

14 2 24

30 55

PERSHING GATE

ID AN

EL PASO, TEXAS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT MILITARY AREAS DR

MILITARY GATES ING

RS H

1 BUILDING LOCATIONS PE

PIA

TROWBRIDGE

To I-10

RADFORD AVE

GATEWAY BLVD NORTH

LOCATIONS WITH WI-FI GATEWAY BLVD SOUTH

RUSSELL ST

PIEDRAS ST

McNAIR RD

A PH RD

568-1117 565-4100 568-2115 569-2331 533-1244 568-2121

WORK AVE

HAYES ST

EMERGENCY NUMBERS Fire Emergencies Housing Areas Military Police Ambulance Poison Information Post Operator

VICTORY A

ELM ST

500B (915) 568-3301 Adjutant General (915) 568-4849 45 American Red Cross 7060 (915) 562-8461 Armed Services YMCA 2494 (915) 569-4227 Army Community Service (915) 568-7280 Automotive Skills Center/Auto Crafts 820 Bowling Center/Desert Strike Lanes 2949 (915) 568-6272 (915) 630-8669 197 Car Wash (915) 568-1519 112 Chaplain 1730 (915) 568-5689 Child Development Center, Main PIERCE AVE Child Development Center, Replica 5036 (915) 569-7199 504B (915) 568-6287 Civilian Personnel Office 1717 (915) 568-4022 Commissary (915) 568-5380 250 Community Pool (915) 568-3500 11 Family and MWR Headquarters (915) 569-5500 250 Family Resilience Center (915) 568-5563 820 Framing Bliss PX: Freedom Crossing (915) 562-7200 Post Exchange, Grand Theatre Third-party Shops 1741 (915) 568-2833 18 Garrison Command BUREN AVE 7777 19VAN Hospital: WBAMC 7777 (915) 742-2121 Information 7777 (915) 569-2331 Ambulance MONROE AVE 7777 (915) 569-CARE Appointments 7777 (888) 874-9378 TRICARE Service Center 7777 (915) 742-2483 Red Cross 1991 (915) 564-0795 20 Housing: On-Post/Balfour Beatty T-0070 (915) 568-5309 21McKINLEY Housing: Off-Post AVE 1744 (915) 565-7777 22 IHG Army Hotels at Fort Bliss (915) 568-3035 505 23 In-Processing/Welcome Center (915) 568-1241 8 24 Inspector General 2951 (915) 568-2892 25 Ironworks Gym West 1611 (915) 569-6446 26 ITR Kiosk at Freedom Crossing 1991 (915) 566-1133 27 Kelly Park (915) 568-7141 113 28 Legal Assistance 1310 (915) 564-5275 29 FORT Dunkinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;BLVD Donuts (915) 568-6156 2 30 Mickelsen Community Library 2499 (915) 568-7318 31 Milam Fitness Center 1735 (915) 568-5412 32 Old Ironsides Museum 5054 (915) 568-4518 33 Old Fort Bliss Replica 2968 (915) 568-7393 34 Omar Bradley Softball Complex 1743 (915) 568-4374 35 Parent Central/CYSS Registration (915) 568-6272 243 55 Pershing Pub 1733 (915) 562-4036 36 Post Office (915) 568-7506 37 POV Car Resale Lot 1334 (915) 568-1537 38 Recycling Center 5035 (915) 568-7431 39 Replica Aquatic Center (915) 568-7187 131 40 SKIESUnlimited Gymnastic Center 2010 (915) 568-2178 41 School-Age Center, Bliss 5037 42 School-Age Center, Replica (915) 568-6923 43 Soldier and Family Assistance Center 887 2496 (915) 742-3858 44 Soldier and Family Medical Clinic 2930 (915) 568-3264 45 Stout Physical Fitness Center (915) 568-5970 241 46 Survivor Outreach Services (915) 569-5449 262 47 TennisAVE Club & Fitness Zone ALTURA Transportation (915) 568-4339 505 48 Inbound Transportation RICHMOND AVE 503B (915) 568-8218 49 Outbound Transportation 1717 (915) 730-9803 50 Trading Post (915) 562-7467 A Little Bit of Bliss Gift Shop (915) 562-5451 Fort Bliss Thrift Shop (915) 564-0009 Junior Enlisted Family Center Indoor Playground AURORA AVE 2408 (915) 569-5644 51 USO 503A (915) 568-1890 52 Vehicle Registration WHEELING 6077 (915) 742-2266 53 VeterinaryAVE Services (915) 568-KIDS 195 54 Youth Services 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

COPIA ST

PIEDRAS ST

ELM ST

LOUSIANA ALABAMA ST

Telephone

NG HI RS R PE CI

ALABAMA ST

Bldg.

FORT BLISS LEGEND

ALABAMA GATE

No. Organization

N GO LI RD L N E cK YO M AN C

ALABA

Bridge to East Fort Bliss

FRED WILSON RD

AVE

CHAFFEE GATE

EARL H. BRUNS RD

35 22

Fort Bliss National Cemetery

32 36 9

PIKE RD

AIRPORT RD

FOUNDERS BLVD RD

PLEASONTON RD

26 17

Bridge to East Fort Bliss

HAAN RD CARRINGTON

CHAFFEE RD

MARSHALL RD

SHANNON VAN VALZAH RD

JEB STUART RD

HINMAN RD

AVE

community ACS

AND MWR FACILITIES

STENNIS ST

38 45

CASSIDY

31 PLEASONTON RD

ER AM CR

JEB STUART RD

TAYLOR ST

48 23

LEIGH FISHER BLVD

CARTER RD

MERRITT RD

El Paso International Airport AIRPORT RD

PERSHING RD

SHERIDAN RD

IR DR

CONVA

DICKMAN RD

ROBERT E. LEE GATE

HOOD RD

BOEING DR

STONEMAN RD

HUGHEY GE

IMO ON GER ST

JEB STUART SOUTH

DER GRU ST MA

AIRWAY BLVD

SCALES RD

FORSYTH RD

CHASE RD

ROBERT E. LEE RD MORGAN AVE

HOWZE ST TR OW

AIRWAY BLVD

N ASO PLE

TON

ASHBURN ST

DUDLEY ST

42 10

JEB STUART RD

WILLARD HOLDBROOK RD

CARTER RD

1 11 52 49

CHAFFEE RD

UMNER RD

REMAGEN GATE

51 H

16 5

BUTTERFIELD TRAIL BLVD

YAQUI WY

NA AVE

MONTA

62 180

k Lubboc

EAST FORT BLISS EAST FORT BLISS LEGEND No.

Organization

1 2 3 4 5

Aquatics Training Center Biggs Express Biggs Park Biggs Physical Fitness Center Centennial Club Catering Dining Room Habanero Java Cafe Primoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Express Metro Bingo Bar 6 Child Development Center, East Bliss 7 Child Development Center, Milam 8 Community Center Troop Store 9 East Bliss Mini Mall 10 Ironworks Gym 11 Military Police Station 12 School-Age Center, Milam 13 Soldier Activity Center BOSS Headquarters Cliffhanger Cafe ITR Leisure Travel Library Outdoor Recreation Unit Funds 14 Soto Physical Fitness Center Wi-Fi in snack bar area only 15 Youth Activity Center, Milam 16 USO/FirstLight Federal Credit Union USO FirstLight Federal Credit Union 17 U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy AAFES SMA Bookstore

Bldg.

Telephone

20733 11284 11388 11251 11199

(915) 741-5901 (915) 562-8442 (915) 744-8087 (915) 744-8730 (915) 744-1711 (915) 744-9330

(915) 744-8427 (915) 744-2731 (915) 744-7879 (915) 799-3156 (915) 566-5479 (915) 744-5201 (915) 568-2115 568-2116/568-2117 11898 (915) 744-2274 20732 (915) 744-1532 (915) 744-1525 (915) 744-1535 (915) 744-1522 (915) 744-5105 (915) 744-1534 (915) 744-1532 (915) 744-5105 20751 (915) 744-5788

20707 11896 20752 13471 T20700 20709

10960 20727 11291

(915) 744-2278 (915) 744-3480 (800) 351-1670 (915) 744-8009 (915) 562-5645

FOUNDERS

WENDOVER

SERGEANT MAJOR BLVD

LUKE

CHANUTES

LUKE

SHORT

SGT E CHURCHILL

SERGEANT MAJOR BLVD

BIGGS

MSG R MILLER

SGT C THOMAS

SGT MARKLE

BARKSDALE

LUKE

MSG R MILLER

AIRPORT ROAD

BIGGS GATE

DUNCAN

RANDOLPH

SGT MARKLE

SSG SIMS

SCOTT

BOLLING

CSM E. SLEWITZE

PETERSON

WRIGHT

BIGGS ARMY AIRFIELD

DR DES NSI

N K TA

W HA

CK BLA

N DR

AD RO

IRO

OLD

AY EW

RIN SSE

AD RO

MINUE DRIVE

GENERAL HARMON GATE

RH E

V DRI

AY EW

L EAG

AD RO

E RG

AY EW

L EAG

VD BL

L PA

G ER

VD BL

UE MIN

AY W VI

Y WA

R E-A

O CT

ZIO

IA NIS

R IE LF

AY W

M RO

SO AN

Y WA

LF V

CH SBA

CH BA NS RM SHE

AY YW OR T C I

AIL TR NK TA WK HA CK VE BLA DRI UE MIN

IKE

O IR

STR

ARM

O IR

ID NS

LE SPUR 601

WALTER JONES

GLOBAL REACH GATE

EL PASO, TEXAS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT MILITARY AREAS

El Paso International Airport

RY ER

MILITARY GATES

1 BUILDING LOCATIONS

LOCATIONS WITH WI-FI

H AC

family and mwrdirectory

ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE

Bldg. 2494 Ricker Road

(915) 568-1132

FAMILY RESILIENCE CENTER

Bldg. 250 Club Road

(915) 569-5500

SOLDIER AND FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER

Bldg. 887 Marshall Road

(915) 568-6923

SURVIVOR OUTREACH SERVICES

Bldg. 241 Sheridan Road

(915) 568-5970

SOTO PFC

Bldg. 20751 Constitution Avenue, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-5788

STOUT PFC

Bldg. 2930 Cassidy Road

(915) 568-3264

MILAM PFC

Bldg. 2499 Cassidy Road

(915) 568-7318

LOGAN HEIGHTS PFC

Bldg. 4797 Ellerthorpe Road, Logan Heights

(915) 568-5198

BIGGS PFC

Bldg. 11251 Biggs Street, East Bliss

(915) 744-8730

IRONWORKS GYM - EAST

Bldg. T20700 Anzio Way, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-8697

IRONWORKS GYM - WEST

Bldg. 2951 Cramer Street

(915) 568-2892

TENNIS CLUB & FITNESS ZONE

Bldg. 262 Club Road

(915) 569-5449

REPLICA AQUATIC CENTER

Bldg. 5035 Dickman Road

(915) 568-7431

AQUATICS TRAINING CENTER

Bldg. 20733 Constitution Avenue, East Fort Bliss

(915) 741-5901

COMMUNITY POOL

Bldg. 253 Club Road

(915) 568-6925

CENTENNIAL BANQUET AND CONFERENCE CENTER

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

(915) 744-8427

UNDERWOOD GOLF COMPLEX & GOLDEN TEE

Bldg. 3193 Coe Avenue, Logan Heights

(915) 568-1059

DESERT STRIKE LANES

Bldg. 2949 Carter Road

(915) 568-6272

FORT BLISS ROD & GUN CLUB

Bldg. 3730 Roy Johnson Lane, Northeast El Paso

(915) 565-4867

PERSHING PUB

Bldg. 243 Club Road

(915) 568-6272

OLD FORT BLISS REPLICA

Bldg. 5054, Pershing Road & Pleasonton Road

(915) 568-4518

BIGGS PARK

Bldg. 11388 Sergeant Major Boulevard, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-8087

MICKELSEN LIBRARY

E-Wing, Basement, Bldg. 2 Pershing Circle

(915) 568-6156

RV PARK

Bldg. 4130 Ellerthorpe Road

(915) 568-0106

FRAMING BLISS

Bldg. 820 Marshall Road

(915) 568-5563

AUTOMOTIVE SKILLS CENTER

Bldg. 820 Marshall Road

(915) 568-7280

ITR/UNIT FUNDS - SOLDIER ACTIVITY CENTER

Bldg. 20732 Constitution Avenue, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-1522

ITR - FREEDOM CROSSING KIOSK

Freedom Crossing, Bldg. 1611 Marshall Road

(915) 569-6446

OUTDOOR REC - SOLDIER ACTIVITY CENTER

Bldg. 20732 Constitution Avenue, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-1532

SOLDIER ACTIVITY CENTER

Bldg. 20732 Constitution Avenue, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-1532

GYMS & FITNESS FACILITIES

FOOD, LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT

CHILD, YOUTH & SCHOOL SERVICES FACILITIES CYSS PARENT CENTRAL

Bldg. 1743 Victory Avenue

(915) 568-4374

CYSS PARENT CENTRAL SATELLITE OFFICE

Bldg. 503B Pershing Road

(915) 568-2146

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER - EAST BLISS

Bldg. 20707 Kasserine Way, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-2731

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER - LOGAN

Bldg. 3500 Ellerthorpe Road, Logan Heights

(915) 568-3989

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER - MAIN

Bldg. 1730 Pleasonton Road

(915) 568-5689

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER - MILAM

Bldg. 11896 Haan Road, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-7879

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER - REPLICA

Bldg. 5036 Sheridan Road

(915) 569-7199

SCHOOL-AGE CENTER - BLISS

Bldg. 2012 Sheridan Road

(915) 568-2178

SCHOOL-AGE CENTER - LOGAN

Bldg. 3505 Ellerthorpe Road, Logan Heights

(915) 569-5784

SCHOOL-AGE CENTER - MILAM

Bldg. 11898 Haan Road, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-2274

YOUTHPLEX

Bldg. 195 Chaffee Road

(915) 568-5437

YOUTH ACTIVITY CENTER - MILAM

Bldg. 10960 Haan Road, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-2278

SKIES Unlimited - Main

Bldg. 3508 Ellerthorpe Road, Logan Heights

(915) 569-7732

SKIES Unlimited - Gymnastic CENTER

Bldg. 131 Doniphan Road

(915) 568-5544

FAMILY CHILD CARE (FCC)

Bldg. 3503 Story Road, Logan Heights

(915) 568-4198

SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICER

Bldg. 503B Pershing Road

(915) 569-5064

MORE FAMILY AND MWR PHONE NUMBERS DFMWR HEADQUARTERS

2nd Floor, Bldg. 11 Pershing Road

(915) 568-3500

(915) 577-7746 • sphn.com • Like us on

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

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