How time flies! It’s been an amazing 10 months, and I am immensely proud of the hard work our team has accomplished at Fort Bliss! I hope everyone is following us on social media and taking advantage of all the great events and activities we have to offer.
I’m looking forward to Pop Goes the Fort in celebrating our great nations Independence Day. In addition, we’re thrilled to be partnering with a new organization, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, to bring a new flavor to
the hiring fair for our Soldiers and their Families.
Lastly, after missing last year’s Relocation Fair upon my arrival at Fort Bliss, I’m super excited to attend this year and extend a warm welcome to all of our new Families who will be joining our Fort Bliss community. Let us show you why it’s truly Better at Bliss!
Have a great summer and stay safe!
Be Blessed,
915-568-3500 Roberto.j.medina.naf@army.mil
POP GOES THE FORT
Join Fort Bliss MWR THURSDAY, JULY 4 at Biggs Park!
The event will kick off with a cannon Salute to the Union, followed by performances by 1st Armored Division Band and El Paso Symphony Orchestra. This year there will be longer fireworks spectacular display than ever before! Coolers, picnic blankets and chairs are welcome!
Please remember outside alcoholic beverages, glass containers or pets are prohibited at the park. This is event is free and open to the public, be sure to get your community access pass to get on the installation. For more information, call 915-588-8247.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY BALLOON SALE
Who doesn’t love Christmas? Come join Underwood Golf Complex for Christmas in July! The sale is SATURDAY, JULY 13 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a shopping experience you don’t want to miss! Enjoy complimentary wine & cheese, while supplies last and take advantage of these great savings, Ping & Titleist items are not eligible. For more information, call 915-568-1059.
RUN FOR FREEDOM
Join Youth Sports & Fitness for the last race of the summer SATUDAY, JULY 13 at Smith-Bliss Field! Kick off the start of school on a good foot. The run is $5 per person, there will be late registration and check in from 7 to 7:45 a.m. Race time for the 5K will start at 8 a.m. and the 1-mile run will being at 8:05 a.m. To register or for more information, call 915-568-2617.
YAPPY HOUR
It’s Patriotic Pups at Centennial Pub Patio! Bring your four-legged friends to this month’s Yappy Hour WEDNESDAY, JULY 17! Enjoy eats, treats and drinks with your favorite furry four-legged friends! There will be free food and water for our special pups. Drink and food specials are available for purchase throughout the event for our pet parents. Don’t forget to have your dogs come dressed in their patriotic gear for the best dressed pup contest! For more information, call 915-588-8247.
KAYAK THE RIO
Join Outdoor Recreation for a day out on the Rio Grande SATURDAYS, JULY 13 & 27 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Transportation will be provided to Las Cruces, NM. After kayaking in the Rio, Outdoor Rec will hit up Mesilla for shopping and lunch. The cost is $40 per person, includes all equipment and transportation. For more information, call 915-744-1532.
BORDER RUMBLE
Border Rumble is back! If you’re an Active-Duty Soldier interested in participating in this event be sure to register! The event is FRIDAY, JULY 26 and open to Active Duty only. Soldiers fighting must have 5 or less intramural fights. There will be weight categories for both male and female. Coaches meeting is July 24 at 6 p.m. at Soldier Activity Center. Registration is required and can be done at the Sports Office located on the second floor at Soto PFC. Late registration and weigh-ins will be July 26 at Stout PFC from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All required forms must be turned in at this time. It’s free to attend for spectators. For more information, call 915-744-5785.
ONGOING PROGRAMS
Do-It-Yourself Auto Safety Orientation
Tuesday-Friday: 9am // Every third Saturday: 8am Auto Crafts Center
100 Mile Swim Club
January - December 2024: On your own time Aquatics Training Center/Replica Pool
Co-Ed USATF Cross Country Registration: August | Season: August-November Youth Sports Plex
HARRY POTTER FESTIVAL
Join Art & Hobby Center for a Harry Potter Festival SATURDAY, AUG. 3. Go Back to School Diagon Alley style! Enjoy local vendors, face painting, magical make & takes and a selfie station complete with house robes and Hogwarts acceptance letters! This event is open to all ages. The event is on the corner of Cassidy and Marshall Road. If you would like to be a vendor for this event or for more information call, 915-568-5563.
BOSS BASH
Join Bliss BOSS for a fun filled event! FRIDAY, AUG. 16
There will be water slides, water balloon fights, water gun fights, minipools and prize giveaways. This event is for Active-Duty Single Soldiers, ages 18 and older only. For more information, call 915-892-5195.
YOUTH CENTERS OPEN HOUSE
“Get to know us!” The Fort Bliss Youth Centers are having an Open House! Explore what they have to offer and get a taste of their programming! Child Youth Services registration will be available onsite. Parents, bring your ID for a fast registration process. Open house dates are Aug. 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Replica Youth Center. The Milam Youth Center's open house dates are Aug. 8 from 4 to 6 p.m. and Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, call 915-568-3523 or 915-744-2449.
BIENVENIDOS A BLISS RELOCATION FAIR
Come join Army Community Service at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center for Bienvenidos A Bliss Relocation Fair TUESDAY, AUG. 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. Get a taste of all Fort Bliss and El Paso have to offer. This event is designed for both new and seasoned Families. There’s always something new you can learn about the installation. Visit more than 100 on and off-post community organization and business tables and learn how they can help make your experience at Fort Bliss a better one. For more information, call 915-569-5864.
TUBE THE RIO
The temperatures here in the great Southwest are on the rise. Fort Bliss Outdoor Recreation has started their seasonal water trips, SATURDAY, AUG 10 and 17! There is no better way to “beat the heat” then joining us for an eventful day of tubing the Rio Grande River in Mesilla, NM! The cost is $40, includes transportation and equipment. Save your spot, reserve your seats with Outdoor Recreation! Space is limited, open to the public 14 and older. For more information, call 915-744-1532.
FLAG FOOTBALL OFFICIALS CLINICS
Sports, Fitness & Aquatics (SFA) is hosting clinics for Military and DoD ID cardholders who are interested. Flag Football Offiicals Clinic is MONDAY - THURSDAY, AUG. 26-29 from 6 to 8 p.m. Classroom Training are Monday and Tuesday at Aquatics Training Center. Practical Trainings are Wednesday and Thursday on the field at Soto PFC. Registration is required and can be done at the Sport’s Office located on the second floor of Soto PFC. For more information, call 915-744-5785.
MAY REFLECTIONS
Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) aims to acknowledge noteworthy moments that occured in May. By recognizing these accomplishments, Fort Bliss MWR celebrates the positive impact made by individuals or groups within the community.
celebrating together
home
remembering & honoring our armed forces
MEMORIAL DAY: In solemn tribute to our brave Fallen Soldiers, the Mitchell W. Stout Physical Fitness Center (PFC) seized the opportunity to express unwavering support for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country for Memorial Day, May 2024. As part of this commemoration, they gathered a collection of photographs featuring veterans and patrons who utilize the facility. These images capture the camaraderie of close battle buddies and honor the shared experiences of those who served during their tenure. The display was prominently positioned in front of the issue desk, ensuring that all visitors to Stout PFC can witness this heartfelt tribute. Take a moment to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by these courageous individuals, as well as the enduring bond that unites our military community.
Photo by Fort Bliss MWR Marketing
ARMED FORCES DAY PARADE: Fort Bliss MWR has awarded this
the title of ‘Best of Bliss Home 2024’ in the decorating contest. Congratulations! Since the inception of the parade, Fort Bliss MWR have encouraged patrons who live along the Sheridan Road to participate, enhancing the parade route through creative and thoughtful decorations.
Photo by Fort Bliss MWR Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Stout Physical Fitness Center staff
TEE-RIFIC upgrades coming to
the Sunrise Course!
• Aerate and reseed all tees and fairways.
• Repair and replace sand in all bunkers.
• Repair irrigation heads.
• Install new tee signs.
• Repair potholes on cart paths.
• Clear overgrowth areas in front of tee boxes and around lakes.
embark on a new ADVENTURE with leisure travel
Fall is approaching, and there are numerous exciting events on the horizon. One of the most anticipated holidays during this season is Halloween. A favorite for so many is experiencing Halloween at the parks at Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios
Every year the parks put on a Halloween themed special event on select nights. Disney World offers Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Disneyland offers Oogie Boogie Bash, and both Universal California and Florida offer their famous Halloween Horror Nights. Exploring the parks during this season allows you to revel in the boo-tiful décor, eerie haunted house, trick-or-treating and whimsical characters that roam about. Lucky for you, LTS offers tickets for the special events at select parks. View the list above to see what haunting attractions are offered.
To top off the Halloween theme, the Disney Cruise Line has a new ship, the Disney Treasure which will set sail December 2024 with 7-Night sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. The ship will feature the first ever Haunted Mansion parlor bar. The bar will feature cocktails and merchandise inspired by the Haunted Mansion. Besides the themed décor, you will encounter select characters from the original Disney Haunted Mansion
park attractions.
To add to Disney’s Cruise line, their newest ship, the Disney Destiny, currently being built, will sail in 2025. The ship will be themed, Heroes and Villains. On the bow of the ship you will see Minnie decked in a cape just like your favorite heroes. On board the ship you will find characters from Hercules, 101 Dalmatians and The Lion King.
If you sail starting in September, select Disney cruises offer Halloween on the High Seas. Ships that offer this are the Disney Magic, Fantasy, Dream, and Wish. You can experience deck parties, character experiences, live shows and entertainment, “Mickey’s Mouse-querade” where you can dress in your best ghoulish outfit along with your favorite Disney characters, create Halloween crafts for the whole family and themed desserts, beverages and everyone’s favorite, trick-or-treating.
Finally, Universal Orlando, brings back their famous Halloween Horror nights to both California and Florida. Halloween Horror Nights is a separate ticketed event where you can experience haunted houses, scare zones and live entertainment. If you book a military vacation package to stay at one of their eight on property resorts, you can add Halloween Horror Night tickets to your package along with Express passes.
By Wanda
As a service member, keeping track of various rules and regulations across different states or countries can be stressful. Fort Bliss Auto Skills is here to assist with your privately-owned vehicle’s compliance with the Texas State Inspection Program. Starting January 1, 2025, the House Bill 3297 will take effect, eliminating the requirement for state vehicle safety inspections in non-emissions counties.
Unfortunately, El Paso County does not fall under this exemption, so residents – both on and off – Fort Bliss are required to participate in the annual emissions testing program, which will still be an available service at Fort Bliss Auto Skills Center.
Despite county emissions status, all vehicles will still be required to be registered; the registration process will continue to be managed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
MILITARY PERSONNEL
Military Personnel with privately owned vehicles (POV) residing in emission counties within Texas must comply with the state’s emission testing program. This applies to vehicles registered in Texas and other states. If your military installation is in Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, and Williamson County, your vehicle is subject to the I/M testing guidelines.
For more information about Fort Bliss Auto Skills Center services, call 915-568-7280.
To learn more about the Texas Department of Public Safety, visit https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/vehicle-inspection/militarypersonnel.
Back-to-School Season is here! School registration, shopping for uniforms and supplies are on everyone’s mind as the 2024/25 school year approaches. Summer also means transition for many of Military Connected Students. As new arriving Families navigate their way through the school system, questions about what their new home has to offer in terms of their child’s education and how to make this transition as seamless as possible are some of the challenges that comes with each permanent change of station (PCS) move.
El Paso area schools offer a wide variety of academic, extracurricular and social activities, including Dual Language classrooms, Early College High Schools and Magnet Programs, where students can get a head start on career fields such as pre-law, engineering and much more. Each school district offers career readiness curriculum to ensure the most rigorous and positive learning environment for all students.
Whether this is your child’s first school experience, or your student is near graduation, El Paso area schools and the School Liaison Office are here to make this transition a positive experience. Most El Paso area districts offer digital tools to make the registration process easy for parents. Visit your District’s website to learn more about the registration process and requirements on how to get
started. Contact your assigned campus for specific academic, registration, or athletic requirements or reach out to the School Liaison Office at 915-5695064.
Aside from academic challenges that can accompany a move to a new duty station, students can also face social and emotional challenges associated with relocation and leaving familiar social networks and activities behind. Many of the local campuses offer a Youth Sponsorship Program that can help ensure that youth are connected to their new community before they move and when they first arrive. This allows them to ask questions about their new community, school, activities and get connected with their peers.
Sponsors can provide school orientations so students can navigate through a new school easily, while providing important social connections for incoming students. Ask your gaining campus about resources that can help your transitioning student. To request a youth sponsor you can contact your School Liaison Office or bliss.armymwr.com, search school support services.
TENNIS FOR KIDS!
BY FORT BLISS MWR TENNIS CLUB & FITNESS ZONE
The Fort Bliss Tennis Club and Fitness Zone provides Junior Tennis programming for children ages 5-15. This unique Fort Bliss programming offers Military kids a chance to learn the game of tennis by focusing on coordination, agility and basic technical hitting skills. There are various programs offered throughout the year including development sessions, summer camps, in-house tournaments, open game play and fun family carnival events.
The Fort Bliss Tennis Club is committed to nurturing a deep passion for the game and physical activity from an early age, ensuring that it benefits military children throughout their lives. This program is overseen by Melissa Huft, a PTRcertified coach, along with assistant coaches who include high school coaches, players and other dedicated volunteers. Come out to the Tennis Club and see what the program is all about!
BY FORT BLISS MWR SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICE
Explore the world of
BY FORT BLISS ART & HOBBY CENTER
Art & Hobby Center is a hidden gem offering a delightful blend of innovation, relaxation and community engagement. Throughout the year, Art & Hobby organizes themed market festivals and monthly workshops. The center hosts a variety of classes and workshops, fostering creativity and providing an outlet for self-expression. One of the partnerships is the Soldier Art Workshop (SAW). Founded as a non-profit foundation in 2014, SAW focuses on the well-bing of Soldiers, Families and Military Veterans at Fort Bliss. Through art, SAW aims to help Soldiers and their Families navigate the challenges of Military life.
As stated by SAW at the International Museum of Art, “Art provides an outlet for the creative expression supporting both the Soldier and the Family in the transition through the challenges of military life.”
Some of the classes provided by SAW are painting, pottery, weaving, metal embossing, encaustics, glass design and many other mediums. They collaborate with artists such as Krystyna Robbins, Katie Gelinas, Lindsey Kronmiller, and Delphie Martinez to name a few. Each artist-led workshop spans 2 to 3 days, allowing participants to immerse themselves fully. The workshops offer a chance to step away from every day worries and decompress through artistic exploration.
Whether you’re a Soldier seeking a creative outlet or a community member looking to unwind, Art & Hobby provides a welcome space for all. Remember, art has the power to heal, inspire, and connect people across different walks of life!
For class information at Art & Hobby, visit bliss.army.mwr.com, search Art & Hobby or scan the QR code provided. To register for upcoming classes, call 915-568-5563.
Package
Indulge your guests with a delicious brunch selection that includes: Scrambled Eggs, Hash Brown Potatoes, Silver Dollar Pancakes, Bacon or Sausage Links, Biscuits or Rolls, Baked Chicken or Sliced Roast Beef w/Au Jus, Rice Pilaf and Vegetable Medley, Garden Salad, Fresh Fruit Slices, Iced Tea, Co ee and Water.
*add additional accompaniments for $1.50 or entrée’s for $3.50 per person
ATTENTION MILITARY SPOUSES!
ACS hosts Hiring Our Heroes for next career fair
The Fort Bliss Army Community Service (ACS) Employment Readiness Program (ERP) will host Hiring Our Heroes for an upcoming Career Exploration and Hiring Fair on Thursday, Aug. 15. Hiring Our Heroes is part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and serves as a non-profit focused on connecting America’s military community with meaningful careers.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Centennial Banquet & Conference Center. The morning portion from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. will offer educational workshops on a variety of topics such as civilian pay, benefits & taxes, interview techniques, and how to leverage LinkedIn to strategically job search and build your network, as well as feature a panel discussion with Career Industry leaders. The Hiring Fair portion will take place from 12 to 4 p.m. This event is open to Military Spouses, transitioning service members, Veterans, DOD Civilians, Reservists, and caregivers of wounded Warriors with a valid DOD ID card. Pre-registration is requested, but not required. Job seekers can expect to interact with more than 100 employers including government agencies, small and large businesses, and non-profits offering careers in a variety of industries. This event is free! The Fort Bliss ACS Hiring Fair continues to be a tool and opportunity to experience
networking with vetted employers while interacting faceto-face and discovering a wide range of career opportunities available. For more information and to pre-register, visit www.hiringourheroes.org/bliss.
If you’re not ready for the Hiring Fair, don’t worry! The Employment Readiness Program will help you prepare through their Hiring Fair Prep Class on July 30, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at ACS. During the prep class, the Employment Readiness team will help you prepare for employment opportunities. This class will cover résumé writing, interview skills, dress for success, and more. This prep class will also include a mock interview session that allows the attendees a chance to practice their introductions and receive constructive feedback in preparation for navigating a hiring fair. Past attendees have raved about the ERP Hiring Prep Class. To reserve your seat, call 915569-5838.
ERP is also available for one-on-one coaching for specific employment needs such as career exploration, résumé review, networking and more. ERP also offers the following classes Employment Orientation, Résumé Writing Tips, Ace Your Next Job Interview, Let’s Start Your Own Business to name a few. For more information, visit www.bliss.armymwr.com, search Employment Readiness.
ENHANCING Readiness & Resilience
BY FORT BLISS MWR ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE (ACS)
Fort Bliss Army Community Service (ACS) is one of the divisions under the Directorate of Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation (DFMWR). ACS is a comprehensive program that provides a wide range of support services and resources to Soldiers, civilian employees, and their families to enhance their readiness and resilience throughout all phases of the military lifecycle.
ACS aims to facilitate Commanders’ ability to deliver standardized, coordinated, and responsive services that address various aspects of military life, and your Fort Bliss ACS goes above and beyond in each of these.
Moving to a new installation comes with challenges and ACS’s Relocation Readiness Program can assist you by providing information about the new installation you are at or may be heading off to. If you are waiting for your household goods to arrive, come visit the Lending closet so you can borrow pots, pans, and dishes to help you get by until your items arrive. Relocation Readiness can give you a welcome packet that outlines all the amazing services and programs here at Fort Bliss and the El Paso area.
ACS will have the annual Bienvenido’s A Bliss Relocation Fair at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center, Aug. 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Fort Bliss and the El Paso community. Vendors from local agencies, schools and businesses all come together to show you why it is Better at Bliss.
Are you a Military Spouse looking for employment? Employment Readiness Program can help you with your job search through resume, interview, and other areas one on one assistance. They have various classes that address
these areas and two hiring fairs each year. Employment Readiness also has classes and a hiring fair just for your teens.
Financial Readiness provides financial education that will teach you how to develop an effective budget, improving your credit score, give you tips on how to buy a house or a car. Financial Readiness is here to help Soldiers and their families as they go through each milestone of their military career. Unexpected emergencies happen and that is where Army Emergency Relief can help you with an interest free loan.
Exceptional Family Member Program can assist when a family member has unique special needs, finding resources may feel overwhelming. However, accessing the proper resources can significantly help with some of those challenges. This program provides a comprehensive support system, connecting you with valuable services, guidance, and a compassionate community dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for those with special needs and their families.
ACS programs such as Information and Referral, Mobilization, Deployment & Stability Support Operations, Family Advocacy, Army Family Team Building, Army Family Action Plan, Army Volunteer Corps, Soldier & Family Assistance Center, and Survivor Outreach Services all assist Soldiers and their Families with additional needs.
When all else fails and you don’t know where to go, remember ACS can help you find the resources on the installation or in the community. For information, call 569-4ACS (4227).
Summer Summer Camps Camps 2024
Milam Youth Center:
Open to DOD ID Card Holders in grades 6-12.
All youth must be registered with CYS Parent Central to participate.
Central: 915-568-4374 • Milam YC: 915-744-2449
Scouting is a year-round program for boys and girls that provides opportunities for learning
teaches responsibility through outdoor activity with the intent of helping children and young adults become the best version of themselves
LEGEND
No. O ganization Bldg. Phone Adujtant General 915-568-3301
