Thoughts while working out in the gym

Maj. Gen. Dana J. H. Pittard,
1st AD and Fort Bliss Commanding General:

SMA William O. Wooldridge remembered

On Tuesday, the Army, Fort Bliss, and the greater El Paso community honored

Maj. Gen. Dana J. H. Pittard 1st AD and Fort Bliss Commanding General

the memory of Sergeant Major William O. Wooldridge the first ever Sergeant Major of the Army. During his two years as Sergeant Major of the Army, from 1966-1968, he created a legacy that is evident among today’s Soldiers. Through his influence as advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Army, SMA Wooldridge essentially created the command sergeant major position, developed our current Non-commissioned officer education system, and standardized the NCO promotion process. He was laid to rest at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery on Tuesday. Our condolences go to his family and the many people he touched.

SPC Acosta – Iron Soldier remembered

Team Bliss mourns SPC Edward Acosta who passed away on March 5. He was a fighter. After three-months of medical treatment, he succumbed to injuries sustained from an Improvised Explosive Device attack in eastern Afghanistan—an attack that, sadly, claimed the lives of three other Old Ironsides Soldiers (SFC Corley, SPC Lumley, and SPC Mayberry). SPC Acosta served as a combat medic in HHC, 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division. He was able to live long enough to meet and see his 4-month old daughter Emmalyn. He is survived by his wife Lindsay, and his daughter, who were at his bedside when he was presented the Purple Heart Medal at the San Antonio Military Medical Center in January. CSM Kelley and I will attend SPC Acosta’s funeral in California on Saturday. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Acosta family.

Army expands testing for prescription drugs

Simple fact: Drug abuse is not acceptable for Soldiers. Soon we will expand our drug testing program to include commonly abused prescription drugs. On May 1, 2012, the Department of Defense (DOD) will begin testing for hydrocodone and hydromorphone. Though these powerful pain management drugs can alleviate suffering from injuries; however, they can be highly addictive and their use without a valid prescription places the Soldier and their battle buddies at risk. We continue to ensure all Fort Bliss Soldiers are tested at 800% of the required rate. If you have a problem with drug abuse or know someone who has a problem, please contact the Army Substance Abuse Program at 915-568-1033.

Enforce standards

As you go around Fort Bliss and you see something wrong (such as uniform violations, behavior, or something else) then make a correction. Ultimately, CSM Kelley and I have your back. Enforce our standards on our post. Take pride in living and serving on America’s premier installation.

‘Fighting Deuce’ continues to excel

We’re proud of the great work 5-52 Air Defense Artillery Battalion is doing during their deployment. Their role is critical to the security of our allies in the Middle East, especially during this critical time. Please keep all of our deployed servicemembers and families in your thoughts and prayers.

Fun at Fort Bliss

Our outstanding MWR office is hosting the Daughtry Concert, Friday, Mar. 16 at Biggs Park. The event is FREE and gates open at 4:30 p.m. Thanks to Casa Ford and the Air Force Reserves for helping to bring this great event to Fort Bliss.

If you like music, be sure to check out the Freedom Crossing Concert Series beginning every weekend on Mar. 30. And, of course, there’s always Friday’s by the Fire.

Be sure to register your children for youth sports by March 30. For details call 915-568-2617 or 915-568-4374.

Calling all runners…wear green at the St. Patrick’s Day, 6-mile race on Sat., Mar. 17. http://www.active.com/running/ft-bliss-tx/st-pattys-day-6-mile-race-2012

For information on these MWR events and more check out: http://www.facebook.com/blissmwr.

Back to my workout…tomorrow I will do PT with about 40 of our battalion commanders on post. We will do a couple iterations of 13 stations as a part of Mission Essential Fitness at the Iron Works Gym on East Bliss. Fort Bliss is quickly becoming the most fit instillation in the Army! Get out and get fit!

Be combat ready, be fit, be healthy, recycle, and be Iron Strong!

Iron Soldiers – Team Bliss!