Dayley’s Update …

Col. Brant V. Dayley, Garrison Commander

Col. Brant V. Dayley,
Garrison Commander:

Happy Labor Day, Team Bliss!

For children fresh off summer vacation, getting a long weekend from school seems a bit premature. For our Soldier-parents and spouses, however, who must juggle the initiation of a new routine with their normal everyday routine, a long weekend is well deserved.

Though a three- or four-day weekend is reward enough, Fort Bliss and Freedom Crossing have an excellent way of kicking the weekend off in style. Karmin, a pop music duo composed of Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan, have played Saturday Night Live and Good Morning, America. They bring their music to the event lawn at Freedom Crossing tonight. Their hits include “Heartbroken,” “Take It Away” and “Crash Your Party.”

The concert starts at 7 p.m., but anyone serious about attending should get there early to avoid delays in parking. The extra advantage of getting early is enjoying the party on the promenade and seeing Freedom Crossing, the only outdoor shopping venue of its kind on a U.S. military installation.

Many of you will leave Friday or Saturday to get away from the El Paso heat for the weekend. Many others will stay to enjoy the sights and sounds of the amazing community we live in. Whether you do one or the other, keep safety first and foremost in your minds. Your first line of defense in personal safety is presence of mind. The weekend is a time to have fun, and a long weekend affords more opportunity to do more. Nevertheless, no one should forfeit personal responsibility for the sake of fun.

In the case of alcohol consumption, I encourage moderation. It is not, however, always realistic to expect that, so at the very least you should have a plan to make it back home safely, be that a designated driver or a taxicab. By exercising the smallest amount of caution, everyone can avoid vehicular damage, criminal prosecution, injury and death.

Rely on the battle buddy system if necessary. Become the steadying hand your fellow Soldier needs, and do not be afraid to enlist your battle buddy’s help.

If you’re using this weekend to have some fun, you might give some thought to be more civic-minded Sept. 8 with Fort Bliss’ Day of Service. There are more than 20 projects in the El Paso area that will help children, the elderly and even our canine companions. To learn more, call 569-4227 ext. 7 or email fortblissvolunteer@yahoo.com. Projects can also be found at blissmwr.com or on my Facebook page “Tell it to COL D”.

Speaking of our Facebook page, I received the following kudos from Nicole in the comments section:

“Just wanted to thank you and everyone who had a part in setting up the ‘trial’ nursing area at the PX. I was in there a few days ago with my 7-month-old daughter, and it was nice to have somewhere quiet to nurse her. Thank you for all that you do to make Fort Bliss accommodating to everyone.”

Once again, thank you Freedom Crossing. As always, best service – first choice!