Off Duty
Newcomer’s picnic: The Fort Bliss Installation Chaplain’s Office will host the Annual Chapel Newcomers Picnic for new Soldiers and families at Biggs Park, East Fort Bliss, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be live bands, games and puppeteers. Literature on installation chapel services will be available inside the display tent. A free lunch, catered by the Great American Land and Cattle Company, will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are required and are available at Bldg. 448 on main post. For more information, contact Chaplain (Maj.) Gabe Cotton at 525-8663 or phone the Installation Chaplain’s Office at 568-1519. Courtesy photo.
Bliss Briefs
Town hall meeting
The Fort Bliss commanding general will host his next televised town hall meeting from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 16 at Soldier Hall. The meeting will be broadcast live on cable channel 20. Fort Bliss Commander Maj. Gen. Howard Bromberg will be joined by Fort Bliss Command Sgt. Maj. David Davenport; Garrison Commander Col. Edward Manning; and William Beaumont Army Medical Center Commander Col. James Baunchalk to answer questions from Soldiers, family members and Fort Bliss civilians. The Fort Bliss community can ask questions by attending in person, calling 569-6325, or e-mailing questions to bliss.townhall@conus.army.mil. The Main CDC on Haan Road will be open until 8:30 p.m. to provide free child care to town hall attendees. Children must be pre-registered to receive the services. For more information, call the Main CDC at 568-5689.
PX parking changes
The handicap parking spaces have been moved to the east side PX parking lot. The west side parking lot is closed. The new public parking will be on the southwest side of the PX.
Pershing Gate closure
The Fort Bliss Pershing Gate is under construction and is closed. Sheridan and Robert E. Lee gates will operate on limited lanes. Drivers are encouraged to plan appropriately and expect delays.
Debt notices
Pfc. Erin M. Thomas: All services under Pfc. Erin M. Thomas should be put on hold. Thomas died June 19. All those with debt to be collected should contact 2nd Lt. Erin E. Williams at 744-3523.
Pvt. Bradley W. Iorio: All services under Pvt. Bradley W. Iorio should be put on hold. Iorio died May 29. All those with debt to be collected should contact 2nd Lt. Jose Guillen at (757) 589-4935.
Photo appointments
Fort Bliss photo branch appointments can be made for Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7 to 11 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m. Servicemem-bers must arrive dressed in their intended uniform; no changing rooms are available.
The photo branch is located in front of Bldg. 11126 at the corner of CSM Slewitzke and Wright streets. Call for directions and appointments, at 744-8884.
ADA Giftshop
The ADA Giftshop is the only Fort Bliss supplier for air defense, cavalry and armored hard to find items.
Come visit us at the ADA Museum in Bldg. 1735 on Marshall Road. We carry custom scale models of military equipment not found anywhere else. We feature quality air defense and Team Bliss clothing items, along with our new FCS and 1st Armored polos and caps. Coming soon: nylon 3x5 Old Ironsides flags.
We have a stock of brass and silver spurs, including both black and tan leather straps. Acorns and crossed sabers are always in stock.
The traditional 3-inch brim black cavalry stetson hats are available and usually arrive within a week.
We also have a great variety of military and Fort Bliss prints and souveniers. Custom orders of unit coins, lapel pins and charms are also available.
For more information call, 564-4331.
Size-It-Up campaign
Soldiers who are separating from the U.S. military and have served in Iraq or Afghanistan qualify for this program and may be eligible for free training and six weeks of paid work experience in a career of interest. The project is designed to let Soldiers test the waters before committing to a particular career. We provide military to civilian life guidance, career testing, counseling, 240 hours of paid work experience in a career of choice, computer training and spouse job placement assistance. For information, visit our office at 9611 Acer Ave. or call 778-1858.
SAMC meetings
The Fort Bliss Sergeant Audie Murphy Club will hold meetings the first and third Wednesday at Bldg. 1008 from noon to 1 p.m. All SAMC members are required to attend. Enlisted Soldiers considering selection into the SAMC are welcome.
For more information, call Staff Sgt. April Williams at 545-3891.
TSGLI information
Traumatic Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance provides financial support to traumatically injured Soldiers and their families. Qualifying Soldiers receive a tax-free payment between $25,000 and $100,000 per traumatic event, based on the injury. The TSGLI benefit is not intended to serve as income replacement and will not affect other compensation determinations. Traumatic in-juries covered by TSGLI are defined as severe trauma from an external force that is physical in nature. TSGLI is a congressionally mandated program that began Dec. 1, 2005. All Soldiers from that point forward who elected Servicemembers’ Group Life Insur-ance pay an additional $1 for TSGLI, no matter what the level of SGLI coverage. In addition, Soldiers who incurred qualifying traumatic injuries from Oct. 7, 2001, through Nov. 30, 2005, while on orders overseas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom or in a combat zone, are covered retroactively by TSGLI, regardless of whether they had SGLI at the time of their injury. For information visit www. army.mil/standto/archive/2009/07/08/?ref=email.
CADD testing
The Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate and Battle Command Knowledge System, part of the Com-bined Arms Center at Fort Leaven-worth, Kan., have launched a test allowing Soldiers and leaders to make real-time updates to the Army’s tactics, techniques and procedures via a wiki environment. The intent is to accelerate the creation and sharing of knowledge, as compared to typical time frames for staffing revisions to field manuals. With this test, the Army is exploring the possibility to share and revise TTP using a milWiki platform available on Army Knowledge Online. Seven FMs that currently describe TTPs have been selected for the test, which will include updates to these TTPs, as well as allow the Army to learn how to rapidly expand this capability to more than 200 other FMs that also describe TTP. Soldiers and leaders are encouraged to make contributions to revisions for the FM by signing on to AKO, selecting the Self Service Tab, select ing My Doctrine and then selecting ATTP Pilot, or going to https://wiki.kc.us.army.mil/wiki/Portal:Army_Doctrine.
MCSS store hours
MCSS hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Social media access
The Department of the Army is now using social media networks to reach families and the American public. Fort Bliss DOIM has taken precautionary measures to keep the network here safe by blocking access to social media sites. If your unit has a need to access any of the sites, request an exception to policy. Submit a trouble ticket with your name, number, unit or organization and the purpose for the request through unicenter.
Mental skills training
Military families are invited to learn about mental skills to prepare them for success in every area of their lives. The training is from 9 to 11 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month and from 5 to 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month. The training will be held at the Army Center for Enhanced Performance, 635 Holbrook Road. Make your reservation at janee.zimmerman@us.army.mil or by calling 792-6208.
MWR Briefs
www.blissmwr.com
Operation Rising Star
Your vote counts in the selection of Fort Bliss’ top performer in the 2009 Operation Rising Star competition, because audience votes will help determine the winner! Performers will compete in the finale of Operation Rising Star, a singing contest based on the popular American Idol program, today at 6 p.m. in the Centennial Club ballroom. The local winner will move on to the Army-wide event. Audience members can win, too: Organizers will present the $300 cash Spirit Award to the unit or family readiness group that provides the most participation, excitement and support for ORS contestants. For information, call 588-8247.
Concert series
Join MWR for another night of fun and laughter as the Centennial Live! Concert Series presents a variety show featuring a Pair of Nuts and illusionist Jason Bishop, Friday. A Pair of Nuts is a loosely improvised sketch comedy show that is unique and certainly side-splitting. Social hour begins at 6 p.m. The adults-only (ages 18 and up) show starts at 7 p.m.
Advance tickets are available at both ITR locations (the PX ITR Kiosk and Main ITR, Bldg. 1743) and cost $10 for military ID holders and $12 for the general public. For more information or to purchase tickets at ITR locations, contact 568-7506.
Dining programs change
In September, your favorite O’Club dining programs will move to the Centennial.
Don’t miss Beef and Burgundy at 6 p.m. Wednesday starting Sept. 9. The all-you-can-eat buffet costs $13.95 per person.
Steak Night moves to Friday beginning Sept. 11. The meal starts at 6 p.m., and prices begin at $12.95 per person.
Sunday Brunch at the Centennial runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting Sept. 13. Brunch costs $12.95 per person.
For more information, call 744-9330.
Puppetry program
The Fort Bliss Family Advocacy Program is now recruiting for volunteers to become puppet masters in the Kids on the Block puppetry program. Volunteers 18 years and older are accepted. Training is required. The KOTB program is a puppet program to help children relate to issues from disabilities and bullying to deployments. The program is open to schools, child care facilities, family readiness groups and more. For information, call 568-1132.
NFL Sunday ticket
The Centennial Pub and Patio and Strike Lounge at Desert Strike Lanes will offer DirecTV’s NFL Sunday Ticket to patrons beginning Sept. 6. Both venues will open at 11 a.m. each Sunday through Dec. 30 and offer multi-cast games. For more information, call the Centennial at 744-8247 or Desert Strike Lanes at 568-6272.
Unit funds
Attention all units: It is time to receive your MWR allocations. All permanent units on post need to update their accounts by Nov. 1.
The following will be required: DA 1687 (signature card), assumption of command orders, and a numeric alpha roster. Items need to be turned into the unit fund adviser, Bldg. 1743 on Victory Avenue. For information, call Shawnna Barrientos at 568-7506.
Grandparents Day
Treat Grandma and Grandpa to a spectacular Sunday brunch Sept. 13 at the Centennial. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Centennial will serve a variety of breakfast favorites, tantalizing entrees, delicious sides and vegetables, and luscious desserts. Grandparents Day brunch costs $12.95 for adults; pay half price for children ages 7 to 11. Brunch is free for children age 6 and under. Reservations are required. For more information, call 562-5969 or 744-9330.
Framing classes
Do you want to learn how to professionally frame your pictures, diplomas or certificates? Framing Bliss offers classes led by certified framing instructors. Classes cost $30 per person and include a picture, materials and instruction, and are open to DoD ID card holder and their guests. The next classes will take place Saturday and Sept. 12 and 16.
For more information, stop by Framing Bliss, Bldg. 820, or call 568-5563.
PEP
People Encouraging People is a three-day newcomer’s orientation geared toward spouses. The first day is an informational classroom day with lunch at the DFAC; the second day is a tour of Fort Bliss, East Fort Bliss, WBAMC and El Paso, with shopping downtown. The third day is a trip to Mesilla, N.M. Classes are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Upcoming classes are scheduled Sept. 8 through 10, Oct. 6 through 8 and Nov. 3 through 5. Child care will be paid for all who are registered with the CDC. Call ACS at 568-1132 to reserve your spot.
Hispanic heritage
Join the Centennial as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with our Hispanic Heritage specials Sept. 16. Enjoy traditional dishes throughout our lunch service, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call the Centennial at 562-5969.
Soldier Show auditions
Army Entertainment presents auditions for the 2010 Soldier Show at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Centennial. Be ready with a capella song. Auditions are on a first-come, first-served basis and are open to active-duty, Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers with sufficient time in service remaining. Reserve and Guard Soldiers must be activated for the duration of the tour.
For information on submitting a packet for consideration to become a performance or technician member for the Soldier Show, go to www.armyentertainment.net. For information on the Fort Bliss auditions, call 588-8247.
Volunteer seminar
The Fort Bliss Army Volunteer Corps office is hosting, in collaboration with other El Paso nonprofits, the Fort Bliss-El Paso Volunteer Leaders Seminar from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 2. at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center. The conference is for volunteer leaders (both paid and volunteer) who utilize volunteers to support their organizations’ missions. An example of those who should attend includes FRG leaders, ACS volunteer managers, commanders or anyone interested in volunteer management. The purpose of this conference is to provide a fun-filled, engaging opportunity for volunteer leaders within the Fort Bliss and El Paso community to develop new skills in volunteer resource management, network with colleagues, and learn how new techniques can be integrated into their program to make it more effective, efficient and powerful.
The highlight of this year’s seminar includes a keynote address by the first Latina Girl Scouts of the USA national board chair and volunteer, Patricia Diaz Dennis. Other features of the seminar are workshops on topics ranging from volunteer recruitment to marketing your volunteer program as well as exhibits from the Corporation for National and Community Service, nonprofit organizations and vendor booths.
The cost to attend is $25 per person. Free tickets will be available to the first 50 Fort Bliss registered volunteers and scholarships are available to members of the Waiting Families Program. Free child care is also provided for those who attend. If you would like to register for this event or for more information, contact the Fort Bliss Army Volunteer Corps Office at 568-7088 or tephanie.hopper1@us.army.mil.
Citizenship 101
Do you want to become an American citizen? Army Community Service offers classes on U.S. government structure, history, and procedures for citizenship. The next classes will be held at ACS from 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 25 and Nov. 20. Child care is reimbursed for all children registered with Child, Youth and School Services. Call Sally Gonzalez at 568-1132 for information or to register.
Financial Track Club
The Financial Track Club offers an opportunity to increase your financial knowledge through the sharing of information and resources. Whether you are financially challenged or savvy, if you are interested in improving your financial health this club is for you. All service members, family members, and civilians on Fort Bliss are welcome. Beginning Wednesday, the Financial Track Club meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month from noon to 1 p.m. at USASMA’s West Auditorium. For information, call Ana Hernandez at 568-7088.
EFMP
The Exceptional Family Member Program is a program designed to provide assignment coordination and support for military families. If you are interested in additional information, call the EFMP coordinator 568-3052. For EFMP enrollment and updated information, call 569-1854 or 569-1830.
Final farewell
Join members of the Fort Bliss Officers’ Club for a Final Farewell Social at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 3. Come share memories of the Club’s history as members bid the club one last goodbye. There will be complimentary hors d'oeuvres, entertainment and a cash bar. For more information, call 568-7013.
Financial training
First Term Financial Readiness Training, a mandatory training for Soldiers in grades E-1 through E-3 who are on their first enlistment and in processing to Fort Bliss, can be conducted online at www.myarmylifetoo.com. For information, call 568-4614.
Wounded Warrior Card
MWR would like to remind individuals with a Wounded Warrior Card that they are entitled to free games of bowling and free shoe rental at Desert Strike Lanes; free club rental, cart rental and green fees at George V. Underwood Golf Complex; and free usage of and equipment rental at MWR park facilities.
For information, call the bowling center at 568-6272 and the golf complex at 562-2066 or 562-1273.
Deployed discounts
Desert Strike Lanes and George V. Underwood Golf Complex offer special discounts on services to families of deployed Soldiers. The bowling center offers a $1 discount on up to three games of bowling in one day. This discount is available Wednesday and Thursday. Underwood Golf Complex offers a $10 discount on daily green fees and lessons, also available Wednesday and Thursday. For information, call Desert Strike Lanes at 568-6272 and the golf complex at 562-2066 or 562-1273.
Waiting Families
Fort Bliss Waiting Families is a proactive program designed to assist families who are geographically separated from their military sponsor due to mobilization, deployment, TDY, or PCS or relocation. The focus of this group is to build friendships and ease the stress and demands on the Family during times of separation. The Waiting Families Group also serves as a liaison between military and civilian agencies to ensure assistance is provided for Family members.
Waiting Families will host its free monthly dinner for all registered waiting families from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. A night of free bowling and pizza is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 12 at Desert Strike Lanes bowling center.
To register, sign up for the dinners, or to learn more about our Waiting Families call Cher Poehlein at 568-1132 or 568-7088.
Marriage seminar
The Family Advocacy Program hosts a two-day “So Happy Together” marriage seminar that offers couples the opportunity to enhance communication skills, manage conflict effectively, learn about your partner and yourself through fun and exciting activities. The next event is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the O'Club. For information, call 568-1132.
Financial classes
Army Community Service’s Financial Readiness Program offers financial classes for Soldiers and family members who feel overwhelmed with financial issues. ACS has a staff of financial educators to provide information on getting finances under control.
Classes are from 1:30 to 3 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday at ACS. Classes provided are banking and checking, planning and budgeting, understanding credit, savings, investments, TSP, debt management, and car buying and insurance.
Child care vouchers are given for free daycare for children registered with Child, Youth and School Service. Call 568-8956 for assistance.
Membership appreciation
Underwood Golf Complex will host a member appreciation night and membership drive beginning at 6 p.m. Sept. 16. Guests can snack on complementary finger foods and beverages while they enjoy giveaways and music. Join us, and let us thank you for your patronage! Call 562-7255 or 562-1273 for information.
Pay day activity
Desert Strike Lanes would like to invite you to participate in Bliss’ Pay Day Activity from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 18. Entry costs $5. Up to $500 in gift certificates will be given away as prizes, depending on participation. For information, call 568-6272.
Rod and Gun Club
The Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club will thank its members for their support with the Rod and Gun Club Member Appreciation Night and Membership Drive Sept. 18. Starting at 5 p.m., Rod and Gun Club members can enjoy a complimentary dinner, giveaways and special prize drawings. One of the night’s highlights will be the chuckwagon buffet dinner. Guests can look forward to grilled chicken and brisket, potato salad, corn on the cob, fruit and cake. For information, call 568-2983.
Go Youth
CYS online tutoring
Just in time for school, Child, Youth and School Services offers free online tutoring. Need homework help, have a paper due, want to take a practice test, need to speak directly to a live tutor in a one-to-one, 24/7 online classroom? These services and many others are available through Tutor.com, a free service for families and spouses of active, wounded, reserve component, National Guard and Army civilians (including survivors). Students of any age, in any grade – including kindergarten through 12th grade, college students and adult students – can get help in math, science, English and social studies.
How does it work? Army-affiliated students submit a one-time registration to obtain their CYSS pass code. Students can then use it to log in from home or from the CYSS Youth Technology Lab. They enter the grade level and subject they need help in and are then connected to the first available subject expert tutor in an online classroom. Students and tutors work together in an online classroom using controlled chat and an interactive white board. Students can send computer files, such as essays, to the tutor for review and assistance. They can also share educational websites. Log on to www.myarmyonesource.com/cyss_tutor to find out more about this free service for military families and to register.
For more information contact CYSS Youth Education Support Services at bliss.yess@conus.army.mil or 568-2784.
After-school programs
Ross and Nolan Richardson middle schools
If your child attends either Ross Middle School or Nolan Richardson Middle School now is the time to sign up for the after-school program. Sign up in one of two ways: Call the MST facility at 568-5437, or walk in and register in person.
Canyon Hills Middle School
If your child attends Canyon Hills Middle School, you can get them signed up on a wish list. If we have enough students sign up, we will be making arrangements with Canyon Hills Middle School to have a pickup location.
Bassett Middle and Chapin High schools
If you attend either of these schools please talk to the school administration about drop offs at the youth center. Both schools have a bus that will drop your student off at our location after school. Bassett: Bus No. 299; Chapin: Bus No. 312.
Austin High School
If your teenagers attend Austin High School they have a bus that will drop students off a few blocks away from the youth center. The students can then walk to the youth center to enjoy the after school program as well. Austin: Bus No. 309.
Library story time
Mickelsen Community Library hosts Read Me a Story for 2- to 5-year-olds at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. The Family Story Time is for 2- to 6-year-olds at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Story hour consists of stories, songs and games, and simple crafts and usually lasts about one hour. Parents must remain with their children during story time. Mickelsen Community Library is located in the basement of Bldg. 2E. Call 568-6156 for more information.
SKIES Unlimited classes
SKIESUnlimited offers a variety of programs of interest to children and teens. Classes include dance, martial arts, fashion modeling, academic tutoring, SAT/ACT prep, academic support, tumbling, piano, swimming and more. Participants must register with Central Registration to participate. For more information, visit Bldg. 1743, Central Enrollment and Registration, or call 569-7732.
Wrestling camp
Wrestling Camp will be held from 8 to 11:30 a.m. today through Aug. 31 at Bldg. 195, Chaffee Road, for ages 5 through 18. Camp cost is $15. Your child must be a Child, Youth and School Services member; if not, register at Central Enrollment and Registration. Call 568-4374 to make an appointment. Children must also have a current sports physical on file. For more information, call 568-2617.
Teen apprenticeships
The CYSS Hired Program provides teens 15 through 18 years of age with apprenticeship opportunities in various on post facilities. Four 12-week apprenticeship terms will be offered annually. Apprentices may work two terms per year for three consecutive years. Teens are expected to work as well as participate in workforce-preparation and post secondary-education exploration workshops each term. Apprentices will be eligible for cash awards through CYS Services. For information, call 568-9006 or 433-7187, e-mail bliss.hired@ conus.army.mil or stop by Child, Youth and School Services Central Registra-tion in Bldg. 1743, Victory Avenue.
Super Saturdays
Super Awesome Saturday hours at Logan SAS are from 3 to 10 p.m. This free Saturday program includes a nutritious dinner and evening snack and is open to CYSS registered school-age children with an active SAS pass. Community service and long-term projects will be the focus in programming, however, many other choices and more field trips will be offered to engage and explore children’s interests.
During August, Super Awesome Saturdays will take place on payday weekends only. Reservations are required. Call 569-5779 or 568-7187 for SAS reservations. For more information, call 568-0834.
School, sports physicals
Parents should call Central Appointments at 569-2273 to schedule an appointment for school or sports physicals. Appointments are available at SFMC on a limited basis during regular work hours. Saturday appointments are available through the end of August.
Free exam software
Preparing your teen for college entrance exams? NFL players have extended the availability of free SAT and ACT PowerPrep software. All active-duty servicemembers, veterans and their dependents who would like to receive this free eKnowledge SAT/ACT PowerPrep program should visit www.eknowledge.com/ military.
SAS registration
School-Age Services has opened registration for before- and after-school programs for new enrollees who are registered with CYSS. Each SAS facility provides a 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. Each facility has a different school close to their center that they can transport to/from:
Main SAS, Bldg. 131, will transport to Bliss, Hughey and Milam Elementary schools, and Ross Middle School for the before-school program only.
Logan SAS, Bldg. 3505, will transport to and from Logan, Burnett, Travis, Collin Powell and Our Lady of Assumption Elementary schools.
Before- and after-school fees are based upon total family income and range from $46 to $112 per month. We offer 20 percent multiple child discounts for siblings in regular care at CDC or SAS programs or with an FCC provider. Children must be registered with Child, Youth and School Services before they can be enrolled in programs or receive our services.
Transportation and after-school spaces are limited and can fill up quickly. To make an appointment to register, call 568-4374. Walk-ins are not recommended this month due to the high volume of appointments at the Central Registration Office, located in the ITR facility, Bldg. 1743.
For more information, call 568-7187 or visit www.blissmwr. com/sas/.
CDC Saturday hours
Logan CDC is open from 1 p.m. to midnight every Saturday except on four-day holiday weekends. All CYSS registered children from four weeks through fifth grade are eligible for care. The CDC provides wraparound services for the SAS youth. Children participate in a variety of age-appropriate activities and are served snacks and dinner. Cost is based on the hourly rate per child. Reservations are required and can be made at any CYSS program or calling the Logan CDC at 568-3989.
Community
A Little Bit of Bliss
A Little Bit of Bliss is a charming historical building brimming with hand-crafted and vintage treasures. Visit us often. Crafters are invited to become part of our crafter’s co-op and sell their wares. Visit our Web site at fbocsa.com. or come see us at at 2011 Sheridan Road. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fort Bliss Thrift Shop
The Thrift Shop at Fort Bliss is operated by the Fort Bliss Officers’ and Civilians’ Spouse Association and is brimming with an ever-changing array of treasures. We accept donations and consignments of gently used goods. Come shop with us and see the great bargains we provide to our military families and to the El Paso community.
The backbone of the daily Thrift Shop operations is the group of dedicated volunteers who staff the shop throughout the year. The Thrift Shop welcomes new volunteers and will provide CDC child care vouchers for volunteer workers.
The shop is located in Bldg. 1301, Cassidy Road. Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the first and third Saturday of each month. For more information, call 562-5451.
OCSA super sign up
Fort Bliss Officers’ and Civilians’ Spouse Association will host Super Sign Up, their yearly membership drive, at the Down Under Club at the Fort Bliss Officers’ Club from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. The OCSA exists to support charitable and educational programs within our military community while providing opportunities for fun and camaraderie with other military spouses. The OCSA hosts a monthly luncheon/meeting; child care is available through STAC. Reservations are required for our luncheons and child care. Membership dues are $20.
For more information, visit fbocsa. com or contact Jennifer Barry at info@fbocsa.com.
Oktoberfest Night Run
The 16th annual FirstLight Federal Credit Union German American Oktoberfest Night Run is set for 6 p.m. Sept. 12 at Kelly Park. Participants may sign up for either the 8K run (5 miles) or the 5K fun walk (3.1 miles). Entry fees are $15 in advance and $20 the day of race.
Corporate and military categories are again included in this year’s event. Military unit teams may run in the military competition, with the top five individual finishing times going toward their team’s overall time. Teams may include up to 10 individuals, and the entry fee is $120 per corporate/military unit team.
Pre-race activities begin at 4 p.m. and will include a variety of entertainment, along with the sale of German bratwurst and pastries and other refreshments. The commandant of the German Air Force Air Defense Center will welcome the participants with a brief address and officially start the event after the playing both the German and United States national anthems. In a short ceremony following the race, the winners in each category will receive awards presented by the German Air Force commandant and the FirstLight Federal Credit Union president.
Organizers have also arranged for a variety of post-race activities including Oktoberfest music and the sale of German food and drink. Information sheets, with registration forms, are available at Stout Physical Fitness Center, Fort Bliss ITR, most El Paso sport stores, and YMCA and YWCA locations. For more information, call 568-4508 or 568-5995, Franz Huber at 568-0259 or visit www.ganightrun.com.
World War II Memorial
Join us for the dedication of the William Haddad World War II Memorial Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
The dedication will be at Old Glory Memorial located at 9511 Gateway North through the Diana Drive entrance on the Northeast Campus of El Paso Community College.
The ceremony will be conducted by members of El Paso El Maida Shrine and the El Paso Texas Flags Across America.
Labor Day celebration
The Civic Cultural Organization of Puerto Ricans cordially invites to its traditional Labor Day family celebration Sept. 6 at East Fort Bliss from noon to 7 p.m. Admission is free. Families may bring canned beer, but no food, sodas or glass containers. The event includes salsa music, dancing troupes, a domino tournament, souvenir sales and jumping balloon for children. Traditional Puerto Rican dishes will be sold. Proceeds go toward the organization’s scholarship fund. For additional information, call Lydia Diaz at 877-2884 or Sonia Santiago 227-3136, or visit www. occpr.org.
Women in Aviation Month
The El Paso Museum of History will present Women in Aviation Month Saturday at 2 p.m. in with presentations by Evelyne McLaughlin and Trish Shaw; two seasoned aviators who will tell stories about those magnificent pilots in their flying machines who competed in the woman-only Powder Puff Derby.
Evelyne McLaughlin will start the program by recounting her flying career, which started in 1937. Evelyne followed in the footsteps of her mentor, Amelia Earhart and spent years flying many different aircrafts in the U.S. and other parts of the world. At one point in her career she flew food and medicine to the Raràmuri or Tarahumara living in Mexico’s Barranca Canyon for El Paso’s Father Herald Rahm. Although she never competed in the Powder Puff Derby, she did serve as a judge and it will be from that perspective that she will describe what it took to participate in the derby; the rules, and obstacles women aviators faced.
Trish Shaw is a retired senior flight attendant and licensed pilot. Now residing in Fort Worth, Texas, Trish used to live in El Paso and was a close friend of El Paso’s three time Derby winner Ruth Deerman. Trish will share stories and photos of Deerman and how she won the coveted trophies. Come and celebrate as the museum continues its “Women in Aviation” month. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
For more information, call 351-3588 or email at taylorsl@elpaso.gov.
ASE classes
The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Services will be offering the Automotive Service Excellence exams for all DOD active-duty, reserve component and National Guard service members who have an automotive MOS or have had previous experience in the automotive field. Exams will be administered by the Education Center Testing Center, Bldg. 639, Room 9, Nov. 5, 10 and 12 at 7 a.m. Soldiers are entitled to take three basic exams free of charge, however there is a $36 non-refundable registration fee for all examinees. All fees must be paid at the time of registration, on or before the deadline of Sept. 17. DANTES will not fund any recertification or advanced exams. In order to register, call 568-5315.
Zoo toddler treks
You and your 2- or 3-year-old can learn about the zoo’s water-loving mammals, birds and fish. Our hour together will include opportunities to see our education animals up close, fun group playtime activities with games and sensory opportunities, and a walk through part of the zoo for a visit to one of the zoo’s aquarium exhibits.
• Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Registration deadline Sunday.
• Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Registration deadline Sept. 6.
• Sept. 20, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Registration deadline Sept. 13.
Register online now at www.elpasozoo.org/adventure/Adventure_Programs_registration.asp
Cost is $20 for one adult and one child, $10 for each additional child or adult.