Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers
Soto Physical Fitness Center • Bldg. 20751, Constitution Drive, East Fort Bliss
(915) 526-4264 • (915) 744-5792
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BOSS Minutes click here
What is BOSS?
The Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) Program supports the overall quality of single Soldiers’ lives. BOSS identifies real quality of life (QOL) issues and concerns by recommending improvements through the installation chain of command. BOSS also encourages and assists single Soldiers in identifying and planning for recreational and leisure activities. Additionally, it allows for the opportunity to participate in and contribute to their respective communities.
History
The BOSS program was established in 1989 to respond to the recreational needs of singles Soldiers who make up 35% of the Army. As the program was implemented throughout the Army, it became evident that quality of life was the primary concern of single Soldiers. In 1991, the Chief of Staff of the Army officially approved BOSS members to participate in community service projects. Recreation and Leisure, quality of life, and community service are the core components of the BOSS program.
How Does It Work?
Installations establish a formal BOSS program that includes a BOSS Council consisting of single Soldier representatives from the installation's units. MWR advisory is appointed to provide guidance in planning activities, financial accountability, and marketing. Motivated single Soldiers with strong senior military and MWR guidance are the backbone of the BOSS Program.
Issues addressed during BOSS meetings will be formatted and submitted to the senior military advisor to seek resolution through the proper channels or staff agency. Issues that cannot be resolved at the installation level are coordinated with installation Army typically, the installation Command Sergeant Major serves as the senior military advisor to the council. An installation Family Action Plan (AFAP) coordinator and may be released by the installation commander to go forward to the major Army command (MACOM) AFAP.
Who Can Participate in BOSS Programs?
All single Soldiers, single parents and unaccompanied Soldiers; however, certain events, like volunteer events and trips, are also open to married Soldiers as long as spots are available.
BOSS Council
BOSS Councils are comprised of single Soldiers from major subordinate commands and separate units on an installation. Single Soldiers have an opportunity to become unit representatives, volunteer to assist in planning an event, or attend BOSS activities. The Department of the Army BOSS circular defines the roles of the chain of command and MWR personnel at all levels.
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BOSS Components
- Quality of Life (QOL) for single Soldiers deals primarily with those things that the single Soldiers can directly or indirectly influence to enhance their morale, living environment, or personal growth and development. Some of the issues addressed by BOSS Councils include dining facilities, education, fitness centers, Soldiers' quarters, medical and dental care, commissary, and Army and Air Force Exchange Service. QOL issues identified or raised during BOSS meetings are directed to the appropriate command or staff agency for resolution at the lowest level for immediate Soldier satisfaction.
- Recreation and leisure activities may be planned solely by the BOSS council or in conjunction with other MWR activities. Soldiers assume the primary role in planning, BOSS events. Events planned by BOSS councils should meet the needs and desires of single Soldiers on the installations. BOSS councils have sponsored events such as Soldier talent competitions, concerts, dances, and trips. BOSS also coordinates with the installation commercial sponsorship office when planning some major events.
- Community Service: BOSS Councils often elect to participate in community prog4ams or projects which make a difference in the lives of others, the community, and ultimately, themselves. On some installations, BOSS members have volunteered to take part in Big Brother/Big Sister, Special Olympics, and Habitat for Humanity. Some councils have developed their own programs which include sending packages to deployed Soldiers, and BOSS Against Drunk Drivers (BADD). These components are voluntary in nature and must be in accordance with the installation volunteer program.
BOSS News
Video contest: What Family and MWR Means to Me
Are you handy with a video camera? Dying to try out that new digital recorder you picked up last year? Then do we have the contest for you: It’s the first-ever Fort Bliss Family and MWR video contest! We’re looking for your videos to tell us what Family and MWR means to you. The winner of the Family and MWR video contest will receive a 42-inch high-definition television, courtesy of Freedom Furniture.
The contest is open to active-duty, Reserve and National Guard service members from any branch of service, stationed at Fort Bliss, and their family members age 18 and older, with valid military ID. Contestants must be in amateur status and cannot be professionally employed as a videographer (i.e., with the Public Affairs Office, etc.).
Video submissions must be at least 29 seconds in duration, and no more than 59 seconds in duration, and should follow the theme “This is What Family and MWR Means to Me.” Videos may not depict Soldiers in their day-to-day activities during duty hours. Videos may not include any intentional logo placement, although a logo on a building in the background, for instance, is acceptable.
All materials must be the original composition of the participant. Video submissions that include YouTube or any other like footage source will be disqualified. This includes photography, music and other media, as well.
To enter, upload your completed video to your YouTube account, then copy the link to your video and send it to blissmwr@gmail.com. Include in the email your name, your unit or sponsor’s unit information, your email address and a daytime telephone number, along with the times it will be best to contact you. Submissions will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Monday, February 20.
Click here to view official rules and information. Now get out there and get filming!
Indoor soccer tournament
The Fort Bliss indoor soccer team will host an indoor soccer tournament February 4-5 at Biggs Gym. The tournament is open to all teams, both military and from the surrounding community.
Each team is guaranteed three games. The top two teams will receive team trophies. The tournament will follow a group play into single elimination bracket format.
Registration costs $200 per team and closes January 31. To register, or to learn more, call (915) 241-4382.
Super Bowl party at Strike Lounge
Can't make it to Indianapolis? Put on your team's colors and cheer them to victory while you catch all the great gridiron action Sunday, February 5 during Strike Lounge's Super Bowl party at Desert Strike Lanes.
The fun begins at 3:30 p.m. Enjoy 12-ounce Bud Light drafts for $1. There will be free snacks and giveaways each quarter, along with a football pool; entry is free with the purchase of food or beverages.
For more information, call (915) 568-6272.
Lunch Rocks! Half-day climbing trips
Looking for a thrill? Southwest Adventure's new Lunch Rocks! program provides one. These Thursday trips run a half-day each and visit some of the best climbing locations in the country, conveniently located near Fort Bliss.
Upcoming trips include:
- February 9: Hueco Tanks State Historic Site
- February 23: Hueco Tanks State Historic Site
- March 1: Sneed's Cory, Franklin Mountains
- March 8: Hueco Tanks State Historic Site
- March 22: Sneed's Cory, Franklin Mountains
For each trip, tickets cost $10 and include transportation, park admission fees, guide services and required equipment. Advance purchase is required. Buy tickets at any Leisure Travel Services (ITR) location: Bldg. 1743 Victory Ave., the Freedom Crossing kiosk, or the satellite location in Soto Gym, Bldg. 20751 Constitution Blvd. For more information, call (915) 433-9666.
Border Rumble boxing smoker
Family and MWR Sports and El Paso Golden Gloves present the Border Rumble boxing smoker Friday, February 10 at Stout Gym. Bouts will begin at 6 p.m. Spectators are welcome and entry is free.
Active-duty Military with five or fewer amateur fights can participate. Both male and female participants are welcome. A bout will consist of three, one-minute rounds. Sixteen-ounce gloves will be used in the lighter weight classes and 18-ounce gloves for all other weight classes. Bouts will be determined after weigh-ins. The event is sanctioned by the USA Boxing Border Association.
Participants need to complete all requirements before allowed to fight. Requirements include recent physical, pre-fight physical and a sworn statement that Soldier has five or fewer amateur fights signed by commanding officer. Weigh-ins will take place Thursday, February 9 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Stout Gym.
To learn more, call (915) 744-5793 or (915) 744-5800.
Skiing trips to Ski Apache
Hit the slopes with Outdoor Recreation and head to Ski Apache for a great day of fun in the snow. Upcoming trip dates include:
- Saturday, February 11
Tickets cost of $50 includes lift tickets and transportation. Equipment is not included, but rental equipment is available at discounted rates. Advance purchase is required. Buy tickets at any ITR/Leisure Travel location: Main in Bldg. 1743, the kiosk at the PX, or the satellite location at Soto Gym.
For more information, call (915) 744-2415.
Army Strong Wrestling
Are you a wrestler? Join the Army Strong Wrestling Team offered through Team Bliss Sports and Fitness. Registration is now open and the season begins Monday, February 27.
Army Strong Wrestling is open to active-duty military. Practices will be held at 6 p.m. each Monday at Soto Gym, with additional locations to be announced.
To learn more, call (915) 744-5800.
Spring Open Softball League
The Team Bliss Sports and Fitness Spring Open Softball League will being play Saturday, March 3. A mandatory coaches meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, February 22 at Soto Gym.
The league is open to active-duty military, family members 18 and older (with military ID), retirees and DoD/DA civilians. Registration costs $225 per team. All teams are guaranteed a minimum of eight games. All games are played on Saturday.
To learn more, call (915) 744-5790.
St. Patty's Day 6-Mile Race
Lace up your running shoes and be sure to wear green when you take part in the St. Patty's Day 6-Mile Race at 8 a.m. Saturday, March 17 at Soto Gym, located at Bldg. 20751 Constitution Drive on East Fort Bliss.
The 6-Mile Saint Patty's Day Run is open to all, including the El Paso community. The first 200 runners registered will receive T-shirts. The first 100 registered are guaranteed sizes.
Age groups are 19-under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49 and 50-over. Early registration is now open at both Stout and Soto Gyms and online at www.active.com. Early registration is free for active-duty military assigned to Fort Bliss and costs $20 for all other runners. Early registration closes Wednesday, March 14. Late registration will be held on-site from 7-7:50 a.m. the day of the event. Late registration costs and additional $10 per runner.
The St. Patty's Day 6-Mile Race is generously sponsored by USAA.
To learn more, call (915) 744-5790.
Open Flag Football League
The Team Bliss Sports and Fitness Open Flag Football League will begin play Monday, March 19. A mandatory coaches meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 13 at Soto Gym.
The league is open to active-duty military, family members 18 and older (with military ID), retirees and DoD/DA civilians. Registration costs $200 per team. All teams are guaranteed a minimum of six games.
To learn more, call (915) 744-5790.
Intramural volleyball league
The Team Bliss Sports and Fitness Intramural Volleyball League begins play the week of March 19. Registration begins March 1. A mandatory coaches meeting will be held at 6 p.m. March 14 at Soto Gym.
The league is part of the Commander's Cup competition and is open to active-duty military assigned to Fort Bliss only. Players must play with their units.
To learn more, call (915) 744-5800.
Intramural soccer league
The Team Bliss Sports and Fitness Intramural Soccer League begins play the week of March 19. Registration begins March 1. A mandatory coaches meetings will be held at 6 p.m. March 12 at Soto Gym.
The league is part of the Commander's Cup competition and is open to active-duty military assigned to Fort Bliss only. Players must play with their units. To learn more, call (915) 744-5793.
10K Post Championship
The Fort Bliss Intramurals 10K Post Championship will take place at 6:30 a.m. Friday, April 6 at Soto Gym on East Fort Bliss. On-site registration begins at 5:30 a.m. the day of the event.
The 10K run is open to all military ID holders and DoD/DA civilians. Registration is free for active-duty military assigned to Fort Bliss and costs $10 for all others. Age groups are 19 and under, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, and 50 and over.
This is a Commander's Cup event. Only active-duty results contribute to Commander's Cup standings.
To learn more, call (915) 744-5790.
Fort Bliss combatives team tryouts
Fort Bliss and the 1st Armored Division is currently forming its combatives team to compete at the Army championships. All skill and experience levels are welcome to train and try out for the team. Training takes place at the installation combatives facility, Bldg. A493, from 6-7:30 a.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Other training times are available for those unable to attend these sessions. The team travels to compete in both civilian and military tournaments. For more information call 744-2467. We are also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fortblisscombatives.
Contact
Fort Bliss BOSS President: SGT Sheikh (SHAKE) 915-526-4264
NCOIC: CSM Phillip D. Pandy
MWR Advisor: Chris Bohn 915-203-2518
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