Fort Bliss MWR

People Encouraging People is a three-day newcomer’s orientation geared toward spouses. The first day is an informational class room day with lunch at the DFAC. The second day is a tour of Fort Bliss, Biggs Army Airfield, WBAMC, and a tour throughout El Paso with shopping downtown. The third day is a trip to Mesilla, N.M. Classes are scheduled for August 3-5, September 7-9, October 5-7 and November 2-4. Call ACS at 568-1132 to reserve your seat. Child care will be paid for all who are registered with the CDC.

El Paso Independent School District pre-registration event

The El Paso Independent School District will host a pre-registration event from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. August 4 at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center on East Fort Bliss. This event is for new military families arriving to El Paso with new students to the El Paso/Fort Bliss area who will be attending EPISD schools. Needed documents are: birth certificate, report card, withdrawal slip, transcripts from previous school, up-to-date immunization record, special education documentation (IEPs if applicable), proof of residence (housing orders or water/electricity utility bill), and Social Security card. Completing the pre-registration process will enable families to expedite registration at their new home campus.

For additional information on the registration event, please call the School Liaison Office at (915) 569-5064 or e-mail mary.a.avila@us.army.mil.

Become a sponsor for inbound Soldiers and families

Are you a Soldier who wants to mentor and assist inbound Soldiers and their families who are new to Fort Bliss? Can you show them the ropes and get them acquainted with the post? Sponsorship training is available beginning at 6 a.m. on the last Thursday of every month. Trainings take place in the Army Community Service ballroom, and are scheduled for:

August 26
September 30
October 28
November 25
December 30

Additional trainings can be requested by individual units. For questions or to set up unit trainings, please call Joe Hess at 568-1132 or e-mail joseph.hess1@us.army.mil.

Team Bliss Family Covenant Card

The Team Bliss Family Covenant Card offers special discounts and entitlements to families of Soldiers deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism. For more information on Family Covenant Card eligibility, information on how to obtain a card, and a list of everyday discounts provided to cardholders, including discounts for Child, Youth and School Services, visit www.blissmwr.com/familycovenantcard or call Army Community Service at 568-1132.

Immigration information open at ACS

The El Paso Field Office of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has opened an information office at Fort Bliss Army Community Service, Bldg. 2494, Ricker Road.

This office is open every Wednesday for appointments from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Walk-ins will be addressed based on time available. These appointments may be scheduled only through ACS and are open to service members, family members or any civilian working on Fort Bliss. These appointments are to discuss immigration issues, questions and filing instructions, not to review an application. Applications can not be submitted to this office.

USCIS conducts monthly immigration information classes at ACS the last Friday of each month. You may get a class schedule and sign up to attend this class at ACS.

For more information, call 568-1132.

Army Lodging Fort Bliss excess property sale

Need furniture? Army Lodging Fort Bliss sells it! Headboards, nightstands, dressers, desks, tables, sofas and more can be yours for low prices. View our inventory from 1-4 p.m. every Friday in Bldg. 1121 on Pleasanton Road. Cash and major credit cards only; checks are not accepted. No refunds or exchanges; all items sold as-is. You must pick up your items at time of purchase. No items will be held.

ALR/Unit Funds

Active-duty units and mobilized Guard and Reserve units deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) or Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq), or troops deployed to Haiti and in support of Homeland Security while serving in remote areas, are authorized unit funds through the Army Level Requirements (ALR) Morale, Welfare and Recreation Unit Fund program. Units will receive $2 per Soldier per month beginning the month of deployment. Contact the Fort Bliss Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Financial Management Office by calling (915) 568-4444 to receive an ALR information package.

Fort Sill Relocation Information

Are you relocating to Fort Sill, Oklahoma? Then visit the "FORT SILL ADA BRIC (BRAC Reception and Integration Cell)" Web site. Here, you will have access to relocation information such as housing, schools, Fort Sill photos, as well as numerous links to Fort Sill and Lawton, OK.

You can also participate in a forum, asking specific questions with feedback from personnel located at Fort Sill. All you need is an AKO login. Visit the Web site and get all your relocation questions answered today: https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/563941.

For questions or additional information, please contact CPT. Kelley/Mr. Tobias in the BRIC office at (580) 442-0754/0756.

Fort Bliss Hearts Apart

Is your spouse an unaccompanied tour for one year or more? Join the Fort Bliss Hearts Apart support program. We provide resources to help cope with the separation and maintain your long distance relationship. Child care is reimbursed for all children registered with Child, Youth and School Services. For more information on upcoming meetings, call 568-7088 to register.

Click HERE to download the Hearts Apart participation rules and application
Click HERE to view the February Hearts Apart newsletter

Blissful babies contest winners
The Hearts Apart Program (formerly Waiting Families) held its first ever photo competition in the month of February and received a remarkable response from Hearts Apart Members. After rigorous judging by Army Community Service's Relocation Readiness and Information Referral and Outreach Staff the top three winners were selected, in first place was Micah Hanuska (left), second place went to Caitlin Bourke (center), and last, but certainly not least was earned by Taj Crumpton-Upchurch (right). The Hearts Apart program would like to thank all participants and stress the challenge they face judging all the adorable participants.

Sponsorship

The Total Army Sponsorship Program provides soldiers the opportunity to receive assistance from a trained sponsor upon arrival at Fort Bliss. The Army Community Service Relocation Assistance Program Manager will provide a complete Sponsorship Training Package and Sponsorship Guide to unity trainers so units may train a pool of soldiers qualified to act as sponsors. These files are also available for downloading through the MWR Public Folders via Microsoft Exchange. Childcare is reimbursed for al children registered with Child, Youth and School Services. For more information call the Relocation Assistance Program Manager at 568-6291 or 6332.

PCS/ETS

PCSing to a new installation? The Army Community Service Information and Referral Specialists will provide you with automated welcome packets on any DoD military installation worldwide while you wait. Assigned to an isolated location far from an installation? Not a problem. Internet access will provide localized information. How do you find that isolated location within CONUS? Computerized route-maps will take you there.

English as a Second Language

Do you want to improve your English skills and make new friends? Classes meet every Monday and Wednesday form 0830-1030 at ACS. Childcare is reimbursed for all children registered with Child, Youth and School Services. Please call 568-1132 for more information or to register.

Citizenship 101

Do you want to become an American citizen? ACS offers classes on U.S. government structure, history, and procedures for citizenship. Childcare is reimbursed for all children registered with Child, Youth and School Services. Please call 568-1132 for more information or to register.

Spanish classes

We offer conversational Spanish classes on Mondays and Thursdays from 1000-1200. Childcare is reimbursed for all children registered with Child, Youth and School Services. Please call 568-1132 for more information or to register.

Newcomers Orientation

You are welcome to join us for Newcomers Orientation. The class covers all ACS services and many community resources. This is a mandatory class for all new soldiers E6 and below. Classes are offered Monday through Friday from 0800-1600 in the ACS ballroom. Childcare is reimbursed for all children. Registration with Child, Youth and School Services is not required. Please call 568-1132 for more information.

Lending Closet

The loan closet is stocked with household items to use before your household goods arrive or after you have packed out for your new assignment. Items may be borrowed for 30 days. ID cards and a copy of your PCS orders are required.

People Encouraging People (P.E.P.)

This is a newcomer's orientation is a three day class designed especially for military spouses. You'll learn about the services available to you at ACS and other community agencies. There is a tour of Fort Bliss and the surrounding areas. It's a great way to learn your way around and maybe make a new friend. Childcare is reimbursed for all children registered with Child, Youth and School Services. Please call 568-1132 for more information or to register. Soldiers clearing the installation are advised that strip maps, showing the location of all agencies that must be cleared, are available at the Army Community Service Information and Referral desk at Bldg. 2494, which is also a required stop in the clearing process. Avoid becoming "geographically challenged" by clearing us first.

New to Fort Bliss? You are invited to the ACS Newcomers Orientation, Monday-Friday, Bldg. 2494, except during Training Holidays.

For Soldiers and spouses, free child care if your spouse is registered through CDS. Call
568-6335 for reservations.

Click here for a list of useful links

Military OneSource is provided by the Department of Defense at no cost to active duty, Guard and Reserve (regardless of activation status) and their families. It is a virtual extension of installation services. Visit Military OneSource today at www.militaryonesource.com or call 1-800-342-9647.

MilitaryHOMEFRONT is the official source information for all DoD Quality of Life programs and services for Service members and their families, military leaders and service providers.

PCS Relocation Guide