blissNOW Magazine NOV-DEC 2025

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bliss NOW

EMBRACE WHAT MATTERS MOST THIS SEASON

HONORING FAMILY | EXHIBIT GRATITUDE | SUPPORT COMMUNITY

Try the new daily lunch specials TUESDAYS-FRIDAYS FROM 11AM-1PM at the Centennial! The choice of entrees revolve daily to include Mexican and German delights, Chuckwagon BBQ and Southern Specialties. Soup and salad bar and a la carte options are also available.

Marketing Manager Marlo Brestar

Marketing Assistant Bryan Soriano Gonzalez

Editor/Writer Raymond Sanchez

Graphic Designer Raymond Sanchez

Sponsorship & Advertising Executive Coral Musy

Graphics Production Assistant Martina Grise

Marketing Specialist Alexis Escobar-Paz

BlissNOW is a Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation magazine published bi-monthly for activities on Fort Bliss, Texas. BlissNOW is inserted in welcome packets, and distributed to Biggs Park, Soto PFC, NCOLCoE (Sergeants Major Academy, WBAMC, El Paso International Airport, Fort Bliss RV Park, Parent Central, Main ACS (Army Community Service), Fort Bliss Support Center, Vogel Hall, Desert Strike Lanes, along with the Fort Bliss Commissary, Post Exchange (PX) Pharmacy at Freedom Crossing. Circulation: 5,000 bi-monthy The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Army, Department of Defense or federal government. The information in this issue is current at the time of publication; activities and events are subject to change without notice. Downloading of any social media apps is on a voluntary basis. DFMWR is not responsible for any negative consequences resulting in its use. For more information, call the individual facilities. Family and MWR Marketing is located in Building 12 Pershing Road Fort Bliss, TX 79916 and may be reached at 915-568-6741.

ABOUT THE COVER:

This issue’s cover captures a magical Fort Bliss tradition — the moment a Fort Bliss child helps illuminate the installation’s holiday tree during the official Tree Lighting Ceremony outside Chapel One. Each year, this beloved event marks the beginning of the holiday season for Soldiers, Families, and the entire Fort Bliss community. Join us Friday, December 5 from 5 - 9pm and take part in this blissful event. See more on PAGE 7.

Graphic by Raymond Sanchez

08 King or Queen of the Range Trap Match

9 - 10am | Rod & Gun Club

08 Star Mountain Classics Gymnastics Meet

9am - 4pm | SKIESUnlimited

14 Harvest Glass Mosaic Class

4:30 - 7pm | Art & Hobby Shop

15 Rock Climbing Rough & Ready Hills

8am - 5pm | Rough & Ready Hills, NM

15 Gobble Wobble Fitness Challenge

8:30 - 11am | Youth Sports Plex

15 BDE Turkey Bowl

9am - 6pm | Stout Field

15 & 16 Armed Forces Wrestling Championship 2025

November 15: 8am - 4pm | Stout PFC

November 16: 10am - 4pm | Stout PFC

2 0 Dueling Pianos

5 - 9pm | Golden Tee

22 Turkey Trot 5K

9 - 10am | Soto PFC

22 Turkey Shoot Golf Scramble 9am - 2pm | Underwood Golf Course

22 Wine Tour

11:15am - 6pm | Local Wineries

26 Cranksgiving

6 - 7:30pm | Soto PFC

ONGOING PROGRAMS

Commander’s Cup Volleyball League Mondays - Thursdays: November 3 - December 4: 5 - 6pm Soto PFC

Couples/Friends DIY Orientation November 13 & December 5 Auto Crafts

15 Days of Holiday Giveaways November 24 - December 12 Online at: facebook.com/blissmwr

Santa's Mailbox November 24 - December 12

TURKEY SHOOT GOLF SCRAMBLE

Join Underwood Golf Course for a gobbling good time on SATURDAY, NOV 22! This is a four-person scramble from 9am - 2pm The entry fee is $75 per golfer and includes a green fee, cart fee, lunch, prizes, and your very own turkey to take home! Registration is required and can be done at the Pro Shop or by calling 915-568-1059.

DUELING PIANOS

Experience an exhilarating night of live music and a duel between pianos on THURSDAY, NOV 20 at the Golden Tee at Underwood Golf Course! Put in a song request and watch it be battled out on the pianos. Food and drinks will be available for purchase with specials all night long! Social hour will be from 5 - 6pm and the show will run from 6 - 9pm. For those who purchase their tickets in advance, the price is $10. At the door, ticket prices will be $15, if available. To purchase your ticket, call 915-568-1059 or visit the Underwood Golf Course. This event is open to the public-no gate access required.

** Events subject to change without notice. Info: bliss.armymwr.com or facebook.com/blissmwr

BDE TURKEY BOWL

It’s time to lace up and show your unit pride! The Brigade Turkey Bowl invites all brigades to hit Stout field for a fun game of flag football and a little friendly competition on SATURDAY, NOV 15, 9am - 6pm. Battle it out for bragging rights and the coveted Turkey Bowl Trophy! This competition brings camaraderie, teamwork, and holiday cheer to the gridiron. Call 915-744-5793/5798 for more info.

5 Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival

5 - 9pm | Outside Center Chapel One

5 Move into the Holidays (Zumba Party)

4 - 6pm | Soto PFC

5 & 6

Kids Day on the Wall

Friday: 3-6pm | Soldier Activity Center

Saturday: 12-6pm | Soldier Activity Center

6 Jingle Dash 1K/5K Runs

9 - 11:30am | Smith Bliss Field

7 & 14 Breakfast with Santa

2 Seatings on Both Days: 8:30 - 10am & 10:30am - 12pm | Rod & Gun Club

12 EFMP Pictures with Santa 4:30 - 6:30pm | ACS Ballroom

12 Holiday Golf Sale

7am - 3pm | Underwood Golf Course

13 Bikes & Brews 8am - 3pm | Chuck Heinrich Park

13 Holiday Breakfast 9am - 12pm | Golden Tee Restaurant

14 Holiday Brunch 10am - 1pm | Centennial

20 SKIES Dance Recital 1 - 4pm | Stayton Theatre

CHRISTMAS HAM SHOOT-OUT

Tee off the holidays at the 2025 Christmas Ham Shoot-Out on SATURDAY, DEC 20 at Underwood Golf Course. This 2-man Best Ball tournament begins with an 8:30 AM shotgun start and is open to the public, DoD ID holders, Active Duty, and Members. For $70 per person, enjoy green and cart fees, lunch, prizes, and a holiday ham to take home. Register by noon on December 19 at the Pro Shop or call 915-568-1059.

KNOW YOUR LIMIT (KYL) HOLIDAY EDITION

Join us for a holiday fun shooting event, Know Your Limit Shoot on SATURDAY, DEC 13, 8am, at the Rod & Gun Club! This competition has two categories, rimfire, and centerfire. Shooters will have 7 targets that get smaller as you go. Open to ages 6+. There will be 1st & 2nd place winners for each category. This event is filled with skill and excitement for only $25 per person. Registration is required. To register call 915-568-5026 or visit the Rod & Gun Club.

** Events subject to change without notice. Info: bliss.armymwr.com or facebook.com/blissmwr

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING AND HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

Come out as we partner with Fort Bliss RSO for a festive holiday celebration. FRIDAY, DEC 5, 5 - 9pm at Center Chapel One, 315 Pershing Road. This is a free event for all to enjoy. There will be a ceremonial tree lighting to kick off the celebration! Drink hot cocoa, bounce around the inflatables, feast among our choices of food trucks, fun for all! Don’t forget to take your picture with Santa for an unforgettable memory.

The holiday season is all about giving, sharing joy, and creating memories-and Fort Bliss MWR brings the magic with two exciting traditions you won’t want to miss!

November 24 - December 12

• 15 Days of Holiday Giveaways

Get ready for 15 days of festive fun as we give back to our incredible military community. Each day, we’ll post a holiday-themed question about our Fort Bliss community or one of our wonderful sponsors. Answer for your chance to win prizes generously provided by our community partners! From gift cards and goodies to special surprises, it’s our way of saying thank you for all you do throughout the year. Follow our MWR Facebook page to join in daily and see if you’re one of our lucky winners! Thank you to USAA for being our highlighted sponsors for this giveaway, allowing us to provide upgraded prizes this year.

• Letters to Santa

The magic of the holidays comes alive with our Letters to Santa! Little ones (and big ones) can drop off their wish lists and heartfelt messages in Santas’s red mailbox that will magically appear in front of MWR Marketing, Building 12 Pershing Road. Everyone who submits a letter will receive a personalized reply from Santa himself! It’s a wonderful way to spark imagination, celebrate the season, and spread a little North Pole cheer right here at Fort Bliss. Please ensure you have your letters dropped off by December 12th as Santa and his reindeer are going to make a special trip to pick up the mailbox to ensure he has time to respond to all the letters; it is his busy time of the year.

Get ready for an electrifying display of strength, skill, and determination as elite athletes from across the U.S. Armed Forces meet at Stout Physical Fitness Center for the Military World Championship!

On Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16, competitors from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps will spend the entire day battling it out on the mats in both Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling styles. Who will claim the title of champion? The answer unfolds over this action-packed two-day event.

The competition kicks off with an opening ceremony that honors the athletic excellence and warrior spirit of our service members. From the first takedown to the final pin, spectators will witness world-class wrestling that showcases the physical prowess and mental toughness our military athletes bring to every match.

The U.S. Army was the champion in both Greco-Roman and freestyle at the 2024 Armed Forces Championships – don't miss your chance to see if they can repeat their victory!

Spectators are encouraged and admission is free-no registration is required. Bring your family and friends to cheer on these incredible competitors!

For more information, please call 915-744-5798. Visitors without a military ID card to Fort Bliss can obtain a Community Access by visiting our website and searching “Community Access Pass”.

Holiday Eats

This holiday season, Fort Bliss MWR invites you to celebrate with the ones you love at three spectacular breakfast and brunch events. Whether you're gathering at the Centennial Club, the Rod and Gun Club, or Golden Tee, each venue offers a delicious holiday buffet, festive décor, and the chance to capture magical moments with Santa himself (don't forget to bring your camera). Don't let the season pass by in a blur. Slow down, gather your loved ones, and create traditions that will last a lifetime. Reserve your spot today and give your family the gift of togetherness this holiday season.

Holiday Brunch at the Centennial

December 14 • 10am - 1pm • Info/Reservations: 915-744-8427

Adults: $39.95 | Children 5-11: $19.95 | Children 4 & under EAT FREE!

Breakfast with Santa at the Rod & Gun Club (2 seatings on both days)

December 7 & 14 • 8:30 - 10am & 10:30am - 12pm • Info/Reservations: 915-568-5026

Adults 15+: $19.95 | Children 6-14: $9.95 | Children 5 & under EAT FREE!

Holiday Breakfast at the Golden Tee (Inside Undewood Golf Course)

December 13 • 9am - 12pm • Info/Reservations: 915-568-1059

Adults 14+: $19.95 | Children 6-13: $9.95 | Children 5 & under EAT FREE!

Treat Yourself to a New Ride With Our Great Rates¹

You could get on the road with: decisions in seconds, in most cases preapproved loans good for up to 90 days military discounts available²

24/7 Fitness Access Coming Soon to Stout and Biggs!

Get ready, Fort Bliss — fitness on your schedule is about to get even better! Soon, Stout Physical Fitness Center (PFC) and Biggs PFC will join Soto PFC in offering 24/7 access, giving you the freedom to work out whenever it fits your day (or night). This exciting upgrade will introduce automated keyless entry using your Common Access Card (CAC). That means no sign-ins, no waiting for doors to open — just swipe your CAC and get to training! It is fitness made simple, secure, and convenient for our military community.

Soto PFC has already set the standard with 24/7 operations, and now Stout and Biggs are next in line to provide around-the-clock access. Whether you’re on shift work, training late, or just prefer a quieter gym time, you’ll soon have more flexibility than ever to meet your fitness goals.

Stay tuned for official registration details! We’ll be sharing step-by-step instructions soon on how to register your CAC card for 24/7 access and when you can start enjoying this new feature. Because at Fort Bliss, your schedule shouldn’t stop your strength training.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO CONQUER THE

BATAAN

MEMORIAL DEATH MARCH?

The Army’s premier endurance event is the ultimate challenge. It takes grit, determination, perseverance and strength to conquer this punishing desert course... 26.4 miles of rugged terrain, high elevation and hot desert sun. It’s the must-run of all must-runs.

MORE THAN JUST A MARATHON

Bataan is also one of the most unique and moving race weekends you’ll ever experience. That’s because it’s more than just a marathon. It’s a march to honor the fallen heroes and the survivors of the brutal Bataan Death March of World War II. It’s a chance to run, walk or march for those who gave their lives for their country, and to honor today’s heroes, veterans and fallen warriors.

Course stats:

Full route length: 26.4 miles

Elevation change: 4,052 - 5,136 feet

Honorary course: 15.6 miles

Temperature: ranges between 30-85°

Winds: up to 50 mph

Completion time: varies from 3 - 14 hours

Average completion time: 8 hours

MARCH 21, 2026

White sands missile range, nm

WE ARE

We are MWR!

“We are more than a service — we are a community.”

At Fort Bliss, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) is more than a name — it’s a promise. A promise to strengthen our community, support our Soldiers and Families, and enhance quality of life across the installation.

From Child &Youth Services and fitness programs to recreation, travel, and special events, MWR touches every part of life at Fort Bliss. Each program is built around one purpose — to build readiness, resilience, and connection.

We’re the planners behind your favorite events, the coaches cheering from the sidelines, and the friendly faces welcoming you at every facility.

Fort Bliss means something different to everyone – and we want to see it through your eyes.

Whether you've attended one of our events, explored our facilities, or enjoyed the great outdoors, your moments matter. Share your favorite Fort Bliss memories by posting your photos with #WeAreMWR and tell us what MWR means to you.

Because at Fort Bliss, we don’t just serve — we support.

We are MWR. We are Fort Bliss. And we’re here for you.

UMGC HONORS OUR VETERANS FOR THEIR SERVICE

“I wanted to join the Army because I wanted to be an American hero, someone who would make a sacrifice knowingly and potentially lose all that mattered to them for the sake of those next to them, behind them and in front of them.”

U.S. Army Veteran This Veterans Day, we at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) wish to express our gratitude to our student veterans and all those who have worn the uniforms of the U.S. military. It is your hard work and dedication that have kept America free and safe. As you continue to exemplify the spirit of service in civilian life, UMGC is honored to serve your education needs.

Home for the Holidays at Fort Bliss

The holiday season is a special time across our Fort Bliss community — a time to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate the people who make this installation feel like home. Whether you’re staying local or traveling to see loved ones, Fort Bliss MWR is here to help make your holidays brighter.

From festive community gatherings and family-friendly events to opportunities for giving back, there’s no shortage of ways to share in the season of joy. Our Letters to Santa program spread smiles to little ones as they receive personalized replies from the North Pole. And our 15 Days of Holiday Giveaways brings daily cheer to our MWR followers — featuring prizes from our incredible sponsors as a way to say thank you for being part of our Fort Bliss family. MWR has multiple holiday eat options and don’t forget to join us for the annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration in partnership with Fort Bliss RSO on Dec. 5 th .

As we close out another year, we’re filled with gratitude for the Soldiers, Families, and Civilians who make this community strong. Your dedication, resilience, and spirit of togetherness remind us of what the holidays are truly about.

From all of us at Fort Bliss MWR — may your days be merry, your heart full, and your season bright.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from your entire Fort Bliss MWR Team.

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