Welcome to the official page of Fort Bliss Survivor Outreach Services. Here, you'll find the most updated information about Family and MWR events.
The Fort Bliss Army Community Service (ACS), Survivor Outreach Services mission is to build a unified program, which embraces and reassures Survivors that they are continually linked to the Army Family for as long as they desire. Our Purpose is to deliver on the Army’s commitment to Families of the Fallen by connecting you with people and services that can help you throughout the grieving process.
Many times after a loss of a loved one, there are unresolved issues or questions that may surface months or years later. Survivor Outreach Services is here to help you manage life’s transitions and milestones. The Military and Family Life Counseling Program supports service members, their families and survivors with non-medical counseling worldwide. Military and family life counselors are highly-qualified professionals trained to understand the unique challenges you encounter and deliver face-to-face counseling services, as well as briefings and presentations to the military community both on and off the installation. To reach a MFLC that is embedded with ACS call one of the numbers below:
915-313-1952
915-316-4910
915-777-5495
915-873-1862
915-867-1389
Welcome to the Official Fort Bliss ACS Survivor Outreach Services page! We welcome comments and discussion about our page content, but please adhere to the following guidelines:
1. No profanity will be tolerated. Profanity in comments will result in immediate deletion.
2. No personal attacks or derogatory remarks will be tolerated.
3. No advertising for businesses or non-MWR events is allowed. If you are interested in advertising with Family and MWR, please contact our Commercial Sponsorship and Advertising division at (915) 568-3415.
4. No endorsement of any non-MWR goods or services is implied.
5. Comments made beneath posts should pertain to that post's content. If they do not they will be deleted. Repeated behavior such as this will warrant a ban from the page. Posts that do not comply with these guidelines will be deleted without warning. Family and MWR reserves the right to remove, at our discretion, any post or comment for any reason. Persons who repeatedly ignore the guidelines will be banned permanently from posting on the Family and MWR page. Failure to follow our guidelines for commenting on wall posts may result in your comments being deleted without warning. We also retain the right to delete any comments that may not be covered by these guidelines.
Operating as usual
Attention Gold Star Families and Friends!!!
Our 8th Annual Run for the Race is scheduled for Saturday, February 25th in conjunction with Day of Remembrance. Registration is now open at the Fort Bliss gymnasiums. Registration is also available for the general public through active.com. If any of our Gold Star Family members needs an application e-mailed to them, please call us at 915-568-5970.
It was a wonderful Christmas in Wonderland! Thank you to MWR for everything you do for our families and to ASUS for your sponsorship to make this a memorable day for our families.
Good evening…
Good afternoon,
We will be closed tomorrow afternoon from 11:30 am- 4:30 pm.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!! ❤️🎄☃️❤️
Our families placing their loved ones ornaments on the tree. Thank you to Mrs. Sienna Nero-Baines for giving us a beautiful rendition of Silent Night.
It was a very beautiful and perfect night to light the Gold Star Holiday Tree! We would like to thank everyone that was able to join us.
Good morning Gold Star Families!
Below is a holiday message from the Secretary of the Army, Army Chief of Staff and Army Sergeant Major.
Wishing all our Gold Star Families and friends a blessed Thanksgiving!
Due to Thanksgiving and the training Holiday, your SOS office will be closed on Thursday, November 24th and Friday November 25th and will reopen on Monday, November 28th.
Good afternoon Gold Star Families!
Trees for Troops has generously donated 22 Christmas trees for our families to receive. Please give us a call ASAP so that we can make sure we get one reserved for you. Trees will need to be picked up on Monday, 05 December at Biggs Park and you must have a military ID or a Survivor Installation Access Card. Please give us a call if you have any questions.
Good morning Gold Star families!
2023 is just around the corner and as most of you know, there will be some changes to the Survivor Benefit Plan. DFAS will be hosting a webinar to explain these changes on Thursday, December 8th from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM MST. This is a great time to get any questions answered. Please register at the link below. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to give us a call.
Thank you to all our Gold Star families who came to celebrate Thanksgiving with us and made this a memorable and beautiful night!
We are closed today in observance of Veteran’s Day!
Thank you to all those who served!
Gold Star Thanksgiving Dinner is quickly approaching! Don't forget to RSVP by Wednesday, November 9th!
Info on trick-or-treating at Fort Bliss!
Planning on Trick or Treating on post? 👍😊
Congratulations to our Halloween Costume Contest Winners....
Addison (Gnome)
Caleb (Lion)
Adalyn (Mirabel)
There were so many great entries that it was hard just to choose these! Hope everyone has a great Halloween!
The SOS ofrenda is looking so beautiful. Pictures can still be dropped off any time before Tuesday.
Just a reminder that pictures for the Halloween costume contest need to be submitted by this Friday!
Hello Gold Star Families,
Join me next week for the next SOS Financial Class, "Consumer Scams". We will discuss the trends that are being reported, how to avoid them, and what to do if you are a victim of a scam.
Who: Gold Star Families and Friends
What: SOS Financial Class
When: Wednesday, 12 October, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Where: Survivor Outreach Service Center, Bldg. 241 Sheridan Road
How: RSVP to 915-569-7745
Hello Gold Star Families,
Today, we are finishing the Home Buying Process by understanding the importance of reviewing documents, closing and saving your documents.
One week prior to closing, connect with your lender regarding the Closing Disclosure and how you will receive it, USPS, email, or by downloading it from an online source. Law mandates you are to be in receipt of the Closing Disclosure 3 BUSINESS days before the closing date to afford you the opportunity to review all the documents and compare it to your latest Loan Estimate to see if anything changed. Speak with your Lender if there are changes. Also request a copy of the Mortgage (Security Instrument or Deed of Trust), Deed, and Promissory Note. Use this link to guide you through reading your Closing Disclosure: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/closing-disclosure/
Now we will move towards "Closing the Deal"! Use this 6-page closing checklist to guide you:https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_buying-a-house_mortgage-closing_checklist.pdf
Here are your takeaways at Closing:
Make sure seller has completed all repairs as stipulated in the contract - conduct a walk through.
Do not rush through the closing and if something does not look right, ask questions.
If the paperwork does not meet your expectations, do not sign anything.
Never sign any document that is blank and/or does not meet your expectations.
If everything is dress-right-dress, documents are signed and you have just purchased the home. What do you do with all the paperwork? The best way is to save paperwork electronically, but have a backup. If you like to save hard copies, the 4 most important documents are the: Closing Disclosure; Promissory Note; Mortgage (Security Instrument or Deed of Trust); and the Deed. Some of the documents will provide tax deductions when it's time to file your federal tax return. It is recommended to keep hard copies in a fireproof container.
This concludes our journey with the home-buying process. Join me next Wednesday, October 12th from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. as I will be conducting a class on Consumer Scams.
Hello Gold Star Families,
The journey continues with our Home Buying Process and we will discuss revised loan estimates and shopping for closing services.
Once the approval process begins, there may be a need to receive a Revised Loan Estimate. Once you've received it, take the time to compare it to the original Loan Estimate to determine what changed. The reason for a Revised Loan Estimate can be a result of the appraisal is less than the sale price of the home, a rate lock was requested, down payment amount changed, different loan was requested, or certain aspects of the income could not be verified (overtime, bonus, etc.). Once you've compared the Revised Loan Estimate with the original and you are unable to see the changes or understand them, contact your Loan Officer. The Loan Officer will be able to explain the changes. You need to know how any of the changes will impact the loan amount, loan features, interest rate, monthly payment and cash to close on the loan. Ask for clarity on anything that does not make sense to you.
Click on this link and review Section C of the Loan Estimate to see what services you have the opportunity to shop:
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/loan-estimate/
Even though you may be provided recommendations from the Lender, you are not obligated to select from their list. Do your homework and tap into your "advisors" (people you have spoken with regarding their home buying experience) to see if they can recommend a provider that will give save you money but also meet the need. If you don't choose to shop, then the Lender will use their own providers to fulfill the requirements of Section C of the Loan Estimate.
Lender's Title Insurance policy will be a requirement for most lenders, it protects the lender against any title problems, and it is a one-time fee. As the purchaser, you can decide if you would like to pay a one-time fee for owner's title insurance policy, which protects you, the homeowner, against lawsuits involving claims with the home. Your home is an investment and you need to provide protection.
Tomorrow we will wrap up Step 4 of the Home Buying Process. Have a great evening.
Hello Gold Star Families,
We have arrived at the fourth and final step of the Home Buying Process, "Closing on your New Home".
Organization will be key to a successful and swift closing. As the Lender, and/or the associates asks for documentation, supply it as soon as possible. Don't be upset if you feel they are asking for too much information as this is part of the process.
Be prepared to provide the following documents: Last 30 days of pay stubs; last two years of your W-2s; last two years of signed federal tax return; other sources of income; two most recent bank statements; down payment of where is the money coming from (2 months of ownership); recent name change; identity verification; and, social security number. Make sure any documents submitted are completed properly the first time. If your down payment is provided as a "gift", verify with the Lender if this will be allowed. At closing, you will NOT bring cash, even though the terminology reads "cash to close." Instead, it can be a bank wire or a cashier's check.
While you are fulfilling requests from the Lender and/or the associates, you need to begin your search to schedule a home inspection and request homeowner's insurance quotes. Select a home inspector that has been referred by friends or you have completed research online. The home inspection is to ensure there are no major issues with the property. If there is, you can decide not to purchase or negotiate the repairs, if your contract was contingent on the home inspection. NEVER ever purchase a home without a home inspection.
As you shop for homeowner's insurance, ask friends and family members if they could recommend a company. Request at least 3 quotes for you to compare and then look into the history of each company to determine their reliability. Contact the Lender with the quotes to determine if the coverage will meet the requirement of the loan. You will also need to know if flood insurance should be a part of the coverage. When reviewing the quotes, you want to make sure the coverage will replace the entire dwelling as well as all the belongings inside the home.
Have a great weekend and I'll return on Monday to continue Step 4.
Hello Gold Star Families,
In the next SOS Financial Class, we will learn about "Consumer Scams". We will discuss the trends that are being reported, how to avoid them, and what to do if you are a victim of a scam.
Who: Gold Star Families and Friends
What: SOS Financial Class
When: Wednesday, 12 October, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Where: Survivor Outreach Service Center, Bldg. 241 Sheridan Road
How: RSVP to 915-569-7745
Have a wonderful weekend.
Our Día de los Mu***os altar is ready! Please feel free to drop off any pictures and items of your hero to be displayed. You may also email us a picture of you’re unable to make it in.
Hello Gold Star Families,
Today wraps up Step 3 as we discuss the loan offer selection. As shared in the previous email, all the Loan Estimates were compared to determine which one works best for you as the home buyer. Now is the time to contact the Lender connected with the Loan Estimate that works best for you. Loan Estimates are typically valid for a 10 business day period and if you contact the Lender after this timeframe, the process may have to start from the beginning.
Keep in mind if the Lender you have chosen supplied more than one Loan Estimate, verify with the Lender which Loan Estimate you are selecting. Reviewing the Loan Estimate with the Lender will ensure both of you are tracking the same information. If the Loan Estimate did not reflect your interest rate being locked, now is the time to discuss this with the Lender. If closing does not happen before the expiration of the locked interest rate, have the Lender discuss your options with you. Once you begin the process with the Lender there may be an application and/or appraisal fees and these fees are non-refundable if you decide to cancel the process.
I know this has been a considerable amount of information covering "Comparing Loan Offers," and the intent is for you to be an informed home buyer. We will begin Step 4: Closing on your New Home tomorrow, and wrap it up by the end of next week.
Hello Gold Star Families,
Next Tuesday, October 4th, we are hosting the Monthly Grief Support Group Sessions, one from 12:00-1:30 p.m. and the second one from 6:00-7:30 p.m. We ask that you please RSVP to 915-568-5970 for the day session. Thank you and have a wonderful upcoming weekend.
Good Afternoon Gold Star Families,
When comparing Loan Estimates, verify the following items are the same on all of them: amount of the loan; interest rate; monthly loan payment (without escrow amount); mortgage insurance monthly payment; total monthly payment (loan plus escrow); loan costs that are upfront (Section D, page 2); lender credits; and, the means to cover your portion of the closing cost. Use the link below to review a Loan Estimates and each section's explanation.
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/loan-estimate/
After reviewing Loan Estimates, review the budget to determine if it can afford the upfront costs as well as total monthly payment. Another item to review is located on page 4 of the Loan Estimates, "Comparisons." Compare this section on each of the Loan Estimates to understand what each loan will "cost" you over a 5-year period.
Other items you need to compare on each Loan Estimate: same loan type; same features; date issued (this could impact the interest rate); is there an escrow amount; estimated insurance and taxes are similar; and, HOA fees (if required). Make sure you allocate time to review each Loan Estimate and then conduct your comparison to help determine which lender to utilize.
With several Loan Estimates on hand, this provides an opportunity to negotiate. For example, your preference is with a particular Lender, but another Loan Estimate has a better offer. Leverage the information from the best Loan Estimate to see if your preferred Lender can make adjustments to their Loan Estimate. Remember, it never hurts to ask and what is the worse they could say to you..."No."
Tomorrow Step 3 will conclude as the discussion covers loan offer selection. Have a great day.
Good Morning Gold Star Families,
This week we are going to discuss Step 3 of the Home Buying Process, "Comparing Loan Offers". Today's discussion will focus on the need to request and review loan estimates.
Here are some facts regarding loan estimates. Lenders may charge a small fee ($30) to cover the cost of pulling the credit report. Multiple pulls within a 45-day window will NOT hurt your credit. It is ILLEGAL if a lender tries to obtain any fee other than the credit report when requesting a loan estimate. Contact each lender and supply the following information: name(s); income; social security numbers; address of home being purchased; sale price of the home; and, amount you are requesting to borrow. Also request the exact type of loan and exact options: loan type (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.); rate type (fixed or adjustable); term (15, 20, 25 or 30 years); amount of down payment / amount of loan amount; points / credits; and, the rate lock period. If you need a refresher on these options, please look at previous emails from Step 2.
Lenders have three business days to send you a Loan Estimate (usually via email), a few extra days are needed if the Loan Estimate is being mailed. Keep in mind, at this stage of the process, there is not an approval or denial of the loan. Now the comparison can begin with the Loan Estimates. As the consumer, verify all the information listed in the above paragraph are correctly listed on the Loan Estimate. Use the link below to help you read the Loan Estimate and pay close attention to the information on page 1:
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/loan-estimate/
If you see any errors on the Loan Estimate, have it corrected to continue the comparison step. Ask the Lender to explain the Loan Estimate if the options were not what was requested. The last piece of guidance: Take time to review carefully and do not allow any Lender to pressure you.
241 Sheridan Road
Fort Bliss, TX
79916
| Monday | 7:30am - 4:30pm |
| Tuesday | 7:30am - 4:30pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30am - 4:30pm |
| Thursday | 7:30am - 4:30pm |
| Friday | 7:30am - 4:30pm |
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We would to recognize one of our Gold Star kiddos, Gabriela Skelt, for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at the Legacy of Valor/American GI Forum that was held this past Saturday. Great job Gabriela!!
Day of Remembrance
Although our Holidays are not over… we want to share these memories that were made at the SOS Holiday Luncheon. Thank you to everyone that joined us and all who volunteered.
Finally our last video this Holiday season, Alex, Amberlyn and Adalyn remember how great their Holidays and memories were with their Hero CW3 Billy “Papa” Montgomery.
Mrs. Jennifer Davis and her boys, Leland and Lucas, recall the great memories that they had with their Hero, SSG Robert Davis… memories in which they still continue to do.
Mr. and Mrs. Ruvalcaba have many Holiday memories of their Hero, SGT Isela Ruvalcaba, as she grew up, but here is their favorite one.
Mrs. Susan Barnes shared her “traditional” memory of her, her family and her Hero, SGM John Barnes.
Mrs. Maria Ponce with her daughters, Liliana and Dalila, remember their Hero’s, SGT Felipe Ponce, favorite holiday.
Mr. Charlie Budd shares his favorite memories of his son/Hero, SGT Andrew Budd.
Mrs. Esther Nicholas remembers a beautiful holiday moment when her son/Hero, SPCJose Vargas Jr., spread some Holiday cheer to other soldiers.
Ms. Cerezmi Silva her son, Caleb, shares her favorite Holiday memory with their Fallen Hero, Octavio Araujo.
Next we have Johana Carrasco recalling her most memorable Holiday with her husband, CPL Tony Carrasco. 🎄🎁
Throughout the Holiday Season we will be sharing our Gold Star Families favorite holiday memory with their Hero. Mrs. Laura Brockway and her adorable baby, Addison, recall their favorite memory with their Hero, SGT Brian Brockway.
Gold Star Christmas Tree Lightimg
Good Afternoon Gold Star Families, Today, take 2 minutes and watch the 8th and final video of our Consumer Credit series, "Credit Repair Scams". Repairing credit takes time and any company offering a “quick fix” should stand out as a red flag. Learn more about what to watch out for in this video. If you would like to schedule a one-on-one appointment to review your credit or discuss other financial topics, please call 915-569-7745.
Good Afternoon Gold Star Families, I've attached Video 7 of this 8-part series that discusses Credit. Today's 2 minute video discusses Protecting Your Credit. Credit monitoring helps protect your identity from criminals that commit fraud. Stay up to date on best practices for keeping your information safe. If you'd like to schedule a one-on-one appointment, please call 915-569-7745 for us to review your credit report.
Good Morning Gold Star Families, I've attached Video 6 of this 8-part series that discusses Credit. Today's 2 minute video discusses Healthy Credit Habits. Building credit doesn’t have to be difficult. Explore actions you can take to boost your financial health, saving you both money and stress. If you'd like to schedule a one-on-one appointment, please call 915-569-7745 for us to review your credit report.
Good Afternoon Gold Star Families, I've attached Video 5 of this 8-part series that discusses Credit. Today's 2-1/2 minute video explains the factors that influence your Credit Score. If you'd like to schedule a one-on-one appointment, please call 915-569-7745 for us to review your credit report.
Hello Gold Star Families, As we continue through November, our next video discusses "Credit Reports" which will require 2-1/2 minutes of your time. Reviewing your credit report can identify errors that may cost you in the long run. Here’s what to do if something doesn’t look quite right. If you would like to meet one-on-one, please call 915-569-7745 to schedule an appointment.
Good Morning Gold Star Families, We continue with our video series on Credit. Today's 2-1/2 video discusses 5 pointers when "Shopping for Credit". I encourage you to take the time to watch the video and take from it what is needed for your financial situation. If you would like to make a one-on-one appointment to discuss your credit or other financial concerns, please call 915-569-7745. Have a wonderful weekend.
Hello Gold Star Families, Here is your 2nd video covering "Credit" that focuses on "Building Your Credit Reputation." Take 2 minutes to review 3 recommendations to help build your credit. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss YOUR credit in-depth, please call me at 915-569-7745 to schedule a one-on-one appointment.
Hello Gold Star Families, During the month of November, I will have bi-weekly video postings that will cover “Credit.” Requesting Credit is not necessarily a bad thing when used correctly and regardless of why you use credit, it’s in your best interest to understand Credit. I would encourage you to take the 2+ minutes needed to watch the video as it briefly explains “What is Credit and Why is it Important?” If you have any questions, or would like to discuss YOUR credit in-depth, please call me at 915-569-7745 to schedule a one-on-one appointment.
Military Spouses Appreciation Parade!
Join us today for the McCasa Event at Army Community Event, 2494 Ricker. We will conduct the event from 10-12 today. See you soon!
Purse Bingo Winners!
Here’s a message from our Financial counselor Mrs. Pamela Thomas reminding each of you of the investment class being held Wednesday, April 7th from 1:30-2:30 here at the SOS center. Please don’t forget to RSVP.
Fort Bliss Art and Hobby Center
Marshall Road4th Battalion, 17th Infantry Family Readiness
El Paso 799061st Battalion, 360th Infantry Regiment
Fort Bliss, El PasoFort Bliss Army Volunteer Corps
Club Road72nd / 513th Military Police Detachment
Pleasonton Road, Aero VistaFort Bliss Religious Support Office
Pershing Road3rd Platoon, 212th Military Police Company
Pleasanton Road1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Museum
Marshall Road919th Contracting Battalion / MICC - Fort Bli
Pershing Road, El Paso
2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment
Bldg Ansbach Way
1st Armored Division, Division Sustainment Br
Eagle Street
2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division
Bldg 20500 Cold War Road
Fort Bliss Religious Support Office
Pershing Road
6th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment
Bayonet Avenue