USASMA Class 66 takes on Junior Enlisted Family Center

Photo By Ismael Ortega | Merchandise available for junior enlisted Soldiers and their families is displayed at the Trading Post, Bldg. 1717 Marshall Road, here, Feb. 18.  

FORT BLISS, TX, UNITED STATES

03.03.2016

Story by Ismael Ortega 

Mobilization and Deployment, DPTMS Fort Bliss

FORT BLISS, Texas - Spouses, family members and future sergeants major, with the backing of the Armed Services YMCA of El Paso, have breathed new life into the Junior Enlisted Family Center Thrift Shop located at the Trading Post here. The ongoing endeavor is the legacy project of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, Class 66, where in the last couple of months, volunteers have organized donated items and made improvements to the building and food pantry program.

“I think it’s a great thing to have our senior enlisted leaders [and family members] volunteer their time to take care of all the armed service men and women from the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Marines, to use that facility and give back to them,” Joe Pritchard, executive director, Armed Services YMCA of El Paso said.

The revitalization started when a spouse volunteered at the thrift shop and mentioned in passing it could use some work. In time, USASMA spouses and family members looked into it, and they agreed to not only clean it up, but develop new operating procedures.

Mike Menold, project manager in charge of the thrift shop beautification, said their intent was to create an environment where Soldiers and families feel welcome. Volunteers took it upon themselves to help overwhelmed workers by organizing inventory and improving the atmosphere of the building. They transformed an old meat locker into a customer friendly, open clothing area with a better design, improved flow, organized products and a newly constructed changing room.

“We really jumped in wholeheartedly to make this a better place for junior enlisted,” Menold said.

Along with the thrift shop, the JEFC also offers a food pantry program. Those seeking assistance can have personalized food baskets made to fi t their dietary needs after receiving a referral from a chaplain or higher leadership. Classes are also held at the JEFC ranging from CPR to personal budgeting.

“All of us will be gone by the end of July, but we want to leave a footprint here of what we’ve done for the junior enlisted family,” Menold said. “We hope that this system that’s run by the ASYMCA can be taken across the country to other posts.”

The JEFC supports 600 families a month with programs, classes and free clothing, furniture, housewares, toys, books and other necessities. Sergeants and below, along with their family, can visit three times a month on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays between noon and 4 p.m. and are allowed 10 items per visit. The JEFC is located at Bldg. 1717 Marshall Road. Due to construction, visitors must enter through the back.

The ASYMCA of El Paso assisted the volunteers from the beginning and provided initial funding. The ASYMCA also offers a Child Development Center with the highest rating a CDC can achieve in Texas. The center is open to all members of the armed forces and has recently started hourly care. For more, visit them on Facebook at Armed Services YMCA El Paso.

• Date Taken: 03.03.2016
• Date Posted: 03.10.2016 14:17
• Story ID: 191927
• Location: FORT BLISS, TX, US
• Hometown: EL PASO, TX, US