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Brave and Belonging - Torres Elem

Brave and Belonging - Torres Elem
Brave and Belonging- Torres Elem

Welcome Military Connected Families Welcome Military Connected Families

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My name is Ms. Chavez, and I am honored to serve as your Military Family Liaison at Dr. Joseph E. Torres Elementary. In this role, I’m here to support our military-connected students and families — whether you are new to El Paso, preparing for a PCS, or navigating the unique challenges of military life. While I split my time between Dr. Torres and Barron Elementary, I will be on campus every other day to stay connected and available to you.


February is a month that invites us to slow down, connect, and lead with kindness. As a military-connected community, we understand the strength it takes to support one another—whether through service, sacrifice, or everyday acts of care.


This month, we are focusing on kindness, connection, and community, and we are excited to share upcoming events and helpful resources designed to support and celebrate our Torres military families.


Respectfully,

Ms. Chavez
Military Family Liaison
Dr. Torres Elementary & Barron Elementary

amchave1@episd.org

This Year's School Theme - Glow Crazy for the 80's This Year's School Theme - Glow Crazy for the 80's

We're GLOWING with Excitement This Year!

This year, Dr. Joseph Torres Elementary is embracing an 80's Glow theme - full of neon colors, big energy, and positive vibes! Our theme celebrates bright beginnings, bold personalities, and building community.


Just like glowsticks shine brighter in the dark, our students and families - especially those navigating military life - are a glowing reminder of resilience, strength, and joy.

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Raptor Campus Pride Raptor Campus Pride

Located in the Cafeteria where students and staff are able to reflect and honor everyday
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Our 1st Military Wall of Honor!

In January, our Dr. Joseph Torres Raptors proudly unveiled our first Military Wall of Honor, a meaningful space dedicated to recognizing the service and sacrifice of our military-connected families. The wall is beautifully complemented by Student Ambassador artwork, thoughtfully created to reflect gratitude, pride, and respect. 🫶✨


This is an ongoing project — the Military Wall of Honor will remain on display and growing throughout the year. Families are welcome to submit photos anytime so we can continue honoring those who have served. ❤️🪖


This tribute holds special significance as February 5th marks the anniversary of the passing of our campus namesake, Dr. Joseph E. Torres. A World War II veteran who flew combat missions overseas, Dr. Torres later returned home to serve the El Paso community as one of its first Latino dentists and a lifelong advocate for veterans. His legacy of service, leadership, and community continues to guide and inspire our Raptors. 🇺🇸🙏🎖️


We are honored to remember, recognize, and celebrate those who serve—past and present—while proudly carrying this legacy forward. ⭐️💙

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Dr. Joseph E. Torres (1923–2017)

Military Service: Served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942–1945, later serving in the Air Force Dental Reserves, eventually reaching the rank of colonel.
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Dr. Joseph E. Torres (1923–2017)

Education and Career: Practiced dentistry in El Paso for decades until his death at age 93.
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Dr. Joseph E. Torres (1923–2017)

Death: Passed away on February 5, 2017, due to heart-related issues and was buried at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.

Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Events 💝 Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Events 💝

El Paso Community Events

Family Friendly Events:

  • Wednesday, February 04 | The Jazz Exchange: JAZZ AROUND TOWN MUSIC SERIES | 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM - @ 420 E San Antonio Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
  • Saturday, February 07 | 3rd Annual Community Fiesta | 8AM - 12PM - @Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park | 11055 Loma del Norte El Paso, TX 79934
  • Tuesday, February 10 | Freedom Rhythm taught by U.S. Air Force Veteran, author, and artist Dr. Tiffany Tajiri | 6PM - @ Galatzan Recreation Center
  • Saturday, February 14 | Kid's Valentine's Conservation Ball | 10AM- 2PM - @ El Paso Zoo
  • Saturday, February 21 | Storytime and Children's Activities | 10AM - @El Paso Museum of History


And many more! ✨ Check out VisitElPaso.com — your one-stop guide for everything happening in our community! From family-friendly festivals and outdoor adventures to local markets and holiday events, there’s always something exciting to discover.


It’s a great way for our military families to connect with the El Paso community and make the most of your time here!

Visit El Paso

Where Texas begins is where you find El Paso, a vibrant city with stunning sunsets. It’s a hiker’s paradise and a foodie heaven, an escape for artists and an oasis for explorers. El Paso is a community rich in culture, with history built into every corner.

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Fort Bliss Community Events

  • All of February | Bowl Me Over | Reset Strike Lanes Bowling Center
    • Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in February Enjoy $2.75 per person games!
  • Saturday, February 21 | Snow Sledding | 8AM - 5PM - Soldier Activity Center
    • Join Outdoor Recreation for a fun filled day in the snow filled mountains of Lincoln National Forest. equipment and transportation is provided. Open to the Public, Ages 8+ over. Space is limited. Registration is required.
      To register, call 915-744-1532
  • Saturday, February 28 | Run for the Fallen | 8:30AM - Field of Honor
    • Honor our Fallen Service Members in the annual Run for the Fallen 5K/1 mile walk. Registration is required. Register at Soto PFC or LTS until Feb. 11. Shirts: $15 - sold separately, until Feb. 11.


All of these events and more are hosted by the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs to enable readiness and resilience of a globally-responsive Army.


🌟Check out their website for resources and community events:

Ft. Bliss

Did you know? Assistance with deployment and mobilization is available through the ACS Soldier and Family Readiness Group program.

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Need Access to Fort Bliss?

If you don’t have a CAC card, you can still enjoy many of the events and services on base by

applying for a Fort Bliss Community Access Pass.


This pass makes it possible for military-connected families to attend MWR events, use

recreational facilities, and stay involved with the Fort Bliss community.


For information on how to apply, visit the Fort Bliss Visitor Control Center or check details here to sign up online:

Pre-Registration | Gvt.US

All information and data used on this system is stored and transmitted using encryption.

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Strength & Support Station: Resources Strength & Support Station: Resources

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USPS - Military Mail

  • FREE military shipping kits, addressing tips, and country-by-country guidance on what you can and can't send
  • Filling out customs forms (including more-detailed package descriptions required by countries that follow European Union (EU) customs rules)
  • Scheduling free package pickup when your shipment is ready to go
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Sesame Street for Military Families

  • Sesame Street for Military Families offers age-appropriate videos, activities, and conversation starters designed to help young children understand military life.
  • Through familiar characters and gentle storytelling, these resources support families as they navigate topics such as deployments, reunions, emotions, and everyday changes—making big feelings easier for little ones to express and understand.
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PSTAIR Program

  • PSTAIR is offered virtually or in-person at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Endeavors in El Paso, Texas. The clinics provide high-quality, accessible, and integrated mental health care to veterans, active duty service members (with a TRICARE referral), and military families. They are part of the Cohen Veterans Network, a national not for profit organization serving veterans and military families across the U.S.
  • 12135 Pebble Hills Blvd. Suite 110, El Paso TX, 79936
  • (915) 320 - 1390

Click on the pictures to be directed to each company's information page!

Military Families, did you know...? Military Families, did you know...?

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As a symbol of their tenacity, adaptability, and strength, dandelions are the official flower of military children.


Check out The Dandelion Poem, a video by military kids for military kids:

Month of the Military Child: The Dandelion Poem

Contact Me Contact Me

DR. Joseph Torres Elementary: (915) 236-5225

Email: amchave1@episd.org

Schedule an Appointment with Me:

Fill | Meeting with Ms. Chavez

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Angie Chavez
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