FORT BLISS SOLDIERS JOIN EPWU FOR COMMUNITY CLEANUP Media Advisory Contact: Christina Montoya, Vice President-Marketing and Communication 915-594-5596 (office), e-mail: cmontoya@epwu.org Date: June 10, 2009 WHO: EPWU Stormwater Operations Crews Fort Bliss Soldiers WHAT: Illegal Dumping Cleanup WHEN: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. WHERE: Middle Drain Off Ivey Road and Alameda in the Mission Valley El Paso — As part of a city-wide event to give back to the community, several Fort Bliss soldiers have volunteered to help clean a storm drain that has been the site of illegal dumping for years. The drain is one of many that was not maintained on a regular basis until the Stormwater Utility was created by the City and management control was given to the Public Service Board. The soldiers, along with EPWU’s Stormwater Operations employees, will clear the drain of debris and vegetation to ensure that it works efficiently to prevent area flooding. “We want to thank these soldiers for not only their service to our country, but for volunteering their time to clean up the city,” said Stormwater Operations Manager Jose Luis Sierra.  “We hope their efforts will help educate the community on how important it is not to litter. Trash can clog the stormwater system, which leads to flooding in nearby neighborhoods.” In total, 500 soldiers will volunteer at different projects across El Paso as part of the Army’s year-long focus on the Noncommissioned Officer Corps.  Fort Bliss leadership has declared 2009 “The Year of the NCO,” and wants to give back to El Paso through an NCO service project.