Blogs

On Wednesday’s ITKWD, we virtually travel to US Army post, Ft. Bliss, TX. The base is over 1500 square miles, making it the 2^nd largest Army base in the country. Ft. Bliss also touches two States: New Mexico and Texas and its headquarters is in El Paso, TX. The base is home to many different units. Notably, the base is home to the 1^st Armored Division, which was headquarted in Germany for 40 years.

Here is a neat nugget of info: why was Ft. Bliss established on the Rio Grande? To protect the border! At the end of the Mexican War, we had a new border in the South. It was ripe for law-breaking and danger. So, to protect settlers and “keep the peace” a military post was established on the Rio Grande. This was also a safe place for the US government to stay while they surveyed for a new transcontinental railroad. This area is now called Juarez and the base has had some changes, but Ft. Bliss remains in El Paso, TX, nearby.

Central El Paso and Northeast El Paso have a great relationship with Ft. Bliss. The base contributes to the local economies and the local towns take care of and service the active duty soldiers and their families on base. Not only that, but this area has a great reputation for taking wonderful care of our Veterans. There is a separate installation, the William Beaumont Army Medical Center, which serves the retired military population there. They even served famed General Omar Bradley at the end of his life.

Speaking of family, the US Army was my home. It is wonderful to read the submissions for our David’s Road Trip contest and hear all about the care that our military families are receiving. It didn’t matter where we were based, my mom, dad, and sister always made it home. When you talk to a soldier, they will tell you: their biggest foundation piece is their family. When my dad was away, Mom had two jobs, and she did them beautifully. One year, we moved halfway through the school year. My mom drove three hours, every day, so my sister and I could finish out the school year at our original school. It’s that kind of commitment in a military family that should be honored and championed.

Thank you for responding to our Honoring Veterans blogs this month. I have so enjoyed reading your stories. I would love to know: Did you grow up military? Where was your favorite base that you ever lived? I sure would love to hear about it! ~ Mary QVC