FORT BLISS, Texas – As part of the U.S. Army’s broader Transformation Initiative to modernize and streamline the force for future conflicts, U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, visited the 1st Armored Division Sustainment Brigade (1AD DSB), “Muleskinners,” on July 9, to observe how the U.S. Army is investing in its most valuable asset—its people.

The visit focused on the implementation of the Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) program and a complementary leadership and wellness course known as the Military Mile, led in partnership with the Give an Hour Mental Health for Life program.

These efforts align with the U.S. Army’s push to improve force readiness by developing adaptive, resilient leaders who are physically, mentally and emotionally prepared for the complex demands of modern warfare.

“H2F and programs like Military Mile are how we strengthen the force from the inside out,” said Capt. Bradford Emerton, an H2F Injury Control Director and a physical therapist with the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division,

“We're aligning with the Army’s vision by building soldiers who are not just technically capable, but holistically ready.” The H2F program, a pillar of the U.S. Army's modernization approach, targets five domains of readiness: physical, mental, spiritual, nutritional, and sleep. It complements the broader Transformation Initiative by ensuring soldiers are personally optimized to leverage emerging technologies and meet the demands of multi-domain operations.

Congresswoman Escobar spent time engaging with soldiers and staff, including Give an Hour leader Julie Wells and Dr. Doug Briggs, the director of the H2F Program at Fort Bliss.

“You are here because you are leaders. And what leaders do is, when they see something that’s wrong, they step up,” said Escobar. “Programs like this don’t just build better soldiers—they build stronger communities, stronger teams and, ultimately, a stronger Army.”

Her visit comes at a time when the U.S. Army is evolving to meet future challenges—streamlining operations, embracing new technologies, and enhancing communication systems. Alongside these advancements, programs like H2F ensure that the individuals behind the mission remain strong, adaptable, and ready for whatever lies ahead.

U.S. Army Capt. Bradford Emerton, a program Injury Control Director and a physical therapist with the 12nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, ” speaks with U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar during a tour of the Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) facility at Fort Bliss, Texas, July 9, 2025. Capt. Emerton explained how his team supports service members through integrated physical and mental readiness.

U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar speaks with soldiers from the 1st Armored Division Sustainment Brigade (1AD DSB), known as the “Muleskinners,” during Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) and Military Mile training at Fort Bliss, Texas, July 9, 2025. Escobar emphasized the importance of mental readiness, emotional resilience, and building stronger leaders through programs like H2F. “You are here because you are leaders. And what leaders do is, when they see something that’s wrong, they step up.” – Congresswoman Veronica Escobar

U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar speaks with soldiers from the 1st Armored Division Sustainment Brigade (1AD DSB), known as the “Muleskinners,” during Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) and Military Mile training at Fort Bliss, Texas, July 9, 2025. Escobar emphasized the importance of mental readiness, emotional resilience, and building stronger leaders through programs like H2F. “You are here because you are leaders. And what leaders do is, when they see something that’s wrong, they step up.” – Congresswoman Veronica Escobar

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar speaks with a personal trainer during her visit to the H2F facility at Fort Bliss, Texas, July 9, 2025. Escobar met with leaders and service members to learn how holistic wellness training is helping soldiers build mental and emotional strength. “We really look at how much is being asked of each and every one of you—so that we can hopefully deliver for you.” – Congresswoman Veronica Escobar