'Strike Hard Cafe' Reopens It's Doors After Successful Deployment

FORT BLISS, Texas: Amidst the bustling activities of Fort Bliss on April 19, 2024, the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division reopened its doors to its dining facility, Strike Hard Cafe Warrior Restaurant, following the triumphant return from its mission in European Theater in support of Operation European Assure Deter and Reinforce.

The dining facility, which underwent significant renovations during the brigade's rotation, once again created an environment for soldiers to enjoy a nutritious meal and get well-deserved rest and recovery.

Winning the Commanding General's Choice Award for the best Dining Facility on Fort Bliss last year, the Strike Hard Cafe has continually raised the bar for providing top-notch services to soldiers. With its grand reopening, it aims to exceed expectations again.

"We're excited to welcome everyone back to the Strike Cafe," exclaimed Sergeant 1st Class Alexander Santa-Cruz, the Dining Facility Manager assigned to the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. "We've made some exciting changes that we believe will greatly enhance the dining experience for our soldiers."

One of the notable enhancements is the introduction of an operational Grab and Go line, a feature that has been absent for over six years. This new addition offers soldiers the convenience of quickly grabbing holistic to fitness-approved meals with a high nutritional yield, catering to their busy schedules while ensuring optimal health.

"Our Grab and Go line is a game-changer," Santa-Cruz remarked proudly. "It's all about providing our soldiers with nutritious options that support their physical readiness."

In addition to the culinary upgrades, the Strike Hard Cafe now boasts an impressive display of photographs from the brigade's recent deployment to the European Theater. These images capture pivotal moments from the brigade's operations, serving as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and achievements of the soldiers who served abroad.

"These photos show everyone played a role, small or large…you were here and a part of the team," said U.S. Army Spc. Marie Davis is a culinary specialist assigned to the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. "Having them [photos] showcased here celebrates our accomplishments and [will] inspire the soldiers that are new to Fort Bliss."

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jesus Pena, Senior Enlisted Advisor of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, further emphasized the significance of the Strike Hard Cafe's upgrades and the role they play in supporting the brigade's mission readiness.

"This is a pivotal place for our brigade," Pena emphasized. "Providing our soldiers with meals aligned with holistic fitness is a key component of our overall readiness."

As soldiers, families, and community members gathered to celebrate the grand reopening of the Strike Hard Cafe, there was an undeniable sense of pride and unity in the air. With its revamped facilities, nutritious offerings, and tributes to the brigade's accomplishments, the Strike Hard Cafe reaffirmed its position as a symbol of excellence, setting the standards for the Dining Facilities across the installation.

The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team is part of the 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss, Texas. Soldiers of the 2ABCT 1AD stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States in close combat. As America's premier armored brigade combat team, the 2nd Brigade takes pride in its past and remains focused on the future.