More than 60 vendors from local businesses, charities and other organizations were represented at the Fort Bliss relocation fair held on Tuesday at the Centennial Baquet and Conference Center. The event, which occurs multiple times throughout the year welcomes new Servicemembers and their Families to the installation and the surrounding El Paso area. This iteration of the event coincided with the arrival of over hundreds of students who will call the Sun City home over the next year while they attend the Sergeants Major Academy.
Dozens of people approached the Army Morale, Welfare, and Recreation office for information on upcoming events that include a free concert in September and the annual Octoberfest celebration held on post. Other organizations like the Salvation Army sought to educate people about their mission and recruit volunteers to sort through community donations or help with their soup kitchen that serves the less fortunate.
Fort Bliss leaders were also present and greeting newcomers. One such Servicemember was Capt. Mike Kayle, Chaplain for the 1st Armored Division. He described the event as offering good ways to be connected to the community for those new to the area. “If you want your experience on Fort Bliss to be a good one this is a great way to start learning and engaging with the community.”
In attendance were over 500 students who make up Class 75 of the Sergeants Major Course. Many Servicemembers attending the course are stationed at Fort Bliss for the first time and were excited to join in on the welcoming event.
Master Sgt. Yashira Acosta-Gray from was one of these students. “This was a great opportunity to get some information for the Family,” said Acosta-Gray. “It was also a good introduction to the area and a good way to find out what kind of activities are available.”
Some of the information she found useful related to schools and extracurricular activities for her children.
Another student who benefited from the event was Master Sgt. Brendan Dougherty. “I was able to get a lot of useful tips on things from passport renewal information to help with Thrift Savings Plan contributions,” said Dougherty. “Having someone I can talk with face-to-face makes it easier to get the answers I needed.”
Additionally, Dougherty obtained advice on car insurance for a classic car he owns.
The event wrapped up with the announcement of several raffle winners that included a tv prize given out to a few lucky individuals who completed a scavenger hunt type challenge by visiting several of the booths spread around the building.
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