24 August 2026

Congratulations, Clifton!

Congratulations to SPC Clifton Taylor, who came out on top of this season's Soldier Showdown 8 — the Army's e-sports tournament pitting gamers from installations across the force against each other in Warzone & Fortnite!


SPC Taylor outplayed the competition to earn some AMAZING prizes, adding to the growing list of Fort Bliss Soldiers making their mark in Soldier Showdown.


Thank you for making Fort Bliss Proud! #ItsBetterAtBliss. Way to represent!

Oktoberfest: Parents Night Out

Need a kid-free evening during Oktoberfest? Our Child & Youth Services has you covered!


Enjoy Oktoberfest at Biggs Park on 18-19 September for FREE while your kids have their own fun at Milam CDC. Parents Night Out runs Friday and Saturday from 5–11 pm, for just $8 per hour, per child!


What you need to know:

  • Open to CDC and SAC-aged kids (6 weeks old – 5th grade)
  • Reservations required by 9 September
  • Children must be registered through Child & Youth Services (register at Parent Central)
  • Once registered, call Milam CDC at 915-744-7877 to book your time slot

Grab a stein, enjoy the music and food, and let CYS handle the little ones!


Want a chance to win some amazing prizes? Pre-register HERE and you might just be one of our lucky winners!

"Never Let Go" (of the Trophy): Fort Bliss

Makes a Splash at Annual Cardboard Regatta

Earlier this month, families, friends, and units across Fort Bliss came together to build, paddle, and (occasionally) sink their way through an afternoon of friendly competition and unit pride!


From shaky first launches to head-to-head races on the water, crews battled it out across four categories: Youth, Parent & Child, Adult, and Active-Duty. Awards were handed out in three categories:


Most Creative Vessel

Biggest Shipwreck

Longest Voyage

Youth (11-17)

SSG Little Blue Bliss

The Undefeatable

Paper Boat

Parent & Child

Catz Rule

A Heck of Wreck

Got Any Grapes?

Adult

SS Tubs

The Lifeguard Minions

SS Tubs

Active-Duty

The USS Bliss

Better Opportunities for Sinking Soldiers

The Paradise

Whether your vessel crossed the finish line or you went down in a splash (Titanic style), everyone left with a good story and a great time. A huge thank-you to all the units and families who came out to compete, cheer, and celebrate the spirit of teamwork!


Want to relive the fun? Head over to our Flickr page to check out photos from the day.

United in Service: Volunteering with a Purpose

Looking for a way to give back and make a real difference? BOSS is partnering with El Pasoans Fighting Hunger and the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club for United in Service, a high-impact volunteer day dedicated to fighting hunger in our community.


Join us on 29 August from 8 am – 1 pm at 9541 Plaza Circle as Soldiers, Civilians, and community partners come together to prepare food for local distribution. Every hand on deck helps stock the shelves that feed families across El Paso.


This event is open to volunteers ages 12+ (anyone under 18 must bring a chaperone), and it's about more than just service. Throughout the day, volunteers can enjoy demos, friendly competitions, giveaways, and entertainment while working alongside fellow community members.


Events like this strengthen the bond between Fort Bliss and El Paso, reminding us that service doesn't stop at the gate. When we show up for our neighbors, we build a stronger, more connected community!


Sign up for this incredible event HERE.


In case you haven't heard, Fort Bliss' BOSS program was recognized as the BEST BOSS PROGRAM. There are so many amazing things they do for our community and for our Soldiers. Looking to get involved with walking shelter dogs, participating in free movie nights, or helping to pick up litter around El Paso? Visit our website or call 915-744-1529.

Pershing Pub Has Officially Re-Opened...

and it's a Go-To Spot for Your Next Event

After months of meticulous restoration, Pershing Pub at historic Pace Hall has reopened its doors, unveiling a beautifully reimagined space where Fort Bliss' rich history meets modern hospitality.


The renovation preserved original details like the marble bathroom showers, wood flooring, light fixtures, and shutters, even uncovering original wallpaper hidden beneath past renovations, while the exterior received a historically accurate refresh. The building also honors its namesake, Lt. Pace, a 1940 West Point graduate killed in action during World War II, as well as the legacy of General John J. Pershing.


Now beautifully restored, the Pershing Pub accommodates up to 75 guests, offering an intimate setting for receptions, unit functions, meetings, and celebrations unlike anywhere else on the installation! Located at 243 Club Rd, the pub is available by reservation only, so be sure to book early to secure your date HERE.

Happy End of August (if anyone is a Noah Kahan fan), everyone! Welcome to our MWR Spotlight! 


You've used the facilities — now let’s meet the people behind them. Every week, we're pulling back the curtain and highlighting one of our MWR staff members: Who they are, where they work, their roles, and a fun fact that none of us knew!


MEET STEPHANIE GARCIA!

Where You’re From: El Paso, TX!


Role: Lead Lifeguard/Administrative Assistant


Facility/Program: Aquatics Training Center


Time at Fort Bliss MWR: 9 years!


A fun fact about me: I love swimming and teaching swim lessons but also love all the paperwork and challenges that come with being an administrative assistant . Most of all… the thing that brings me the most joy is being a mom to my 2 wonderful kids. 


What people don't realize about my job: How much happens behind the scenes. I help support and coordinate a staff of about 65 people while making sure daily operations run smoothly and most importantly that all our Aquatics facilities remain safe. We have 6 pools across the installation, 2 of them are seasonal. From assisting and guiding staff to handling administrative duties, and any unexpected situations, every day brings something different. It’s much more than watching the water... It takes leadership, organization, communication, and teamwork to keep an aquatics facility running successfully especially 6 on a large military installation.


Favorite part of working here: I love being a part of a dynamic aquatic team. Every day presents new obstacles and learning opportunities. My job expectation requires me to shift in moment’s notice from office to pool. I love the challenge of meeting deadlines!


Next time you're at the Aquatics Training Center, keep your eyes peeled for Stephanie!


Stephanie, thank you for making it Better at Bliss!

That's not all... it's time for a GIVEAWAY!

Want a chance to win 2 tickets for General Admission to El Paso Water Parks (before summer ends) and a gift card to Applebee's?


All you have to do is answer this week’s trivia question HERE.


Congratulations to last week's winner, Lorena! We hope you have a blast at the water park!

Winners will be notified every Thursday and announced in the following week’s newsletter. One entry per person, per week. 


Good luck, and...

Mark Your Calendar for Our Upcoming Events!

Army Family Team Building: Communicating Through Conflict Class

Army Community Service


Join AFTB for their "Communicating Through Conflict" course on 2 September from 9 am–12 pm at the Family Resilience Center at 250 Club Road! Participants & families will explore the causes and benefits of conflict, apply practical conflict management approaches, and build effective communication strategies for leading teams and individuals. To register, click HERE. AFTB offers FREE training to prepare Soldiers, Family members, and civilians to thrive in any situation! For more info, call 915-569-5500.

 

Making Friends Storytime

Library


Join us for Making Friends Storytime, hosted in partnership with EFMP on 27 August from 4–5 pm at Mickelsen Community Library. This inclusive session features read-alouds, interactive activities, and guided social skill-building to help young readers practice making friends. Families of all backgrounds and needs are welcome in this warm, supportive environment. No registration required! For more info, call 915-568-1902.

 

Camping Trip in Cloud Croft

Outdoor Recreation



Escape the desert for a night under the pines! Join us for an overnight camping trip to Karr Canyon, NM,

28-29 August at 4 pm. Enjoy a group campout, dinner under the stars, and a scenic morning hike through the canyon. Transportation provided — space is limited, so reserve your spot early for $80! Sign up at the Soldier Activity Center or call 915-744-1532 for more info!

 

Want the full Fort Bliss MWR lineup? View our full event calendar HERE.

Fort Bliss MWR Sponsors & Advertisers*

*Participation does not imply federal endorsement.



Want to be represented in our newsletter or any of our upcoming events? We’re opening up the opportunity for partners to be featured! It’s a simple way to spotlight your organization and connect with our growing military community.


Learn more HERE.