Team Bliss – a family 

 

MAJ. GEN. HOWARD B. BROMBERG

Fort Bliss Commanding General  

As I conclude my tour as senior commander of Fort Bliss, I would like to thank all the Soldiers, family members and citizens of El Paso for their generous support and leadership. Glenda and I are truly humbled by the support we have been given over the past 30 months. It has been a privilege to serve the Fort Bliss community during such a historic and rewarding time for the entire region. Together we have witnessed Fort Bliss transform from the Training and Doctrine Command to a Forces Command installation. Not only has the Soldier and family member footprint increased, but we have seen a dramatic increase in new building space. On average, one building a week has been completed in support of our growth. We have had numerous grand openings of some of the finest facilities the U.S. Army has to offer. We have opened the Colin Powell Elementary School; two new housing areas; Child Development Centers and School Age Services facilities; and a state-of-the-art gym – the Joshua W. Soto Physical Fitness Center. Not to mention, two brigade combat team facilities with two more in the next few months, and continuous renovations on existing facilities. All of this is supported by an unprecedented growth in services.

It has been truly amazing in every aspect and such strides could not have been made without all those who supported the growth and accepted the change Fort Bliss is experiencing in preparation for the 1st Armored Division Headquarters and staff. 

The Soldiers and families of this installation have made Fort Bliss the place to be. I want to thank each and every one of you for your dedication and service to this great nation. Team Bliss has deployed more than 20,000 Soldiers in support of contingency operations around the globe. We have the finest troops, and serving alongside you has been a true honor. 

Our military families deserve the utmost respect. Without the love and support of our families, we could not accomplish the missions we are given. Day in and day out, they are taking care of our most precious resource – our families, our children. You are the backbone of our Army. Thank you, each and every one for hanging tough and never giving up on us.

At the end of the day, Fort Bliss is a premier training, testing and power- projection platform. Our world-class training areas, ranges and facilities cater to a force mix of Soldiers and their families at a magnitude never seen before in this region.

Furthermore, we are leading the way in renewable energy exploration and development. As the U.S. Army’s Center for Renewable Energy, Fort Bliss has the potential to not only help the Army establish energy security measures, but serve as a leading example for cities, states and the nation by providing a holistic approach to renewable energy replication and production.

Although our focus must remain on improving today with a focus on the future, we must not lose sight of the fact that our growth is a continuous and evolving process. The Army is and continues to be an expeditionary force supporting our nation during a period of war. We must remain flexible and prepared to adapt our strategy to changes, priorities and funding decisions. I am fully confident that your next senior commander, Maj. Gen. Dana J. H. Pittard, is fully prepared to meet these challenges head on. He is the right leader who will launch Fort Bliss further into the future.

Again, a heartfelt thanks to each of you for your support. Take pride in all your accomplishments because you have all made a difference. I hope you will always remember that Fort Bliss and El Paso are not just a team, but a family; and, we take care of our own. Serving the nation! Freedom 6, out!