EL PASO, Texas - More than 30 soldiers, family members and residents of the El Paso community participated in a zombie-themed combat shoot at the Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club Friday.
The event was a scored range competition, which was loosely based on recent TV shows and movies, and was conducted by the staff of Fort Bliss’ Morale, Welfare and Recreation at the Rod and Gun Club.
The event was set up for all skill levels of shooters from novice to advanced shooters, with no time limit and no stress as they did not have to move to engage the targets.
“We where looking for something fun and entertaining,” said Robert Alba, recreation aide Fort Bliss MWR. “We where looking to keep it simple and enjoyable, and available to all skill levels of shooters.”
“We believed the turnout would be light, maybe 10 or so people, but by the time the event began, over 30 people had registered to participate,” Alba said.
The range decorated with Halloween flair, with plastic severed body parts, warning signs and fake blood. It was set up so that individual shooters had to engage multiple targets at various ranges, at several different stations with pistols, shotguns and rifles.
“It was a lot of fun,” said Ian Meyers, a U.S. Border patrol agent, “It was great to be able to come out here in a friendly environment and have some fun.”
Participants were allotted 25 rounds per engagement, and two engagements per person. They were then scored on how many of the targets where hit.
“I loved it, it was great!” said Robert Boozer from Adamsville, Tenn. “The setup was excellent. The instructor was with you every step of the way, from station to station.”
“It was much more fun than just shooting paper targets,” said Boozer.
Boozer was in El Paso visiting family when he heard about the event.
“I really liked the event,” said Sgt. Aaron Rusher, 204th Military Intelligence battalion. "It was a great event and a good time to bring out your weapons to shoot.”