By Stephanie J. Santos
1st AD Public Affairs
New Soldiers, civilians and seasoned Family members stationed at Fort Bliss were able to gather information and learn about community resources during the “Que Pasa Fort Bliss” event held Feb. 21 at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center.
More than 60 different entities were on hand to provide information about programs such as Army Community Service (ACS), Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) religious activities, health agencies, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and El Paso tourist attractions.
One of the lead organizers, Cher Poehlein, noted that her main focal point was to have all the attendees leave the event with a better knowledge of the community.
“This is such a great opportunity for everyone to learn more about what Fort Bliss and El Paso have to offer,” she said. “Sometimes when coming to a new location it’s easy to feel “guarded” and uneasy about it. This fair is a great chance to gather in one location, share positive information, and maybe even leave with a new discovery or passion.”
Poehlein added that the fair also built networking bonds for participating agencies who were able to use this platform to share their program’s resources, and get feedback from attendees.
Although military spouse Kim Baggett has been stationed at Fort Bliss for the past few months, she’s still learning about all of the teen center events and health services.
“I don’t have any complaints about a lack of things to do,” she said. “Sometimes there are several activities happening at the same time, so I have to narrow down which ones I can actually attend.”
Baggett added that moving is never easy for her and her family, but she makes it a point to keep an open mind and embrace changes at each new duty station.
“I heard all types of comments regarding Fort Bliss, but decided to see for myself, she said. “There are plenty of things to do, so no one has to be bored...It’s just a matter of getting out and finding them.”
The event sponsored a blood drive from the Armed Service Blood Program as well as the SKIES Unlimited Program (School of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration, and Skills) which showcased dance routines from children in the tap, ballet, folklore and gymnastics programs.
For more information on things to do in the area, visit: https://bliss.armymwr.com, or https://visitelpaso.com