Getting Settled at Fort Bliss

PCSing to a new city can be stressful. To make the transition easier, it is important to research the area. Fort Bliss is the second largest base in the U.S. The local city is El Paso, which is surrounded by the Franklin Mountains. In addition, El Paso shares a fenced border with Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Those interested in learning about El Paso history in conjunction with Fort Bliss should checkout EL Paso: A Borderland History. El Paso is known as Sun City for its windy springs, sweltering summers and mild winters. The city endures a few annual snowstorms, but they do not last long. Keeping layers and sunscreen accessible is recommended. 

Fort Bliss is split into three parts, which are West Fort Bliss, Central Fort Bliss and East Fort Bliss. Service members should ask their sponsor which side of Fort Bliss they will spend most of their duty time, as well as physical fitness area. Final destinations will impact commuting time from home to work. Like other bases, there are 24-hour gates and limited operation gates. The following are 24-hour gates: MSG Pena Gate (Main Gate), Cassidy Gate, Fred Wilson Gate and CSM Barreras Gate. The limited hour gate are Buffalo Soldier Gate, Chaffee Gate, Old Ironside Gate, Alabama Gate and Sheridan Gate.

As couples get settled in Fort Bliss, they can accomplish most of their move-in to-do list at Freedom Crossings. It is the world’s first open-air shopping center on a military installation. It has 24 eateries, 12 retail stores, 12 services and 3 entertainment facilities. Since military installations require background checks to enter, Freedom Crossing's foot traffic is lighter than open-air shopping centers like The Fountains at Farah. Since Freedom Crossing is adhering to federal social distancing guidelines, the less competition the better.

The Commissary is located at 1620 Marshall Road The phone number is 915-568-6688. Store Hours are Sunday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Buffalo Soldier Gate and Chaffee Gate are the closest.

Class Six is located at 1615 Pike Road The phone number is 915-566-1174. Store hours are Monday thru Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday noon to 7 p.m. The store sells alcohol, mixers, soda, cigarettes and drinking cups.

If unpacking is getting overwhelming, take a break and spend some quality time with loved ones on post. Jumbo Park Family Fun, Playlive Nation and The Grand Theater are open for business. Jumbo Park is an inflatable indoor amusement park. Playlive Nation is a social gaming lounge that offers game passes, memberships and host parties. The Grand Theater is the on-post movie theater.

Like other installations, Freedom Crossings is home to Stripes - The Alterations Place, the Cleaner, Pharmacy, Barbers and a bank. Spouses looking for more self-care options have access to US Cryotherapy, R&, R Nail Spa, Vista Optical &, Optometry Care, and Paul Mitchell. 

Child care, Schools and CYS Services: 

On post, there are five child care centers, four elementary and one high school. The on-post schools are run by the El Paso Independent School District. For child care availability, contact 915-568-4374. Parents relocating with school age children may contact the School Liaison Office at 915-569-5064 and usarmy.bliss.imcom-fmwrc.mbx.school-liason-office@mail.mil. SLO is located at 505 Pershing Road in Room A107 as well.

Did you know Child and Youth Service (CYS) records can be transferred? Parents may contact Parent Central Services to authorize automatic transfer. Keep in mind, registration must be renewed every year. Although registration may be completed electronically, parents need valid military ID cards, child immunization records and current pay statements for all working family members. Registration is for more than child care. Many CYS events are only open to registered children.

Social Opportunities: 

Compared to Service Members, spouses must actively seek social opportunities. There are few ways to do this.

Fort Bliss Spouses Association PC: thefbsa.org is a great resource for social and creative opportunities. Monthly socials are held September to May. The organization is open to Department of Defense ID spouses living on post and in El Paso. In addition, FBSA runs FT Bliss Thrift Shop, which is a great place to score discounted essentials for a new home.

Spouses interested in giving back will join a very active organization. The spouses’ association operates Fort Bliss Gift Shop, A Little Bit of Bliss, Operation Deploy Your Dress and so on. FBSA is physically located at 801 Chaffee Road, FT Bliss. Interested spouses may contact FBSA by email, info@thefbsa.org, or Facebook.

Fort Bliss Morale and Welfare:

The government organizations regularly host events and advertise military specials throughout the post. MWR is located at BLDG 11, Pershing Road, FT Bliss and can be reached at 915-568-6741. Event details are available on Ft Bliss MWR https://bliss.armymwr.com/programs/special-events and Facebook.

Fort Bliss Army Services:

FT Bliss https://bliss.armymwr.com/programs/army-community-service , ACS is a great resource for couples. They are a good resource for relocation and deployment assistance. The physical location is 2595 Riker Road, Ft Bliss.

Fort Bliss and El Paso fall under Tricare West Region. Couples PCSing to FT Bliss should call 1-844-866-9738. A Tricare West Representative will determine whether a change of region is needed and establish primary care providers. Although there are nine on-post clinics, most family members are assigned to Soldier Family Medical Center or Hugo V. Mendoza Soldier Family Center.

Fort Bliss publishes a quarterly magazine called blissNOW. The free publication covers places of interest, recipes, upcoming events and more. Digital copies are available on Fort Bliss Morale and Welfare https://bliss.armymwr.com/programs/bliss-now and physical copies are at various locations across the base.

The dry heat is ideal for reptiles. If someone is bitten by a snake or attacked by wildlife, immediately call West Texas Region Poison Control at 800-764-7661

While you are looking for a place to call home, remember your favorite real estate team, PCS El Paso!

Chasity Rosales, PCS El Paso

915-873-2772

chasity@pcselpaso.com

Lifestyle post written by Patricia Streeter, lifestyle blogger.