Celebrate Armed Forces Day

Give thanks to our armed forces May 18th at this free event!

The Armed Forces Day celebration will take place at Biggs Park (East Fort Bliss), from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be open to the public and free so come out and enjoy tons of events!

Armed Forces Day features the military personnel and the equipment they use daily.  The public will be able to talk to the military personnel and learn more about what they do, as well as be up close with their equipment, including the Abrams Tank, Bradley Fighting Vehicle, Patriot Launcher, Blackhawk helicopter, and much more.

The 1st Armored Division Band’s Brass Quintet launches festivities at 10 a.m. with a selection of patriotic music and the Armed Services Medley.  

Entertainment lined up includes the Military Police Working Dog Teams , the 1AD Band’s Show Band performance and the Armed and Unarmed Drill Teams Competition.

El Paso area high school JROTC armed, unarmed drill teams will compete with precision drills.  The cadets work hard throughout the year and demonstrate their school pride and their JROTC program during the drills.High schools scheduled to attend include:  Austin, Burgess, El Dorado, Horizon, Jefferson, and Socorro.

The annual ‘Salute the Troops Car Show’ features about 100 of the best Hot Rods, Street Rods, Classics, Muscle Cars, and Modern Performance vehicles in the Southwest.  The show honors all past and present military service members and their families.  ‘Salute the Troops Car Show’ is hosted by members of the El Paso Corvette Club, Rio Grande Wheels Car Club, Southwest Classic Car Club, Southwest Mopar Club, Sun City Street Rodders, El Paso T-Bucket Street Rods, Early Times Street Rod Association and numerous other individual car aficionados.  For more information, call 256-0856.

The 30th Annual Fred Stafford Memorial Chili Cook-Off hosted by the El Paso Sergeants Major Association pits teams vying for honors of being the best.  Teams have even been known to “dress the part” for the competition.  Chili will be judged on aroma, red color, consistency, taste and after-taste in accordance with international chili cook off rules. Judging takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. culminating with the awards presentation.  For more information, call 329-3051 or 867-5910.

Other activities at Biggs Park include several organizational displays, Law Enforcement/ Emergency Services displays, and the Fort Bliss Recycle Center will have a display with fun games.  Old Fort Bliss will join us this year with a living history display.

There will also be a variety of food and drink concessions available at a minimal cost.

Head out early for the 7 a.m. event, The Third Annual Armed Forces Day Triathlon. This event includes a 400-meter swim, a 15-mile bike route and a 5-kilometer run. Entry is open to all: active-duty military, Family members, DoD civilians and the El Paso community.  For more information, call 744-5793 or 744-5794.