Fort Bliss commander delivers annual El Paso Chamber State of the Military Address

Major General Patrick E. Matlock delivered the annual El Paso Chamber State of the Military address on Tuesday.

Matlock, who serves as Commanding General 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, told the crowd of hundreds gathered for the chamber luncheon that the state of the military and of the Army base is strong. (Watch the entire address in the video player below.)

He said the large Army post plays a vital role for the military and the El Paso community.

The 1.2 million acre military facility’s assets include infantry, armor, aviation, artillery, and air defense and support.

The base – which is El Paso’s largest employer – is estimated to contribute billions of dollars to the local economy each year.

The event took place at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center at the post.

This marked Matlock’s second state of the military address; he delivered his first one last year – just 40 days into his new command after returning to Fort Bliss.

Matlock had previously served as chief of staff for the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss from 2012 to 2014,