Fort Bliss, Red Cross Host BBQ For Troops

By ABC-7’s Andrew Chung

The smell of barbecue was enough to bring many soldiers and their families out to Kelly Park at Fort Bliss Friday.

The event, hosted by the Red Cross and Famous Dave’s Barbecue, was a small way of saying “thank you” to the soldiers, especially those wounded in battle.

Mark Matthys with the El Paso Red Cross says these warriors “have sacrificed in an ultimate way and we just want to make their healing process as quick as possible”.

For several months, the Red Cross has been working with the Warrior Transition Battalion, trying to see how they can help the troops.

One way was by giving the wounded soldiers backpacks full of supplies and toiletries, since these troops are often separated from the rest of their colleagues when airlifted for medical treatment.

Matthys says the troops “paid the sacrifices”, adding “it’s the greatest honor we have to provide service and to give back to them whatever we can”.

First Sergeant Mike Martinez was awarded the Purple Heart twice for injuries suffered in two different bombings while serving in Iraq.

He had to undergo rehabilitation for about six months for traumatic brain injuries but says he “feels a whole lot better now” and appreciates the barbecue as a thank-you gesture.

Lieutenant Colonel Peter Evans says that in his 24 years in the United States Army, he’s “seen the best community and veterans organization support here in the Fort Bliss-El Paso area” compared to anywhere else, adding, “we really appreciate what everyone does”.

It’s a gesture these soldiers won’t forget.