1st Armored Division celebrates decade at Fort Bliss
FORT BLISS, Texas -- The oldest armored unit in the United States Army celebrated their 10th year to the day of arriving at Fort Bliss on Thursday.
The First Armored Division, or "Old Ironsides" as it is commonly known, was stationed in Ansbach, Germany before the Base Realignment and Closure commission (BRAC) moved the unit to Fort Bliss on May 13, 2011.
In a ceremony on Friday, all of the 1st Armored Division's unit colors were cased and paraded across the field in front of their headquarters building.
Then, they were unfurled in front of Commanding Gen. Sean Bernabe and his command Sgt. Maj. Michael Williams.
El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser and other dignitaries were on hand for the event.
Bernabe told ABC-7, "This was a celebration, a recognition of the 1st Armored Division being stationed at Fort Bliss."
"For me to be apart of this and be here today was very special," added Leeser.
There are approximately 38,500 active duty military personnel stationed at Fort Bliss, with roughly 17,000 soldiers comprising the 1st Armored Division.
