Final 'Last Call' For German Club At Ft. Bliss

Tonight, a Fort Bliss tradition comes to an end after 50 years.
The German Club on base has provided opportunities for German troops stationed there an opportunity to meet and mingle with each other, American soldiers, and the El Paso community.
When you walk into the German Club at Fort Bliss you open a door that has connected two countries since 1963.
At the club you can eat authentic German food, and in the evening enjoy German Beer with friends.
The beer garden outside of the club becomes a popular place to be every fall when the first keg is tapped kicking-off local Oktoberfest celebrations.
The draw-down of German forces from Ft. Bliss has prompted this shutdown, bringing to an end a long legacy of celebrations from promotions, anniversaries, birthdays, and of course Karaoke Night.
Marco Hauff, First Lieutenant with the German Air Force Air Defense Center, and Public Affairs officer says with the troop drawn down, the club will no longer be able to afford to keep the club doors open.
"Around 500 German soldiers have been here in El Paso, and now we cut down our number of soldiers to 100 to 120. So we can not afford to keep the club open," says First Lieutenant Hauff.
For the past 50 years the club has been the place where many friendships where established, with some even leading to marriages. The Club has served as a home away from home for many soldiers. Hauff, himself has fond memories of this club.
"We had a big celebration for the birth of my son, so I am really close with this club," says First Lieutenant Hauff.
Over the years, the club has been owned and operated by different groups ranging from churches to non-profit groups.
Master Sergeant, Marco Andresen, with the German Air Force is the manager of the German Club. He says the club has gone through different changes, but it has always served as a place for German soldiers and their families to meet and share their culture with Americans.
"That is the most difficult part," says Master Sgt. Andresen. "Hearing the Americans say that it's a shame the German Club is closing, it's hard."
Since the announcement of the shut down many people have returned for one last visit to the club to share memories of a place that has hosted so many memorable events.
This club has provided an opportunity for Lennart Marzinke, a civilian contractor from Germany to make many American friends.
"Many Americans hang around here, and the atmosphere is always quite relaxed," says Marzinke.
The Club may be closing it's doors for good, but the memories and stories of this place will last for generations.

[@u.s.militia7682]

Oh no! I was here in 2004 and 2005. I loved this place. I didn’t know it closed. Change sucks sometimes.

[@rockyracoon3233]

Are there any Germans left?

[@u.s.militia7682]

Rocky Racoon more than likely. They probably just moved to another base. Bliss had a huge makeover a few years back and a lot of things got moved around.

[@rockyracoon3233]

@@u.s.militia7682 . I see.

[@bndkllr2763]

I used to live in the old Officer Quarters just a few hundred feet from this place back in 1998. Had many a fun night there, and I never had to worry about driving home. Fun times!