Native El Paso soldier back at Fort Bliss for garrison command role

EL PASO, Texas -- U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Gerardo Gonzalez is returning home to his native El Paso County for a garrison command role at Fort Bliss after being away for 26 years.

Gonzalez grew up in Anthony on a farm, where he and his two brothers would work the fields on the weekends and during the summer time to earn extra income for the home.

In 1992, Gonzalez joined the Army and traveled around the world. Stationed in Germany, New York and Hawaii, he was always trying to get stationed back in his hometown.

Then, he received a special e-mail just days before Christmas that became an early present.

"I looked at that e-mail five times," Gonzalez recalled.

He was selected for a garrison command position at Fort Bliss, which was news he had been waiting to hear for years.

"It's just glad to be part of the community that saw me grow up and be able to give so much but still be able to do the job that I love and that's taking care of soldiers," Gonzalez said.

Now he says he can spend time with his extended family and enjoy El Paso's great food.

He will serve in this position for 30 months and then retire.

"I get to retire at home and we get to stay home," Gonzalez said with a smile.