President Obama lands at Biggs Airfield

Fort Bliss -- President Barack Obama arrived at Biggs Army Airfield Aug. 31 at 10:10 a.m. on Air Force One. He is visiting the base to address the troops stationed at Fort Bliss Army Base about the end of U.S. combat operations in Iraq.

The president was greeted by El Paso Mayor John Cook and Congressman Silvestre Reyes. Mayor Cook presented President Obama with a plaque that contained a key to the city.

One of the president's goals when he took office was to end or dramatically reduce the number of troops in Iraq by Aug. 31, 2010. According to White House officials, less than 50,000 troops remain in Iraq.

Fort Bliss is one of the largest military bases in the nation, with more than 25,000 active-duty troops. The base has deployed more than 200,000 soldiers to military operations since 2003.

"We are honored that President Obama has chosen to visit our soldiers and families at one of America's premier military bases -- Fort Bliss," said Maj. Gen. Dana Pittard, commanding general of Fort Bliss, in a statement. "Thousands of Fort Bliss soldiers have deployed to combat in Iraq since 2003; we honor their sacrifice and the commitment of their families."

This visit marks the first trip Obama has made to El Paso. After his speech to the troops at Fort Bliss, Obama will head back to Washington D.C. to address the nation on the ending of the Iraq War at 6 p.m. from the Oval Office.

Aaron Martinez may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.