From April 26 through May 1 the Retirement Committee will play host to Bert and Gretchen Sperling. Mr. Sperling is the CEO of Sperling’s Best Places, a company that ranks cities all ofver the United States for many organizations and groups on the basis of various factors and criteria. The “Best Places” organization came to our attention as the result of an article in USAA magazine that rated Waco, TX, 50 miles from Ft. Hood, as the best city for military retirees - - and made no mention of El Paso among the top ten cities for military retirees. Mr. Sperling expressed a willingness to become better informed about why we think El Paso may be the very best place in the United States for military retirees; so, he will soon be spending five days in our region.

1. Expansion of Ft. Bliss.
   1. Biggest gainer in BRAC changes.
   2. Largest PX and Commissary complex in the entire military.
   3. Freedom Crossing retail center unequaled on any military installation.
   4. William Beaumont Medical Center currently a major regional center. To be replaced by 2015 with a totally new and expanded facility at a cost of around $1 Billion.
2. Quality and Availability of (Civilian) Medical Care.
   1. Four year Texas Tech Medical School - - with highly specialized faculty.
   2. University Medical Center. Regional Trauma Center and teaching hospital.
   3. Other modern, well equipped hospitals with top notch doctors.
   4. Tri-Care and Tri-Care for Life accepted by all providers, ensuring military retirees access to care.
   5. VA hospitals not an important factor for retirees who have the other options noted above.
3. Very Military Friendly City.
   1. Soldiers and their families are warmly welcomed.
   2. Absence of prejudice
   3. Many merchants offer discounts to active duty and retired military. d. Property tax discounts for military disability; other discounts.
4. Vibrant Arts, Culture and Leisure Life.
   1. El Paso has both an Opera and a Symphony.
   2. Downtown Museum Complex - - with world class art collections.
   3. Youth and Science Museums
   4. Ft. Bliss offers 36 holes of golf - - and the weather allows year round play.
   5. Butterfield Trail a world class course with very reasonable greens fees.
   6. Major college sports at UTEP.
   7. Great adult/lifetime learning opportunities at UTEP and elsewhere.
   8. Hyundai Sun Bowl. In 2010 Notre Dame played U. of Miami before 50,000 fans.
   9. Numerous internationally acclaimed artists perform in El Paso each year.
   10. Annual Classic Film Festival. k. Outstanding Zoo that was recently expanded.
5. Affordable Housing.
   1. $175 – 200k will buy a modern 4 BR home in a nice neighborhood.
   2. Reasonably priced skilled labor and trades for household work.
6. Modern, Accessible Airport
   1. Non-stop to many major cities.
   2. One-stop to virtually any city in U. S. and many worldwide.
7. El Paso has consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the United States - - despite the serious problems in Ciudad Juarez.
8. Plans for Active Adult Retirement Community in Northeast El Paso.
9. Excellent Weather.
   1. High desert climate.
   2. Ability to engage in outdoor activities virtually every day of the year.
   3. Unlike the north and the east coast, the weather in El Paso rarely changes your life.

Members of the Retirement Committee have made personal contributions to pay for travel, lodging, entertainment and all other expenses for the Sperlings. This underscores our belief in our city and region.