Organized in October, 1984 the Roy Benavidez - Robert Patterson “All Airborne” Chapter, of the 82nd Airborne Division Association, Incorporated was officially chartered in August, 1985.  As members of this highly respected fraternity, the unit serves with distinction, as a vital part of “America’s Guard of Honor”.

The unit is named in honor of the late MSG Roy P. Benavidez and CSM Robert Patterson (Ret), both recipients of the Medal of Honor.  The Chapter was further honored through the membership of Medal of Honor recipients, COL. Joseph Rodriguez (Deceased) of El Paso, and LTC (Ret.) Alfred Rascon.

The unit is home to veteran paratroopers who served in Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, the Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, the Persian Gulf, and others who deployed to the Middle East.

Although chartered by the 82nd Airborne Division, Inc., the chapter is open for membership to all Airborne qualified personnel, regardless of present or prior assignment.  Airborne qualified personnel of other countries, if otherwise qualified and upon presentation of proper documentation, are also eligible for membership in the chapter. 

The chapter currently has in excess of 300 members and is the largest chapter in the state of Texas, and approximately the sixth largest in the entire nation. Chapter members represent virtually every Airborne unit from WWII to the most recent conflicts of the Middle East.

Former Commanding General of Ft. Bliss LTG Howard Bromberg, served as a member of the chapter as did LTG Bob Lennox, LTG (Ret.) Don Lionetti, MG (Ret.) Jim Cravens, MG (Ret.) Don Infante, MG (Ret.) John Little, MG (Ret.) John Oblinger and LTG (Ret.) Mike Vane, (statesman, author and paratrooper). BG George M. Shuffer (Deceased), is also listed as a former member of the El Paso chapter.

The Home of the El Paso Airborne, “Beamesderfer Hall”, is located at 2608 Fort Boulevard, near the intersection with Alabama Avenue, 79930.  And, of the current 107 chapters in the entire association, Benavidez-Patterson is one of only two chapters (to include the Fayetteville Chapter, outside of Fort Bragg, N.C.), to own its property.

The unit observes weekly hours of operation on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. until approximately 1 p.m..  Members gather to enjoy coffee and pastries, and to complete general maintenance and administrative duties. The Executive Board meets at 11 am (fourth Saturday of each month), with members & guests gathering at 12 p.m. for a FREE, sumptuous buffet featured prior to each monthly meeting, starting promptly at 1 pm. The outstanding, and very active, support group prepares some of the finest meals in the Southwest.

Membership dues are $25.00 per year with LIFE membership available at $175 for an individual age 50 or older, and $250 for a person age 49 or younger.  Membership includes a subscription to the  National Airborne Publication, PARAGLIDE, and  the monthly Chapter Newsletter, “THE ALL-AMERICAN”.

The Roy Benavidez-Robert Patterson “All Airborne” Chapter extends a warm welcome to  all Airborne or Glider qualified personnel of Fort Bliss, and the surrounding southwest area.

The official chapter website is:  www.bp82eptx.org