Enjoyable traditions: Oktoberfest spirit brings households collectively at Fort Hood | Article

FORT HOOD, Texas — More than 4,000 Soldiers, households and neighborhood members gathered Sept. 20 at Fort Hood’s Phantom Warrior Center for an Oktoberfest that blended German custom with Texas allure. From keg tapping and pumpkin portray to coach rides and stein-holding competitions, the occasion provided one thing for everybody.

“Today’s event is Oktoberfest Texas style,” stated Norma Hernandez, neighborhood actions coordinator, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation. “It’s important for Soldiers and families to come out and enjoy themselves. They can sit down for a bit, listen to music and build morale. We’re here for the Soldiers, the families and the military community, and love to see our DFMWR headquarters with happy people, with their children, coming out here and partaking in all these great activities.”

The night opened with welcoming remarks by U.Okay. Maj. Gen. Andy Cox, deputy commanding general-support of III Armored Corps, who ready to faucet the ceremonial keg.

“Welcome to this awesome annual Oktoberfest here at The Great Place. Thank you to all who made this possible — particularly the MWR team, garrison staff, our brilliant and generous sponsors and both bands,” Cox stated. “Thanks to all of you for coming out and having a great time. I wish you a brilliant evening. Now we’re going to tap a keg!”

For Sgt. Leslie Zeller, 2nd Chemical Battalion, attending together with her two sons wearing lederhosen, conventional German apparel, was a approach to join her heritage with household enjoyable.

“It means everything to see the community come together on post and senior leaders being a part of it,” Zeller stated. “I love that they’re here, enjoying it with us and showing they care about whether you and your families are having a good time. That’s very important, especially to the junior-enlisted population.”

One of the day’s most spirited moments got here through the stein-holding competitors, the place Sgt. Heidi Cabales, 1st Cavalry Division Band, claimed the ladies’s title. Her fellow Soldiers erupted in cheers when Cabales powered by way of, holding a 16-inch stein stuffed with water.

“My husband, who plays with the 1st Cavalry Division Band, convinced me to try the stein contest. He told me I was stronger than my cousin, who wins every year back home,” Cabales stated. “My strategy was just thinking about the baby — I’m 26 weeks pregnant. It’s always more fun than you expect once you’re here, and it’s great to meet people outside of the uniform.”

Sponsors like H-E-B’s Operation Appreciation performed a significant position in making the occasion a hit, offering drinks, snacks, giveaways and a pumpkin patch for Soldiers and households.

“Oktoberfest is a big family event where Fort Hood families can enjoy our pumpkin patch, take home pumpkins or paint them at the Apache Arts and Crafts table,” stated Graciela Velasquez, H-E-B Fort Hood space neighborhood coordinator. “We’re celebrating the season while giving families a fun way to spend time together. It’s awesome to see families come out, enjoy life and music, and have quality time they don’t always get.”

Fort Hood’s Oktoberfest was a primary for Emily Bremer, a army partner, who attended together with her husband and 8- and 10-year-old sons.

“It’s wonderful to be a part of something in the community,” Bremer stated, “to be able to meet other people that are enjoying the same kind of things and be exposed to new things that you might not know otherwise.”

Spc. Brandon Tesso, president of the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program, stated Oktoberfest is about bringing folks collectively.

“It’s really about community, partnering with MWR and local vendors, showing people that Fort Hood cares and building those connections,” Tesso stated. “At Fort Hood, we show we’re a strong, tight-knit community. These festivals let us come together, celebrate different cultures and show support for one another.”

Editor’s Note: Eric Franklin, Fort Hood Public Affairs, contributed to this story.