Photo By Command Chief Master Sgt. silvia s maria | Sgt. Heidi Cabales, 1st Cavalry Division Band, claims the women’s title of the...... read more read more
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FORT HOOD, Texas — More than 4,000 Soldiers, families and community members gathered Sept. 20 at Fort Hood’s Phantom Warrior Center for an Oktoberfest that blended German tradition with Texas charm. From keg tapping and pumpkin painting to train rides and stein-holding competitions, the event offered something for everyone.
“Today’s event is Oktoberfest Texas style,” said Norma Hernandez, community activities 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 evening opened with welcoming remarks by U.K. Maj. Gen. Andy Cox, deputy commanding general-support of III Armored Corps, who prepared to tap 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 said. “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 with her two sons dressed in lederhosen, traditional German attire, was a way to connect her heritage with family fun.
“It means everything to see the community come together on post and senior leaders being a part of it,” Zeller said. “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 came during the stein-holding competition, where Sgt. Heidi Cabales, 1st Cavalry Division Band, claimed the women’s title. Her fellow Soldiers erupted in cheers when Cabales powered through, holding a 16-inch stein full of 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 said. “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 played a vital role in making the event a success, providing drinks, snacks, giveaways and a pumpkin patch for Soldiers and families.
“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,” said Graciela Velasquez, H-E-B Fort Hood area community 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 first for Emily Bremer, a military spouse, who attended with her husband and 8- and 10-year-old sons.
“It’s wonderful to be a part of something in the community,” Bremer said, “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, said Oktoberfest is about bringing people together.
“It’s really about community, partnering with MWR and local vendors, showing people that Fort Hood cares and building those connections,” Tesso said. “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.
| Date Taken: | 09.25.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.26.2025 09:49 |
| Story ID: | 549287 |
| Location: | TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 14 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Fun traditions: Oktoberfest spirit brings families together at Fort Hood, by Ayumi Davis, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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