GEILENKIRCHEN, Germany - The E-3A Component Oktoberfest is one of the most anticipated events at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany. Every year, several thousand people attend the event, which is organized by the German non-commissioned officer camaraderie (DUK).
A fact that might not be as widely known is the DUK takes all the profits from the festival and donates it to charitable causes in the base’s local area.
On July 15, 2015, Brig. Gen. Karsten Stoye, Component commander, and Sgt. Alex Gieswein, DUK chairman, handed over checks to nine organizations.
Sergeant Gieswein welcomed the representatives of the various institutions and explained the background of the donation, which this year was worth 6,000 euros. The general made some brief remarks, particularly praising the commitment of the DUK. After his speech, General Stoye individually asked representatives from each organization to step forward and accept their portion of the donation as well as explain how and what the money will be used for.
The following institutions and organizations were honored with donations: Technical Relief (THW) Übach-Palenberg; IKV Teveren; Athletics Phoenix GK; Friends Circle Selfkantkasserne; Kath. Kindergarten St. Gereon from GK-Würm; GGS Förderverein Europe Elementary School; GGS Lindenschule from Boscheln (Übach-Palenberg); Kath. Grundschule Teveren; and Hospitzbewegung Geilenkirchen CAMINO.