Fort Bliss Monitor

Story and Photos by
Sgt. Matthew MacRoberts,
Monitor Editor

Oktoberfest 2004 brought a taste of the old country to Fort Bliss for three days, allowing German and American military and local residents a chance to relax and share traditions.

“It’s like a day in Germany. It reminds you of home,” said German Air Force Stabsgefreiter Mathias Pyttlik, about the party that was held Friday through Sunday.

Hundreds of visitors crowded together to enjoy the food and German beer.

Traditional Bavarian clothing, lederhosen and dirndl dress, adorned members of the German military performing traditional folk dances while a traditional German Oompah Band played.

“It’s good for the German American community. We have to work and get along together,” said Pyttlik. “So why shouldn’t we celebrate together? It’s Oktoberfest real far from home. But on this day you feel real close to Germany.”

Joe Nanut and Al Wehrle entertain guests with tra-ditional accordian music .

Helmut Schranner, conducter of Holledauer Musikanten, explains to Fort Bliss Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Michael A. Vane, the pins that adorn his traditional Bavarian hat.

Holledauer Musikanten, an Oompah Band from Holledau Bavaria, came to Fort Bliss for the Oktoberfest celebration.

Soldiers from GAFADS volunteered to hand out beer steins to guests at Oktoberfest.

Members of the GAFADS Schuhplattler Folk Dancers roll in the ceremonial first keg of beer.

Fort Bliss Commanding General Maj. Gen. Michael A. Vane taps the first keg during the Oktoberfest celebra-tion.

Master Sgt. Gerhard Lo-renz performs a tradi-tional folk dance with other members of Schuh-plattler Folk Dancers.



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	October 14, 2004

	Story and Photos by Sgt. Matthew MacRoberts, Monitor Editor Oktoberfest 2004 brought a taste of the old country to Fort Bliss for three days, allowing German and American military and local residents a chance to relax and share traditions. “It’s like a day in Germany. It reminds you of home,” said German Air Force Stabsgefreiter Mathias Pyttlik, about the party that was held Friday through Sunday. Hundreds of visitors crowded together to enjoy the food and German beer. Traditional Bavarian clothing, lederhosen and dirndl dress, adorned members of the German military performing traditional folk dances while a traditional German Oompah Band played. “It’s good for the German American community. We have to work and get along together,” said Pyttlik. “So why shouldn’t we celebrate together? It’s Oktoberfest real far from home. But on this day you feel real close to Germany.” Joe Nanut and Al Wehrle entertain guests with tra-ditional accordian music . Helmut Schranner, conducter of Holledauer Musikanten, explains to Fort Bliss Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Michael A. Vane, the pins that adorn his traditional Bavarian hat. Holledauer Musikanten, an Oompah Band from Holledau Bavaria, came to Fort Bliss for the Oktoberfest celebration. Soldiers from GAFADS volunteered to hand out beer steins to guests at Oktoberfest. Members of the GAFADS Schuhplattler Folk Dancers roll in the ceremonial first keg of beer. Fort Bliss Commanding General Maj. Gen. Michael A. Vane taps the first keg during the Oktoberfest celebra-tion. Master Sgt. Gerhard Lo-renz performs a tradi-tional folk dance with other members of Schuh-plattler Folk Dancers.