Oktoberfest at SCDVA
Servus! Prost! Zum Wohl!
Oktoberfest has arrived at SCDVA!
From Germany to North and South America, Oktoberfest has become a worldwide celebration of German and Bavarian culture, bringing people together through traditional food, music, dancing and, of course, beer.
The United States maintains a significant military presence in Germany, with more than 40 military bases and approximately 36,400 U.S. troops stationed there, according to The Global Statistics. For many servicemembers, time spent overseas offers an opportunity to experience German culture firsthand, creating memories and traditions they carry with them long after returning home.
“I love the freaking culture. I mean, they're real, real friendly. Germans are awesome,” IT Manager Gabe Trujillo said.
During his Army career, Trujillo participated in four monthlong international exchanges, traveling to Frankfurt, Reinstadt and Germany’s mountainous regions. Among his favorite German traditions are the food and drink, particularly beer and pork schnitzel.
Training Officer Brice Rae also developed an appreciation for German culture, especially the traditional Schuhplattler dance. This folk-dance features male dancers performing rhythmic slapping and footwork while female dancers spin alongside them, as demonstrated in in this video.
Rae spent six to seven years stationed in Germany, serving in Weiden, Würzburg, Vilseck and Wiesbaden. His favorite German dish is Schweinshaxe, a slow-roasted pork knuckle, and his preferred drink is German Helles, a traditional pale lager.
For Senior Pathfinder Manager Jermaine Lyons, one of the best parts of being stationed in Germany was the opportunity to travel. With many European countries located close together, exploring new destinations was often convenient and affordable.
During his Army career, Lyons was stationed in Mannheim, Kaiserslautern and Schweinfurt. His favorite German dish is schnitzel, and he enjoys Hefeweizen, a traditional wheat beer.
Family Ties
For some SCDVA employees, their time in Germany left them with more than memories of the culture. It also created lasting family connections.
“My daughter was born in Germany,” Senior Workforce Development Coordinator Erika Jones said.
Jones spent three years of her Air Force career in Gelsenkirchen. During that time, she developed an appreciation for German cuisine, particularly apple strudel and the country’s renowned breads. Her favorite drink is Riesling, a German white wine associated with the Rhine Valley region.
Germany also played a meaningful role in Lyons’ personal life, where he met his wife, Joanna Lyons, while stationed overseas.
“I've always been interested in how other people live, and you know, having a family where I'm Jamaican, and she has Polish and German background, I think it's amazing because then I get to kind of enjoy and understand different cultures and how people live,” Lyons said. “it's just like it's just that intertwining of all these cultures. I think I think it just opens my horizons. I think I think it makes me think a little differently, or look at maybe life a little differently,”
Rae’s family also has a German connection. His daughter, Gwenyth Rae, was born in Germany.
For these SCDVA employees, Germany holds a special place in their hearts, connecting their military experiences with the people and memories that continue to shape their lives.
Celebrating Oktoberfest Around the World
Not everyone at SCDVA experienced German culture while serving overseas. For some employees, their appreciation began much closer to home.
Administrative Assistant Mily Walker grew up near the village of Pozuzo, Peru, which was established by German and Austrian immigrants in the 19th century. The community continues to preserve many of its European traditions, contributing to Peru’s broader appreciation for German culture and Oktoberfest celebrations.
“They brought the traditions, and now in Peru it’s kind of big. Like Pozuzo promotes the Octoberfest in Lima, which now is like it's like a full week, and people from Germany come, they have delegations that participate,” Walker said.
Although she has never visited Germany, Walker grew up surrounded by German traditions in her community.
“I’ve been exposed to the old German traditions in this little village,” she said.
Growing up, Walker also formed friendships with students from the local German school. Today, her favorite Oktoberfest traditions include celebratory toasts, dancing and polka music.
Executive Assistant Terry-Lynn Di Chaira also has fond memories of celebrating Oktoberfest. She regularly attended festivities in Jacksonville, Florida, with her late husband, Robert, and their friends. For her, the celebration was as much about the people as it was about the traditions.
“I like seeing all the alpine gear they wear, everybody with the flowers in their hair, the whole nine yards. It’s just fun,” Di Chaira said. “There are no strangers at Oktoberfest.”
Di Chaira also has a personal connection to Germany: her sister was born there.
For many SCDVA employees, Oktoberfest represents more than German food, music and beer. It is a celebration of cultural traditions, shared experiences, lasting friendships and family ties.
Whether discovered during military service, through family connections or in communities around the world, German culture continues to bring people together, reminding us that sometimes the most meaningful traditions are the ones we carry with us.
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