Go Holloman Published Sept. 10, 2013 By Col. Armin Havenith German Air Force Flying Training Center HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- To the Airmen of Team Holloman, which I am proud to be a part of: Even as the fiscal year is coming to an end, our operational year is not nearly over. The U.S. Air Force side of the house is facing the challenge of preparing for their upcoming Unit Effectiveness Inspection. On the other hand, the German Air Force is preparing for the final phase of the Fighter Weapons Instructor Course and deployment to Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. Normally we rejoice once our goals have been achieved. However, this weekend we will be celebrating the 17th annual Oktoberfest before completing our major tasks. In challenging times like now, when we are still enduring the effects of sequestration, some people may not feel like partying, but sometimes issues and timeliness are a given and cannot be changed so easily. Nevertheless, derived from the old saying, "train as you fight, fight as you train," I comment on this year's Oktoberfest by saying, "party as you work, work as you party." The real professional doesn't differentiate between work and fun because, for us, it's all the same. It is also important to celebrate together so that we can get to know one another. It is a matter of team-building and gaining trust in the people who work with you. As American and German Airmen, we work toward the same goals and ideals. So let's party together this weekend! The Oktoberfest has been a traditional German event hosted on Holloman Air Force Base for the past 16 years. This year it will be held in downtown Alamogordo, a first in the long history of the GAF in New Mexico. For operational reasons, we could not afford to clear out our hangar for two weeks to set up the Oktoberfest. Our primary focus is getting the TORNADO aircraft mission ready for its upcoming deployment. By celebrating Oktoberfest, the members of the GAF and our families want to express our gratitude by thanking you for having us here in New Mexico. Our appreciation extends to people of Tularosa Basin, Holloman and beyond. We came up with the ambitious idea to host Oktoberfest in the city in an effort to bring it closer to everyone. Come out and witness the traditional "tapping of the keg" with Col. Andrew Croft, Mayor Susie Galea and me. Enjoy traditional German food prepared by professional German chefs from the German Armed Forces Logistics School, have a Paulaner beer and sing and dance with us in the big Oktoberfest tent. One of my top priorities is getting Team Holloman members and their families to and from the venue at Griggs Field safely. Shuttle services will be provided for everyone both Friday and Saturday. Please don't drink and drive! For additional information and a map of the bus routes, check out the official Holloman Air Force Base and German Air Force Oktoberfest Alamogordo Facebook fan pages. Go Holloman - Go Oktoberfest! Col. Armin Havenith German Air Force Flying Training Center, commander