Ensuring safety at Oktoberfest

  • Published
  • By 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Officials with the German Air Force and the 49th Wing have taken measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees to the 14th annual Oktoberfest set for Saturday, Sept. 25, from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the GAF Maintenance Hangar.

For everyone's safety, attendees will receive a briefing at Holloman's main gate advising them to follow all instructions from the 49th Security Forces Squadron and German Air Force security personnel. All security personnel will be in uniform with the 49th SFS personnel wearing dark blue berets and orange safety vests. The 49th SFS will serve as the law enforcement entity on base.

"Together with our German counterparts, we must take care of one another and ensure we do not let one of our own take part in underage drinking." said Col. David Sullivan, 49th Wing vice commander. "Additionally, we want to encourage all military members to take advantage of 572-RIDE before driving under the influence and to ask our visitors to Holloman to have a designated driver in place so everyone reaches their destinations safely."

Everyone purchasing, or receiving, alcohol must show proper identification proving they are over 21. Attendees should also be prepared to show proper identification at any time during the event. The 49th SFS will give all attendees of legal drinking age a bracelet, which will easily identify them.

The legal drinking age in the United States was established by the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984. This act establishes the legal age for consumption of alcohol at 21 in all 50 states. This is also the Air Force's policy.

Any Airman in the military who chooses to partake in underage drinking will face consequences under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and could, quite possibly, place their military career in jeopardy.

Tickets for the event, which is open to the public, are $12 and can be purchased off base at all Otero Federal Credit Unions and the Chamber of Commerce. On base purchases are available at the community center, outdoor recreation and the German Air Force headquarters building, room 2231. Individuals will also have the opportunity to purchase tickets the day of the event at the event gate for $15.

Included in the price of admission is a beer stein and first filling, in addition with a bus shuttle service to and from Holloman.

Shuttle service will be provided with stops at the White Sands Mall, Mosswood Avenue, 1-800-Flowers, the Chamber of Commerce, the Alameda Park Zoo, the old Wal-Mart, Jack Key, Lowes Grocery Store and Las Ventanas apartments on First Street, Coldwell Banker on Scenic Drive, Desert Lakes Road, South Florida Ave., Shooters and several other locations. Four routes will run in order to accommodate everyone wishing to attend.
Individuals who do not possess a military or dependent I.D. must take the buses to get on base. Tickets and a form of identification are required for entry.

For more information on Oktoberfest tickets, contact GAF public affairs at 572-2612.