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October 2, 2015

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Fort Irwin revels at Rocktoberfest

Story and photos by Leslie Ozawa

Public Affairs Office Leadership of this installation and post units raise their mugs celebrating the start of
Rocktoberfest here, Sept. 26.
The National Training Center’s first Rocktoberfest – a Fort Irwin-styled tribute to
the German Oktoberfest – started with a VolksParade at 3:30 p.m. from Shock Wave,
Sept. 26

The enthusiasm of the few dozen paraders sizzled even hotter than the late summer,
afternoon sun. Some chilled out with a taste of the brews to come along the parade
route. Following their return to Shock Wave, NTC Commander Maj. Gen. Martin
kicked off the festivities with a keg-tapping ceremony and robust toasts in a beer tent
behind Shock Wave at 4:30 pm. Some revelers dressed in traditional German attire
added to the gemutlichkeit that added more zest to the taste of German beer and food.

As the moon rose in the eastern sky, many hundreds more turned out for the evening
fun sponsored by Fort Irwin Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Directorate.
Children and adults alike enjoyed browsing and tasting through the smaller vendor tents
and tables set up in the SunSation area behind Shock Wave, rock climbing and RZR
rides set up in the area, as well as sharing some good times and stories with families
and friends.

Soldiers and family members of 916th Support Brigade show Attendees of Rocktoberfest participate in a friendly Activities, such as rock climbing, for families were available
off their $300 “Spirit Award” at the Fort Irwin Rocktoberfest. competition of stein hosting. at Rocktoberfest – a Fort Irwin-styled tribute to the German
Oktoberfest.

Star rises during talent search

Story and photo by Leslie Ozawa

Public Affairs Office Fort Irwin Operations Rising Star winners (from left): Courtney Blair, a family member of 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry
Regiment, placed third; Pfc. Lamarcez Ellis, 2nd Transportation Company, 1916th Support Battalion, finished second, and; Pfc.
A crowd of more than 500 fans of local Operation Ris- Nizkia Wilson, 11th ACR Supply and Transportation, was the top singer.
ing Star singers cheered on the 10 finalists at Shock Wave
here, Sept 25.

Master of ceremonies Jovany Rivas introduced the
contestants to fans and judges Vanessa Rice of Army
Community Service, Judy Ann Martir of Sports Fitness
and Aquatics, and Nicole Ringsletter of Oasis Pool. At the
end of the two and a half hours show, the judges and fans
combined their scores and votes to determine the winner
for the local finalists in the Army-wide talent search contest.

Rising Star winners were: Courtney Blair, a family
member of 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment,
who placed third; Pfc. Lamarcez Ellis, 2nd Transportation
Company, 1916th Support Battalion, who came in second,
and; Pfc. Nizkia Wilson, 11th ACR Supply and Transporta-
tion, walked off the stage as Fort Irwin’s top singer.

Other contestants were: Spc. Zachary Smith, 89th Mili-
tary Police Detachment; Kimberly Thilges, family member,
1916th SPT BN; Spc. Oceanel Bryant, Regimental Support
Squadron, 11th ACR; Cherokee Kelly, family member; Ag-
gie Mrozek-Ley, family member, 916th Support Brigade;
1st Lt. Aaron Renaud, RSS, 11th ACR; and Naomi Francis,
family member, Operations Group.

For more information go to www.irwin.army.mil