Community Corner

Fort Belvoir's Oktoberfest Has Special Meaning For One Couple

Love at first Oktoberfest

For most, Oktoberfest brings thoughts of beer, great food, rides and activities.

For Betty Mayers and her husband Sgt. 1st Class Chris Mayers, Fort Belvoir's Oktoberfest is a time to celebrate the anniversary of their first date.

It all began with a speeding ticket in 1997.

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"Chris was a Military Police Officer stationed at Belvoir. I had gotten a speeding ticket and was looking for the first MP I could find to ask how I could get out of it," said Betty.

He didn't help her get out of the ticket, but he did end up asking her on a date to Fort Belvoir's Oktoberfest.

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"Neither one of us are big beer drinkers, but to impress the other, we each got a beer. I think it was the darker beer, which made it even worse," said Betty. 

Betty said she has never really been interested in the thrill rides, but they did ride the ferris wheel on their first date.

They married a year later. "This time at Oktoberfest last year, I rode the ferris wheel, and was pregnant with Luke," said Betty.

Each year the Mayers return to Oktoberfest to celebrate the anniversary of their first date, even when they were stationed at Fort Drum, NY. Currently Betty teaches second grade at Fort Belvoir Elementary, and Chris works for Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The family will be moving back to Fort Drum, NY in the spring.

A lot has changed for them since their first date 13 years ago. They have been married 12 years, have 3 children, Adam 11, Emma 8, and Luke will be one this October.

 "It's interesting how much our mindset has changed from it being a date to it being family time for us. Though we do steal as many smooches in between rides as we did 13 years ago," said Betty.  

"Now that I think about it, Chris never did help me get out of my parking ticket," said Betty.

Chris added, "No, but we were really close by the time her speeding ticket was due, so I did end up paying for it."


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