August 29, 2011

What Killeen Means to Me

By Tiffany Arrington

When asked, “What does Killeen mean to you?” it conjures up an array of feelings, emotions and memories from someone like me who was one of the 1% of the population here that was actually born, raised, left and came BACK to this wonderful place. Below is a list of perhaps some of the more evocative attributes of this place that immediately come to mind:

Home: This is my home. This is where my father came over 40 years ago as an officer in the Army, and planted roots because of the economic opportunity that belied this then-burgeoning city. This is where my grandfather brought his Japanese bride home from WWII pregnant with my mother, and they raised their family. This is where I learned to ride a bike, had the news broken to me that Santa Claus wasn’t real, and where I graduated high school. For every year that I was away from this place enjoying the forbidden fruits of the outside world, THIS was the spot on the map I came home to…to celebrate holidays, visit my family, or get a homecooked meal. This is where I later got married and started my family. DAMMIT! I was one of the first people to eat at the Red Lobster when it was the only restaurant on Hwy 190, so you guys KNOW I’ve been around a long time! This place IS my home!

My son, Ryder

Patriotism: In no other place in the United States can one find a concentration of Patriotism that is as pervasive as that of the energy that surrounds Fort Hood. I talk to military families every day, active duty and former/retired alike, that aver that THIS place is by far the most supportive armed forces community in all of their experience of being involved with the military. It sets us apart. It makes us alive. It’s a blessing and a curse to have the proximity we have to the largest military installation in the free world. As a permanent citizen, I feel so enriched being exposed to such different and colorful lives as I make my way through the grocery line, parking lot, business luncheon, etc. Yet, as an American, I can’t help but feel so deeply helpless each time I yield to the Patriot Guard, while they make their slow and deliberate procession through the city streets leading grieving families, friends and neighbors to the burial of another one of our nation’s finest. There are countless communities across America that have never seen a Patriot Guard procession…not even on television. I dare you to find one citizen in this community that has not.

Opportunity: More often lately, it seems, I have conversations with folks that “end up” here for other reasons than being “brought” here by the military. This means they’re coming to be closer to family, or moreover, they’re seeking economic opportunity. Whether or not these folks succeed in finding economic opportunity, I am not sure. What I am CERTAIN of, is that our area is situated in perfect proximal location to large cities, airports, highways & bi-ways and recreation points to allow for fluid and prosperous commerce. Our state and local governments have managed to hedge against economic volatility by budgeting consciously, so home ownership and nest egg preservation are attainable goals for young families who might otherwise be burdened by heavy tax impositions to pay for schools or programs. On the flip, it’s even an attractive place for those on fixed incomes to be able to live and experience life comfortably, while living an affordable lifestyle accessible to and by loved ones from all over.

There is no doubt in my mind that when the local military leaders refer to Fort Hood as the “Great Place” that they implicitly consider Killeen to be the supportive lifeblood to the Post. This place has been the supportive lifeblood to MY life, and I can only hope that it will play as integral of a role in my son’s life. I look forward to being a part of its continued growth, and expect nothing but GREAT PLACE things to come…