KILLEEN, Texas — Community members gathered Aug. 2 on the second floor of the Killeen Regional Airport, also known as GRK, to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
The road to GRK becoming a joint-use airport with the already existing Robert Gray Army Airfield was not easy. A law needed to be repealed for the airport to be built.
After an endorsement for joint use from Lt. Gen. Thomas Schwartz, former III Armored Corps commander, in 1997; a bill given to the U.S. House National Security Committee by former U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards to repeal the law; and overcoming challenges during construction presented by the change in airport protocols due to 9/11, the first commercial flight landed Aug. 2, 2004.
During the anniversary celebration attendees heard from local leadership as they reflected on what the airport has provided to the Central Texas community throughout the previous two decades.
“It is a testament to our city’s growth and progress, but even more reflects the hard work, dedication and vision of so many individuals who have contributed to our success,” City of Killeen Mayor Debbie Nash-King said of the airport. “Our airport has since become a vital space for our residents, our families, Soldiers and business travelers navigating the world. This airport is more than just a transportation facility — it’s a gateway to dreams, adventures and possibilities.”
Col. Lakicia Stokes, U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Cavazos commander, acknowledged the importance of the airport to the installation.
“Over the past two decades, this airport has been more than just a hub for travel; it has been a lifeline for our Soldiers and their families,” Stokes said. “It has facilitated deployments, welcomed home our heroes and served as a bridge connecting us to the rest of the world. The significance of this facility cannot be overstated, and its impact resonates through every aspect of our operations and daily lives.
“This milestone is a testament to the vision, dedication and hard work of many,” she continued. “From the airport staff and local government officials to the military personnel and community members, each of you have contributed to the success we celebrate today. Your unwavering commitment to excellence has ensured that this airport remains a vital asset to our region.”
Stokes said Fort Cavazos looks forward to the future with great anticipation.
“We envision continued growth and innovation, strengthening our infrastructure and enhancing the services that support both our military and civilian populations,” she said. “Together, we will strive to meet new challenges and seize opportunities, ensuring that Killeen Regional Airport remains a cornerstone to our community. Thank you for your dedication, support and partnership. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement.”
Texas state Rep. Brad Buckley (TX-54) shared retired Gen. Robert Shoemaker changed his perspective on making a regional effort and the joint-use airport is a great example of this.
“It is absolutely an example that joint use requires effort, and it has joint benefits,” he said. “It’s an amazing asset for our community, and it is a model of what governments should be doing more of — that is locking arms, joining together to do good things for the citizens of one community, but more importantly, the citizens of all communities.”
Edwards reflected on the meaning of the airport and the values that made it a reality.
“It’s here that families are reunited,” he said. “There is just nothing better than to stand outside the gate and to watch excited grandkids run off a plane to hug their grandparents. To see brothers and sisters, perhaps long separated, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, come together and have hugs, that you can tell by watching them, that comes straight from the heart.
“There truly is nothing like the sight you and I have seen here,” Edwards continued. “To see Soldiers coming home from long deployments, many deployments in combat. They hug for the first time in months, or a year, their spouses or their children — their loved ones,” he added. “This airport’s about family.”
Mike Wilson, executive director of aviation, who began his career at GRK in August 2005, nearly one year after the airport was opened, spoke on the future of GRK.
“The future of the Killeen Regional Airport is bright, and we look forward to what’s going to come in the next 20 years,” he said. “As already mentioned, we could not have done that without the help of our state and federal leadership. On behalf of the city of Killeen … thanks to all of you who played a part in making GRK what it is today.”
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