CRESTVIEW — Linda Smith has heard it all before.
"… You hear people say they (will) leave Crestview and never go back," she said.
The Hub City's heavy traffic, along with a perceived need for more recreational opportunities and shopping choices, is among critics' concerns.
But many members of the military have different values — or, at least, one overriding one — Linda said.
"They left from here, (and returned to) find love and support here," the Crestview native said. "My hometown is not falling down like people are thinking; (we're) still striving to rise to the top."
Linda — who lives in Valdosta, Ga., with her husband, Mark — shared the story July 18 during Concerned Citizens of Crestview's Military Appreciation Day, held at the Carver-Hill School Center.
Pearl Bess, Linda's sister, and a member of the outreach group, helped organize the event, which extended beyond Carver-Hill's grounds.
"She was instrumental in organizing it, and had meals delivered to homebound area residents and others," Linda said. "(She) was a go getter to make sure that veterans were taken care of.
"We came from Valdosta to … assist her because of the heart she has for the people."
The outreach group's recognition ceremony is just one way that Crestview residents support the military.
HOMETOWN SUPPORT
Active-duty service members and veterans have abundant support in the Crestview community.
The Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce's annual Military Appreciation Recognition Ceremony; the city of Crestview and the Crestview Veterans Affairs Committee's annual Veterans Day parade; and Helen Back Again's Military Mondays — free pizza for service members and veterans — are just a few local events to support our troops.
Facilities include Okaloosa County Veterans Services, 601 Pearl St. N. #A; the American Legion, 898 James Lee Blvd. E.; Amvets Post 35, 105 John King Road; the VFW, 2240 James Lee Blvd. W.; and Disabled American Veterans, 5296 Hare St.
The Scars Remain, a support group for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, just announced new hours and another location (see Page A6 for more information).
In Laurel Hill, Safe Haven Horse Rescue's Haven for Heroes program pairs veterans with horses as therapy.
Such events, organizations and nearby facilities mean much to service members stationed at Duke Field and Eglin Air Force Base; those who live in Crestview, Baker or Laurel Hill.
And such military-friendly amenities leave a lasting impression.
"Many of the veterans were not originally from Crestview, but they ended up retired there because of the community," Mark Smith, Linda's husband, said.
'THAT'S THE BEGINNING'
As for Military Appreciation Day, Bess said the event didn't attract "a house full, but it was a nice gathering.
"Attendees thanked organizers for just thinking about them and doing it for them."
Linda was glad that children could hear from veterans with diverse experiences.
"It was really nice because you heard from (veterans of) World War II, Korean War and Vietnam," she said. "They were able to see and hear what things were like and compare it to what we're doing today."
Veterans who'd served in the Gulf War, in Iraq and Iran also attended, so most wars and conflicts were represented.
Linda wished more people could attend, but there's always next time — and there will be a next time, she said.
"Pearl was thinking this would be the first and last one," Linda said. "We told her, 'No, that's the beginning.
"You could see how it touched the military attendees. They were really touched by it. You could see it on their faces.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Despite local challenges, Hub City's military support lures service members