Killeen, Texas – Community members gathered on the second floor of the Killeen Regional Airport, also known as GRK, on ​​August 2 to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

The path to making GRK a shared airport with the existing Robert Gray Army Airfield was not easy. In order for the airport to be built, a law had to be repealed.

After Lt. Gen. Thomas Schwartz, former commander of the III Armored Corps, endorsed the joint use in 1997, former U.S. Representative Chet Edwards introduced a bill to the House National Security Committee to repeal the law, and overcoming challenges during construction due to changes in airport protocols following the September 11 attacks, the first commercial flight landed on August 2, 2004.

During the anniversary celebration, attendees listened to local leaders speak about what the airport has contributed to the Central Texas community over the past two decades.

“It is a testament to the growth and progress of our city, but even more so, it reflects the hard work, dedication and vision of so many people who have contributed to our success,” Killeen City Mayor Debbie Nash-King said of the airport. “Our airport has since become an important place for our residents, our families, military personnel and business travelers to navigate the world. This airport is more than just a transportation facility – it is a gateway to dreams, adventure and opportunity.”

Col. Lakicia Stokes, commander of the U.S. garrison Fort Cavazos, emphasized the importance of the airport for the facility.

“For the past two decades, this airport has been more than just a travel hub; it has been a lifeline for our soldiers and their families,” Stokes said. “It has facilitated missions, welcomed our heroes home and served as a bridge connecting us to the rest of the world. The importance of this facility cannot be overstated and its impact is felt in 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 airport staff and local government officials to military personnel and community members, each of you has contributed to the success we celebrate today. Your tireless commitment to excellence has ensured that this airport remains a vital asset for our region.”

Stokes said Fort Cavazos is looking to the future with great anticipation.

“We strive to continue to grow and innovate, strengthen our infrastructure and improve the services that support both our military and civilian populations,” she said. “Together, we will face new challenges and seize opportunities to ensure Killeen Regional Airport remains a cornerstone of our community. Thank you for your commitment, support and partnership. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement.”

Texas State Rep. Brad Buckley (TX-54) said that retired Gen. Robert Shoemaker has changed his mind about regional efforts and that the shared airport is a great example of that.

“It’s definitely an example of sharing taking effort and bringing shared benefits,” he said. “It’s an incredible win for our community and a model of what governments should be doing more of — working together to do good for the citizens of one community, but more importantly, for the citizens of all communities.”

Edwards reflected on the importance of the airport and the values ​​that made it possible.

“This is where families are reunited,” he said. “There’s just nothing more beautiful than standing at the gate and watching excited grandchildren run out of a plane to hug their grandparents. To see brothers and sisters who may have been separated for a long time, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters come together and hug each other, you can see it in their faces and it comes straight from the heart.”

“There’s really nothing like the sight you and I have seen here,” Edwards continued. “Seeing soldiers coming home from long deployments, many of them combat missions. They’re hugging their spouses or their children – their loved ones – for the first time in months or a year,” he added. “This airport is a place of family.”

Mike Wilson, executive director of aviation, who began his career at GRK in August 2005, almost a year after the airport opened, spoke about the future of GRK.

“The future of Killeen Regional Airport is bright and we are excited about what will happen over the next 20 years,” he said. “As mentioned, we could not have done this without the help of our state and federal leadership. On behalf of the City of Killeen… thank you to everyone who helped make GRK what it is today.”