Robins Region, GA: The Perfect Match for Military Families

Middle Georgia offers the ideal lifestyle for those serving our nation.

By Lindsey Hyde on July 14, 2023

Nathan Lambrecht

Whether planting roots or residing in the community temporarily, military families stationed at Robins Air Force Base (AFB) can easily fall in love with the Robins Region.

Its friendly people and small-town charm combine to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Plus, its many positive qualities complement the military lifestyle. Let’s explore what makes life in the Robins Region a perfect fit for service members and their families.

Area schools are familiar with the challenges military children face, and they’re ready to provide many levels of support for students who are transitioning into a new school or coping with the deployment of a parent. Houston County School District, for example, maintains a healthy relationship with Robins AFB, hosts military appreciation days, and provides counselors for students and their families.  

“Our schools have an amazing program, the Military Family Life Counselors. There are actually 20 of them, and they’re dedicated to our schools, and they support the transition with our children,” says Dr. Richard Rogers, the district’s deputy superintendent.

“When I was a principal, I remember one of the counselors doing activities with our students. We would pull all the children who were military-based into the cafeteria and just do special activities with them and check on them. Their parents would be invited.”

Nathan Lambrecht

Education & Career Assistance

Speaking of parents, should service members choose to transition to civilian life while here, a gem of a resource is available to help them along the way.

The Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource (VECTR) Center offers career counseling, educational coaching and workforce training, among other things. Several courses offered on-site include those related to welding, air conditioning, electrical construction and commercial truck driving. Plus, the center helps create job-shadowing opportunities and hosts workshops that focus on networking, financial literacy and other helpful topics. 

“I think the biggest benefit of the VECTR Center is transitioning active-duty person with the help they need and being the one-stop shop to get them to that next level,” says Col. Don Layne, ret. COO of the VECTR Center.

In addition to transitioning service members, the VECTR Center also assists veterans and family.

A+ Affordability

While the Robins Region provides a wealth of support, it is also a great place for military families to find a nice – and affordable – home. Over 240 new, renovated and traditional single-family homes can be found on base within three communities. However, families can also find great housing options off base in Warner Robins, Perry and Centerville. One new development is the Cottages at Warner Robins, a homier rental option with various floor plans to choose from.

Each city’s typical home value comes in below the national average, with Warner Robins offering the lowest at $192,000 (Zillow, June 2023).

“Regardless of whether they live on or off base, our airmen enjoy all that our Middle Georgia has to offer, whether it is the rodeo or state fair, local farmers markets, Food Truck Fridays, area restaurants, Macon’s music scene or our very own Museum of Aviation,” says Col. Lindsay Droz, Robins Installation and 78th Air Base Wing commander.

Maryann Bates

Excellent Accessibility

In addition to the area’s many amenities, its central location and nearby transportation services allow families to travel with ease. For example, bigger cities like Atlanta, Savannah and Montgomery are only a few hours away. While traveling to and from the area is a cinch, many families love staying in the region and enjoying all it has to offer.

“You can’t spend any time in Middle Georgia without learning the acronym EDIMGIAFAD — Every Day in Middle Georgia is Armed Forces Appreciation Day. But, on base, we say that every day at Robins Air Force Base is Middle Georgia Appreciation Day,” Droz says. “Our airmen are the recipients of world-class Southern hospitality, and we are proud not only to serve, but to be a part of this community.”

Spotlight: From Service to Sauté 

Personal chef Scottie Johnson is considered a wizard in the kitchen, as his delectable dishes often leave people’s taste buds singing for days.

While a success in the food industry, this isn’t where he started his career. After growing up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and obtaining a college degree, Johnson served in the Army for 26 years. Soon after retiring, he attended culinary school at Helms College in Macon in 2015, and launched his private chef company, Blessed & Highly Flavored Cuisine, in 2017.

About a year later, Johnson’s wife, Lowanda, who works at Robins Air Force Base, signed him up to participate in a one-week entrepreneurial education and training program called Boots to Business, which is offered through the Georgia and South Carolina Veterans Business Outreach Center in Warner Robins. It is available to service members, veterans and spouses.

“It taught me the structure – how to build a business,” Johnson says. “I had to learn the demographics part of it, how to network with different people in the area and how to utilize the things that were offered to me as far as logistics and things of that nature.”

Since participating in the program, Johnson continues to see his business grow, and recommends other service members and veterans take part in it, as well.

“I tell people, ‘Use these benefits that you have to make yourself successful and put you ahead of your peers.’ I always preach that when I speak to other Boots to Business classes,” he says.  “Take advantage of your benefits, take advantage of being a veteran here and utilize that to make your business grow.”