By Marquita Foxworth
When my husband and I began looking for a place to settle down after our time at Fort Polk, we had a short list of priorities: a veteran-friendly community, great schools and a neighborhood where people look out for one another.
As a retired Army master sergeant married to a retired first sergeant, “community” is essential. We wanted a place where veterans and their families were not only welcomed but also understood.
Those qualities led us to the Heritage Trace area, which is served by Keller ISD. It has become our home in every way.
It’s a peaceful, family-focused neighborhood with excellent schools and friendly neighbors who wave, remember names and notice when someone isn’t themselves.
Soon after we moved in, I discovered many veteran organizations quietly helping out through assisting with transitions, connecting resources and making daily life a little easier for those who served.
Groups such as the Airpower Foundation, Veterans Forever and Roll Call have become vital partners in this effort. That’s when I realized — I want to grow old here.
One idea kept coming to me: to hold a weekly veterans meetup at our local Black Rifle Coffee.
I spoke with the management, and they asked all the right questions about my reasons, my heart and my intentions. My answer was straightforward. I wanted a space where veterans could connect beyond their rank and resumes, where friendship could develop into a real community.
With the support of my husband and our close friends — including Selena Ward, my friend and lender with Benchmark Mortgage, and her husband, Gerald, a retired Army sergeant first class — we started the meetup.
Week after week, we showed up. We checked in on each other. When a veteran was hospitalized, we ensured they could still participate in the group — offering rides, calls, FaceTimes and whatever it took to remind them they were not alone.
We have received support from local partners who share our commitment to service.
We share knowledge about benefits, housing, resources and wellness so our lives keep getting better together.
We feel especially honored when Don Graves — a North Texas Marine and Iwo Jima survivor — attends our meetup. His presence reminds us of the true meaning of service, sacrifice and community. Our veterans light up when he shares a story or a word of encouragement.
Trusted people in my network started coming to Black Rifle to connect with our veterans on a deeper level.
A simple cup of coffee has transformed into a circle of care through job leads, resource referrals, meals dropped off and the kind of encouragement you can only receive from people who truly understand your journey.
Each year, I host a Veterans Dinner at our homeowners association so families know they are seen and valued. Service doesn’t stop when the uniform comes off and neither should support. These gatherings make that promise clear.
My daughter, Makaylah Young, passed away last year.
It was my veteran community that held me up in ways I couldn’t have imagined by checking in, showing up, praying with me, reminding me to keep going. They helped me through my grief.
Not even a year later, my son headed to college. We officially became empty nesters. That transition reinforced something I already knew: that community is my lifeline.
I love Heritage Trace because it allows purpose and everyday life to coexist — from school drop-offs to sharing coffee with people who understand you to neighbors who become like family.
We chose this neighborhood for the schools and the safety.
We stay because of the people, those who celebrate your victories, rally during your losses, and remind you that service doesn’t stop at a DD-214.
Here, we share life together.
That’s why I love my neighborhood.
Marquita Foxworth is a member of eXp Realty under The Foxworth Group. She is a retired military veteran.
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