Love Where You Live: How to Embrace Your New Duty Station

There are so many “news” that come with relocating: a new home, new routines, new friends, and new places to discover. And while the newness is at times unsettling, the best way to begin to feel settled is by being curious about the local culture.

Family spoke with Army spouse, Makena Krause, who is married to Sergeant Caden Krause. The Krauses are currently stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas.

Why is incorporating local culture into your family life so important?

When I moved to Junction City, I made a promise to myself that I’d embrace whatever community we landed in. That meant showing up, getting involved, and learning what makes this place function. It’s through local culture—the traditions, celebrations, and people—that a place becomes more than a duty station. It becomes yours.

As the Events and Community Outreach Coordinator for Junction City Main Street, I get to help others fall in love with the community. One of our mottos is “Love where you live.” Everyone deserves that feeling. Incorporating local culture helps create belonging, and when you feel like you belong, even a temporary home can leave a lasting mark on your story.

What’s something you do when you first arrive to incorporate local culture?

The most pivotal part of my transition was finding the heartbeat of the community. For Junction City, I believe that heartbeat is our downtown. It’s the soul of the city and the hub for connection.

Once you’ve identified the heartbeat of your community—whether that’s a bustling downtown, a community center, a library, or a local park—the next step is simple: get involved. Attend an event. Volunteer. Join a congregation. Audition for a musical. Or just show up and be present. Once you walk through the door, you’re no longer on the outside looking in; you are a part of it.

How do you find out what the local culture is?

Education is key. Start by visiting your local museum to learn the history of your newfound home. If you’re in a small town, go to a high school sporting event. There’s no quicker way to feel the pulse of a place than cheering from the sidelines with locals.

Beyond that:

• Walk downtown or in the town square.
• Pop into small businesses and talk to shop owners, baristas, or librarians.
• Read community bulletin boards and follow local organizations on social media.
• Go to that random event you found on Facebook.
• Visit farmers markets, church potlucks, city meetings, and cultural festivals.

Ultimately, finding local culture starts with curiosity and presence. Show up, listen, and ask questions. The more open you are, the more the community reveals itself to you.