Attn: Veterans, Military Retirees and Military Brats
 

Do you ever get the impression that living in The Villages is like living on a military installation? Maybe it's just me, but I get the feeling that the similarities are just too great (self-contained, limited access, centrally managed). Am I on to something here or am I way off base (no pun intended)?

I agree that there a some sociological and perhaps aesthetic similarities; but there is no reveille; no lights out. Mother Nature pretty much takes care of that.

Our house is in Sumter County, so I sometimes facetiously refer to the Villages as Fort Sumter. No offense is meant and hopefully none taken. The proud display of the various military affiliations is difficult to overlook.

Despite the architectural uniformity and fairly strict enforcement of that uniformity, having many veterans and retired military in the vicinity gives me sense of security that I would not have in many other places. I believe quite sincerely that if I were in a tight spot and needed a little back up, I would get it from my veteran and retired military neighbors -- maybe a little long in the tooth and a bit out of shape, but I feel I could count on them. I know I wouldn't want to mess with them.

I apologize for this long posting. But, one last thought:

Relax -- you're in the Villages.

Yarnspinner

Only when I see my neighbor raising the colors in his skivvies every morning. :a20:

Kind of what I thought
 

Yarnspinner, I pretty much thought that was the case. For me, Fort (fill in the blank) was my home and my neighbors were my family. We could depend on each other and there was always a strong sense of community, security, and brotherhood. I don't live in TV yet but I have to admit, the similarities to living on post are a big draw for me. And even though I won't miss reveille, I think I'll feel right at home once I move there.

After my Mother In Law visited for the first time, she refers The Villages as the compound. Brings back some pleasant and unpleasant thoughts.:sigh:

living on base housing
 

[QUOTE=army one;413053]After my Mother In Law visited for the first time, she refers The Villages as the compound. Brings back some pleasant and unpleasant thoughts.:sigh:[/QU
I agree just like living on base except the gate here anyone can come in.

There are some comparisons to living on a military installation and living here in TV.
On military installations around the world at 0600 hours (6:00 A.M.) people are stirred from sleep by the muffled, deep‐throated boom of a cannon and a rousing wake‐up Reveille. As a retired member of the military we don't hear that over here. You have the choice of getting up and being active or staying in bed and relaxing. I am very proud of the patriotism that I see here in The Villages.
You enter a military installation and TV through one of its several, often guarded/manned, gates and you enter a world very different from normal civilian life and community activity. They both represent one of the earliest and most comprehensive examples of planned communities in the United States. On a military installation and here in TV you can work, play, shop, and seek medical assistance and bank in the place where you live.
The incidence rate at both are less than a normal American city and you can still count on your neighbors to get involved should your home or family be threatened by an intruder.
I can truly attest that life on a military installation and here at The Villages have a character and pulse of its own.

I must admit that after over 49 years of living and working on a base I sometimes refer to "the base" when we are away and refer back to TV. At first I tried to catch my self and substitute "campus". I think I've heard Gracie, or someone else say the same. With all of the recreation and golf it is much like most AF bases. You've heard that Gen Lemay would ask for more money for runways when he had already built the NCO and Officer Club, golf course and housing, I'm sure.

Those years on bases around the world have allowed my last PCS to be to the Villages and I am a very very happy man that it has done so. :a040:

There isn't all that much I miss about being on an army base, but I used to love when they played retreat to signal the end of the duty day and lower the flag. I do agree that the sense of community here in The Villages does remind me of life on base.

I like this thread
 

This thread is very cool. I forwarded it to my relatives who are retired military. I think it will make them smile. Might also encourage them, to want to visit, if/when I finally get there!