I don’t think anyone needs reminding about just how strong Fayetteville’s military connection is. After all, the biggest military installation by population in the country, Fort Bragg, is our neighbor.
A neighbor we now call by a new — but familiar — name, renamed earlier this year from “Fort Liberty” back to its original “Bragg,” this time honoring World War II veteran Army Pfc. Roland L. Bragg.
And it’s upon this important moment in history that CityView Magazine’s July “The Military Issue” highlights our military community, from active service members with a passion for sports to veterans turned business owners and farmers to military spouses and families who masterfully adapt to the changes of military life.
In these pages you’ll read about the Cape Fear Amateur Radio Society, self-described as one of the most active amateur radio clubs in the state. This group is made up of many military veterans who have a passion for analog radios, which have been crucial in getting emergency information to the public when modern communication methods, like cell services, are down during a weather emergency.
Next up is a story about a farm, only about four miles away from downtown Fayetteville and owned by a military family. Channing and Brandon Perdue, founders of Farms Helping Families, moved to Cumberland County over 20 years ago for Brandon’s service at Fort Bragg. After expanding their operations, they opened the farm-to-table marketplace, Cedar Creek Market, this July. They also give back to the military community, hosting the multiple programs through the Cumberland County Cooperative Extension to train soldiers, transitioning service members, veterans and spouses on agricultural skills.
Get excited, basketball fans! A new professional Fayetteville basketball team is gearing up for its inaugural season in March 2026 at the Crown Coliseum. The Fayetteville Liberty, started by retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Robert Lee Edwards Jr., was born out of a desire for an impactful sports team, on and off the court. One of the team’s prospects is Arylle Jai “AJ” Bryant, an IT Specialist in the Army.
Lisa Faye Medina, interior designer and military spouse, turned a lifelong interest into an interior design business through Wildfire Restoration. With over 18,000 combined social media followers, Medina shares her design projects, most recently her Vanstory Hills 1972 home renovation. She has earned partnerships with major brands like Wayfair, Pinterest and Kingston Brass, and a mention in Better Homes & Gardens for a Fort Bragg dining room transformation.
Our columnists this month offer perspectives on our city’s connection to the military. The first discusses the economic powerhouse that is Fort Bragg, contributing over $8.8 billion to the state’s economy. The next explores just how different a civilian family life is from a military family’s. Our newest columnist gives credit — in English and in Spanish — to just how strong those military families are for the unique set of challenges they face. And our last recommends six books to read that honor our military.
We also have a whole new set of events and things to do this month in our To-Do List. And we may have spotted you at the Juneteenth Celebration 5K! Click here to find out.
Thank you for reading CityView. We hope this “Military Issue” magazine shines a light on our deep military connections.
Read CityView Magazine’s “The Military Issue” July 2025 e-edition here.
