MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- It is not uncommon for U.S. military members to be recognized for their achievements and dedication to duty, but their families seldom receive the recognition they deserve. Three years ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the USO and the family of Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf set to change that.
During a ceremony at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Headquarters in Tampa, Florida, the family of Senior Master Sgt. Keith Gardner, 927th Communication Squadron superintendent, received the 2017 General Norman Schwarzkopf Military Family of the year award in the Guard and Reserve category.
“Behind every exceptional service member, often times there is an equally exceptional family that provides a crucial support system,” said Brian Ford, Tampa Bay Buccaneers chief operating officer. “The Tampa Bay Buccaneers honor the incredible sacrifices made by these military families with the General H. Norman Schwarzkopf Military Family of the Year Award.”
The annual award honors local families from each branch of the military in the following categories: Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Guard and Reserve.
“I’m proud to be a military spouse,” said Mendy Gardner. “I’m proud to be Keith’s wife -- tough at times, with deployments and numerous other training commitments, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
General H. Norman Schwarzkopf (1934-2012) spent 35 years in the United States Army, serving as commander of U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in 1998. His daughter, Cindy Schwarzkopf, addressed those in attendance on the important role of family in the military.
“The glue that holds it together was our family,” Schwarzkopf said. “There are no ranks or pins for the family of service men and women and that's why this award is so important.”
The glue that bonds the Gardner family is strong. Shortly after the high school sweethearts tied the knot, they made a decision that would change not only their lives, but also the lives of three others.
“After trying to conceive for a year, a high school acquaintance that was down on her luck and gave birth to a beautiful baby boy,” said Sergeant Gardner. “Mendy is the most giving and caring person that I know. Without hesitation, we accepted the offer to adopt Benjamin.”
That was just the first adoption for the Gardner family; soon the family of three became the family of four, then five. Years had passed, and thinking that their family was complete, the Gardners found out they were expecting. And with that, the family became known as the “Gardner six.”
“You should see all of Keith’s awards and decorations, but now I have one -- we have one,” Mendy said. “This is such an honor to be here tonight and be recognized for our commitment. Thank you to the Bucs, the USO and the Schwarzkopf family. I am truly touched.”
Active-duty and Guard/Reserve military members are encouraged to submit nomination packages and share how their family has demonstrated the values of integrity, courage and commitment while sharing in the sacrifices of service to our country.
For more information log onto http://www.buccaneers.com/salute/