Reserve Citizen Family named 2019 Military Family of the Year

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Adam C. Borgman
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing
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. five 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 Tech. Sgt. Edgar Serrano, 927th Aircraft Structural Maintenance craftsman, received the 2019 General Norman Schwarzkopf Military Family of the year award in the Guard and Reserve category.

“The Tampa Bay area is home to over 50,000 military families,” said Buccaneers Owner and President of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation and Glazer Family Foundation Darcie Glazer Kassewitz. “Our military is truly the backbone of this region and I want to express our sincerest appreciation for all active duty, retired and veteran military family members who are here tonight.”

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.

Serrano and his wife, Lourdes, sacrificed their professional dreams just prior to their second wedding anniversary. Following the death of Lourdes’ mother, the young couple made the decision to adopt her nieces and nephews, who were under the care of their grandmother, making them a young family of nine.

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. Although famous for many inspiring quotes, this one hits home for this award reiterating the strength, commitment and resiliency our military members are able to provide come from the support and encouragement of their families.

“You can’t help someone get up a hill without getting closer to the top yourself”, he said.

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.