Veterans continue to inspire | Article

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The legacy of American military service is a continuous chain, with each generation drawing inspiration from those who served before them. That was the message from Maj. Gen. Gavin Gardner, special assistant to the deputy commanding general of Army Materiel Command, when he visited the residents of the Floyd E. “Tut” Fann State Veterans Home on Veterans Day.

“Thank you for what you have done but thank you also for what you are going to continue to do,” Gardner said. “You are the inspiration for the next generation, and they are inspired by you, each and every day.”

As the country continues to celebrate its 250th semi-quincentennial anniversary, Gardner reflected on the spirit of America, noting that the nation’s freedom has always rested on the willingness of citizens to answer the call of duty and quoting the Army’s foundational oath, ‘This We’ll Defend.’

“A part of our great American tradition is service and for 250 years, from day one, we have had people willing to raise their right hand and be a part of something bigger than themselves,” he said. “Every generation tries to live up to the last. We are trying to live up to the Greatest Generation, to our Korean and our Vietnam Veterans, the heroes that are in this room. You continue to inspire the next generation. Your ability to demonstrate loyalty, integrity, grit, and selfless service, those are the things that make this nation great.”

Gardner shared his own deep connection to the military, describing himself as a third-generation military brat.

His grandfather served for 30 years, starting his service in the Army’s air force during World War World II and later with the Air Force. His father’s military career further shaped his understanding of leadership and service. After enlisting in the infantry, Gardner’s father graduated from Officer Candidate School and served for 22 years.

“My father passed on to me about service, about thinking bigger than yourself,” Gardner said. “So, when I had the opportunity to join the Army, ‘This We’ll Defend’ meant something to me.”

Gardner celebrated Tut Fann’s oldest veteran, Morris Brooks who is 99 years old. He joined the Navy at 17 years old in 1944 to serve in World War II and continued this military career through the Korean and Vietnam War.

“It’s important to remind everybody that what we have in this great nation isn’t free,” Gardner said, looking out at the veterans in attendance. “You have led the way, you inspire us.”