Gardner tells about life while deployed with National Guard

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Gardner (center) stands between WWEs Bella Twins, Kofi Kingston (left) and Vince McMahon (right) during a visit in Shindand on Dec. 4. (Submitted Photo)

By Jennifer Archdekin
ngmo.pao@us.army.mil

SHINDAND, Afghanistan - Since early spring about 170 Citizen-Soldiers with the Trenton-based 548th Transportation Company have been serving on a year-long mission in western Afghanistan. Most of these Citizen-Soldiers will spend the holidays away from Family and friends halfway around the world.

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Gardner, of Brookfield, is one such Soldier. He is serving as a squad leader while in Afghanistan and has been in the National Guard for over 18 years.

This Christmas, Gardner will have to forgo his traditions of visiting his Family and watching movies together, but will try and make the best of it with the buddies he's serving with overseas.

"We'll decorate the tent, listen to music and eat junk food," said Gardner.

Gardner will have to wait to get his Christmas wish this year, which is to have a day with his Family and be with his wife, Jennifer. In addition to his own wish, he also asks for support of others.

"I hope people will support and protect Soldiers and their Families that have sacrificed all," said Gardner. "Pray for them always."

Having already served in Iraq in 2003-2004, Gardner knew what to expect for the most part, though it doesn't always make things easier. Since being in Afghanistan for about seven months, Gardner has been able to take away new life-lessons from this deployment.

"Enjoy your Family every day," said Gardner.

Overall, Gardner is positive about his company's mission. As with anything, there are both good and bad, but his pride and optimism of what he's doing carries him through each day.

"Freedom isn't free for anyone -- military or civilian," said Gardener. "I'm proud to be a Soldier and I hope my children will not have to be here later. Seeing the way people live here and how bad some want to leave, it makes me realize that there's no place like home."

When he redeploys in the spring, Gardner looks forward to being able to spend time with his wife and kids and relax and enjoy the comforts of home. Other than Family, Gardner said he misses "USDA beef," but missing the typical Missouri weather hasn't bothered him a bit.

Gardner works fulltime as a self-employed carpenter. He is supported by his wife, Jennifer, and their children; Shelby, Noah and Kaleb.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please visit www.moguard.com and our social media sites: www.facebook.com/Missouri.National.Guard; www.twitter.com/Missouri_NG; www.youtube.com/MoNationalGuard; www.myspace.com/missouri_ng; www.flickr.com/photos/missouriguard; www.moguard.com/blog

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Gardner (Submitted Photo)