One of our newest members of the Beale family

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Colville McFee
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing
Beale Air Force Base, Calif. --  Being new can be a challenge, but for Airman 1st Class Bobby Gardner, 9th Civil Engineering Squadron firefighter, joining the Air Force has not let anything hinder his passion of being a firefighter.

Coming from Jackson, Mississippi, Gardner has made plans to go to school and make firefighting a career.

“I wanted to become a firefighter because I love helping people and I always wanted to do something bigger with my life and I felt my purpose was to help others in need,” said Gardner, 9th Civil Engineering Squadron fire protection. “I plan on going to school to further my life, gain more education and make firefighting a career.”

Being a firefighter in the military is a demanding career and you always have to be ready at a moment’s notice.

“One of the challenges I face here is the fast pace of firefighting,” said Gardner. “My leadership trusts me to get the job done and I will continue to push myself every day to further my career and my limits to be the best.”

Not only does Gardner strive to succeed and grow, leadership has taken an eye on how he works at in and outside of the station.

“Straight out of technical school and fast learner, he is eager to learn the trade and one of our sharpest firefighters in the department.” Said TSgt Richard Benvente, 9th CES acting deputy fire chief “Airman 1st Class Gardner also volunteers off duty with wing and squadron events while he is still in upgrade trading.”

Hometown: Jackson, Mississippi