The United States Armed Forces exhibit selflessness through their service, honor and integrity while protecting the country and securing our nation's freedom. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and USO Central Florida are proud to honor these military service members and their families, and have collaborated on numerous programs and initiatives to recognize local heroes for their sacrifices. From honoring military members at each Buccaneers home game through the Salute to Service Suite and Military Hero of the Game, to enhancing the travel experience for military passing through Tampa International Airport with the USO Welcome Center, to supporting the efforts of Buccaneers wide receiver and former "military brat" Vincent Jackson – who focuses his charitable efforts on supporting military families – the Buccaneers franchise and the local chapter of the worldwide military support organization are committed to providing high-quality programs and services to men and women in uniform.
This spring, the Buccaneers and USO Central Florida are establishing yet another way for local military to be recognized for their sacrifices and service. Nominations are now being accepted for the inaugural General H Norman Schwarzkopf Military Family of the Year Award,*to honor military families in the Tampa Bay Area. Submissions should be made through the *Salute to Service page of the team's official website atwww.buccaneers.com/salute**. The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 10.
"Throughout his 35-year career in the Army, my husband's highest priority was taking care of our nation's soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast guardsmen," said Brenda Schwarzkopf & Family. "If you were to ask anyone that knew him well, they would tell you that the only thing he held to equal importance was to also make sure their families were taken care of. He understood the integral part the family plays in our armed services system. That being said, there is nothing I can think of that does more honor to his memory than to have military families recognized for their support and service with an award bearing his name. I would like to thank the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the USO Central Florida for honoring my husband and our family in this way, but more importantly, I would like to thank them for their ongoing and tireless support for our military personnel and their loved ones."
The General H Norman Schwarzkopf Military Family of the Year Award will honor a local family from each branch of the military (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard/Reserves). All active-duty military membersare encouraged to submit a nomination and share how his or her family has demonstrated the values of integrity, courage, and commitment while sharing in the sacrifices of service to our country.
General H Norman Schwarzkopf (1934-2012) spent 35 years in the United States Army serving in the Vietnam War, Invasion of Grenada and the Persian Gulf War. Schwarzkopf was named commander of U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., in 1988, overseeing the headquarters for U.S. military and security concerns in nearly two dozen countries stretching across the Middle East to Afghanistan and central Asia, as well as Pakistan. He earned numerous honors for his service, including three Silver Stars, a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. In retirement, the Trenton, N.J. native served as a military analyst for NBC while also working as a public speaker. Schwarzkopf supported a number of charities, including children's organizations and campaigns focused on prostate cancer awareness. Prior to his death in 2012, he resided in Tampa with his wife, Brenda.
Winners of the inaugural award will be honored by notable local military officials and Buccaneers representatives on Friday, May 15, at the Military Family of the Year Reception at One Buccaneer Place. For more information, visit www.buccaneers.com/salute.
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