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188th Mission Support Group's Gardner promoted to colonel

  • Published
  • By Capt. Holli Nelson
  • 188th Wing Public Affairs
EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark. --  The 188th Wing added another colonel into its ranks Jan. 11, 2015 at a ceremony held at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Fort Smith, Arkansas, for Col. Tenise Gardner, commander of the 188th Mission Support Group.

This marks only the second time in unit history that a female has achieved the grade of O-6.

Gardner has served as the 188th MSG commander for nearly three years and received high praise from Col. Mark Anderson, then-188th Wing commander, who presided over the ceremony.

"Col. Gardner is one of the most exceptional officers I've ever known," said Col. Mark Anderson, then-188th Wing commander. "Her work ethic and leadership are unmatched. I've never seen a leader care more about her people. She's a top-notch group commander and most deserving of this promotion. Leaders like Col. Gardner are the reason the 188th is the best wing in the Air National Guard."

The newly promoted colonel offered kind words and advice to the audience mixed with family, friends, colleagues and Airmen.

"It's such an honor to stand here before you as colonel," Gardner said." "I would not be here if it were not for phenomenal leaders, mentors and those who worked alongside me."

Gardner thanked her parents for instilling in her a great work ethic that allowed her to follow her dreams through the years and her family for their unwavering support in her ANG journey. She also thanked the many mentors she gained over the years that helped guide her path along the way, including Anderson, whom she considered an inspiring leader and friend.

Gardner enlisted in the 188th in 1987 as an information manager in 188th Public Affairs and went on to earn her commission in 1991 from the Academy of Military Science as a Military Equal Opportunity officer. She has served in multiple facets of the 188th's mission including positions as an executive officer, telecommunications manager and 188th Communications Flight commander.

"It's been a great experience, from being an airman to being a Colonel. If I had written the script for my life, I could not have asked for a better outcome, so thank you to everyone who had a part in that," said Gardner.

Gardner assumed command of the 188th Mission Support Group from then-Lt. Col. Pete Gauger April 14, 2012. Since then, she has led the wing's largest group through a myriad of changes in the mission conversion process and highlighted the accomplishments of the robust group of Airmen.

"To my squadron commanders and the Airmen who support them, thank you," Gardner noted. "If it weren't for you I would fall apart. This mission and the people who make it happen every day are the reason the 188th Wing is such an amazing unit."

The 188th MSG consists of the 188th Civil Engineer Squadron, 188th Security Forces Squadron, 188th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 188th Force Support Squadron, 188th Communications Flight, and 188th Contracting Office. All told, the MSG has approximately 350 of the wing's 1,000 personnel.

188th Mission Support Group's Gardner promoted to colonel

  • Published
  • By Capt. Holli Nelson
  • 188th Wing Public Affairs
EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark. --  The 188th Wing added another colonel into its ranks Jan. 11, 2015 at a ceremony held at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Fort Smith, Arkansas, for Col. Tenise Gardner, commander of the 188th Mission Support Group.

This marks only the second time in unit history that a female has achieved the grade of O-6.

Gardner has served as the 188th MSG commander for nearly three years and received high praise from Col. Mark Anderson, then-188th Wing commander, who presided over the ceremony.

"Col. Gardner is one of the most exceptional officers I've ever known," said Col. Mark Anderson, then-188th Wing commander. "Her work ethic and leadership are unmatched. I've never seen a leader care more about her people. She's a top-notch group commander and most deserving of this promotion. Leaders like Col. Gardner are the reason the 188th is the best wing in the Air National Guard."

The newly promoted colonel offered kind words and advice to the audience mixed with family, friends, colleagues and Airmen.

"It's such an honor to stand here before you as colonel," Gardner said." "I would not be here if it were not for phenomenal leaders, mentors and those who worked alongside me."

Gardner thanked her parents for instilling in her a great work ethic that allowed her to follow her dreams through the years and her family for their unwavering support in her ANG journey. She also thanked the many mentors she gained over the years that helped guide her path along the way, including Anderson, whom she considered an inspiring leader and friend.

Gardner enlisted in the 188th in 1987 as an information manager in 188th Public Affairs and went on to earn her commission in 1991 from the Academy of Military Science as a Military Equal Opportunity officer. She has served in multiple facets of the 188th's mission including positions as an executive officer, telecommunications manager and 188th Communications Flight commander.

"It's been a great experience, from being an airman to being a Colonel. If I had written the script for my life, I could not have asked for a better outcome, so thank you to everyone who had a part in that," said Gardner.

Gardner assumed command of the 188th Mission Support Group from then-Lt. Col. Pete Gauger April 14, 2012. Since then, she has led the wing's largest group through a myriad of changes in the mission conversion process and highlighted the accomplishments of the robust group of Airmen.

"To my squadron commanders and the Airmen who support them, thank you," Gardner noted. "If it weren't for you I would fall apart. This mission and the people who make it happen every day are the reason the 188th Wing is such an amazing unit."

The 188th MSG consists of the 188th Civil Engineer Squadron, 188th Security Forces Squadron, 188th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 188th Force Support Squadron, 188th Communications Flight, and 188th Contracting Office. All told, the MSG has approximately 350 of the wing's 1,000 personnel.