Jeff Garber

Jeffrey J. Garber Scholarship

CMDCM (AW/SW) Jeffrey J. Garber Scholarship

Wings Over America Scholarship Fund is proud to announce another scholarship in a series of lasting tributes to great leaders in Naval Aviation – Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Jeffrey J. Garber.

Master Chief Garber is best remembered by his family, friends and co-workers as a leader who genuinely cared for those under his charge, and always encouraged them to pursue education as a means to better themselves and make the most of their future.

Calling Garber "a Sailor's Sailor," retired Vice Adm. Alfred G. Harms Jr. said the Command Master Chief was a role model who "consistently
made a difference in the lives of countless shipmates.  Jeff's strong, principled leadership, his uncompromising professionalism, genuine compassion for others and dauntless uplifting spirit were the making of legend."

Master Chief Garber enlisted in the Navy in 1983 and reported to his first sea duty on the USS WORDEN (CG 18) home ported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  His subsequent sea duty assignments included USS NIMITZ (CVN 68), USS PORTLAND (LSD 37), Command Master Chief of the Blue Blasters (VFA 34), and Command Master Chief of Carrier Air Wing SEVEN.  Master Chief Garber’s shore duty assignments included Navy Recruiting District, Omaha, Nebraska; Naval Leadership Training Unit, Bangor, Washington, and Afloat Training Group Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia.

Jeff is survived by his wife Amy and three children: Tayler, Paige, and Josh.  Honoring Jeff through this scholarship is “exactly what he would have wanted,” said Amy, “he never forgot where he started and found joy in encouraging people to never give up on their dreams and aspirations.”

Capt Calvin Craig, the Commander of Carrier Air Wing SEVEN at the time of Jeff’s passing onboard USS Eisenhower in 2009, said that “we are all the better for him, his life, his work, and his guidance.  Rest assured that those of us - and there are thousands that knew him well, that worked with him every day – can attest he was a truly great man.  A faithful servant, a devoted husband and dad, a beloved son and brother, a steadfast friend, loyal shipmate, and humble leader…to say he will be missed doesn’t even come close.  Remember him, his boundless energy, his contagious smile, and try to make each day – as Jeff always said - an “Easy Day!”

To donate to the CMC Jeff Garber Memorial Scholarship, please click on the givedirect link.  Please be sure to write Jeff Garber in the comments box.