Army Lt. Col. Jeffrey V. Gardner received the Joint Forces Staff College Recognition of Excellence Award for extraordinary contributions as an instructor.

The Joint Forces Staff College, located in Norfolk, Va., is a component of the National Defense University that educates national security professionals in the planning and execution of joint, multinational, and interagency operations to instill a primary commitment to joint, multinational and interagency teamwork, attitudes, and perspectives.

The college curriculum trains members of the U.S. armed services to work jointly, and provides students the tools to operate in a joint environment.

Gardner, an assistant professor at the Joint Forces Staff College, has served in the military for 24 years.

He is the son of Dale and Gloria Gardner of Haley Drive, Canton.

The lieutenant colonel graduated in 1987 from H.C. Williams Senior High School, Canton, and received a bachelor of arts degree in 1991 from Norwich University, Northfield, Vt.

Gardner earned a master of science degree in 2001 from Troy State University, Ala.