Ryland L. Gardner
USS Samuel B. Roberts FFG-58
Autobiography
Hey, my name is Ryland Lawrence Gardner. I was born May 20, 1993; in Woman’s Hospital, Baton Rouge, LA, to Roland and Melinda L. Gardner. Unfortunately my Mom, Melinda Gardner, is not here with us today. I Have 6 siblings; 3 sisters and 3 brothers, Barbara, Kimberly, Lizzie, Roland Jr., Roderick, and Jeremy.
Now I am attending Scottlandville Magnet High School, I am currently a junior (2010). I attended Progress Elementary; pre-k- Kindergarten, 1st-3rd grade I attended Howell Park Elementary; and 4th-5th grade I attended Merrydale Elementary. In middle school I attended Glen Oaks Middle; where I was a part of the 8-0 football team. We were the best. I also attended Glen Oaks High School 9th-10th grade’s 2nd semester, that’s my school. But I transferred to Scottlandville 10th grade, 2nd semester.
I have
big goals in life; I plan to go the Navy straight out of high school, so I can chase the money, so I can
prepare myself for college in the future. Upon exiting the Navy I plan to attend college for business
management, because I will already have a degree in chemical engineering; I will obtain that degree
while in the Navy.
Then hopefully find the right woman, so I can be married with 3 children, boys
hopefully. That’s some of my past life and hopeful future.
Editors note: Ryland wrote this originally while in 11th grade. He graduated and is now in the Navy aboard the USS Samuel B. Roberts FFG-58, stationed at Mayport, FL.
EVENTS:
Dec. 16, 2011 - Ryland is home for Christmas afte flying to catch his ship in Eastern Africa, then traveling to Isreal, Greece and Spain, he returned to his ship's homeport of Mayport, FL.
Nov. 28, 2011 - After completing his "A" School training, Ryland came home to visit for a short period. His leave was cut short because he was needed on his new ship. We enjoyed his short stay.
Ryland is now in the Mediterranean Sea, visiting Greece, Israel and Africa. He is suppose to be home in time for Christmas. We are looking forward to seeing him.
Sept. 14, 2011 - Grandson, Ryland Gardner, has been assigned to the USS Samuel B. Roberts FFG-58. The Roberts is home ported in Mayport, FL, just North East of Jacksonville, FL. He will only be about 10 hours from home when he is in port.
August 13, 2011 - Ryland will be attending Quartermaster (QM) school (navigation, maps, GPS, tides & currents, steering and such). That school is 10 weeks long. At the end of that time he will come home for a short vacation and then be assigned to a ship or shore station.
Ryland with his dad, Roland Gardner at graduation from Navy Boot Camp, 8/12/2011
August 11, 2011 - Sisters, Barbara Morris and Liz Herbert, Kim Gardner and father, Roland Gardner, are flying to Chicago to witness Ryland's graduation from Navy Boot Camp in Great Lakes, IL on Friday, August 12, 2011.
July 19, 2011 - Ryland has completed a month of training in the U. S. Navy. He has already done well enough to be advanced from Seaman Recruit to Seaman Apprentice (E2). He is enjoying his time at Great Lakes Naval Training Center.
Ryland will graduate from "Boot Camp" on August 12, 2011. Some of the family plan to go and see the ceremony.
June 14, 2011- Ryland Gardner, Grandson and Roland & Melinda's youngest son, departed for the U. S. Navy today. He will be flying to Great Lakes, IL for Navy Boot Camp. After boot camp he will attend Quartermaster (navigation) school.
The family gave Ryland a big going away party on Sunday at his sister's home (Barbara) in Baton Rouge. It was well attended by over 30 family and friends. Many of those same friends were at the recruiting office when Ryland left on Tuesday for the Navy. Good Luck and God Bless You Ryland! Or as old sailors say, "Farewell and Following Seas!"
Ryland Graduation Photos - 2011
