Tom Bennett and Dr. Robert Tankard – fellow veterans and advocates for veterans’ rights – have been selected as the recipients of the 43rd Creative Living Award. Tom and Bob are lifelong friends who played football together at the regional high school, graduated in the MVRHS Class of 1964, and enlisted in the services under a time of significant social, political, and racial pressure.

“Tom and Bob have made such a strong impact on our community, both individually and together,” said Executive Director Paul Schulz. “They embody the principles of the Creative Living Award, which recognizes people whose leadership, innovation, generosity and community service help make Martha’s Vineyard a more vibrant and caring place to live. We are honored to celebrate their achievements.”

For years, Tom Bennett served as the Associate Executive Director and Senior Clinical Advisor for the Island Counseling Center at Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (MVCS). He now serves as Director of Veterans Services. Tom grew up on Chappaquiddick before moving to Edgartown and graduating from Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) in 1964. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1965 and served active duty as a medic, supporting soldiers who were wounded in and returning from the Vietnam War. Upon returning to the Vineyard in 1969, he resumed work with local youth; coached baseball for 16 years; ran for and was elected one of the first two graduates of MVRHS to be elected to the School Committee; . He used the GI Bill to earn his graduate degree from Antioch College. He began work at Martha’s Vineyard Community Services and moved through the organization, leading the Summer Project, Youth Center, and Daybreak programs before focusing on the mental health center.

In 1984, Tom joined Woody Williams’s grassroots veterans group that counseled returning war veterans. Tom officially established the Veterans Administration-supported readjustment counseling program on the Vineyard in 1986, working to ensure continuous support for veterans and their families, He continues that advocacy and support to this day.

Dr. Robert A. Tankard works as Martha’s Vineyard Veterans’ Outreach Advocate. He is known as “Bob,” “Coach,” and “Tank.” His service to the Island has assumed many forms: educator; principal at the West Tisbury School; coach; co-founder and trustee at Martha’s Vineyard Diversity Coalition; Board member for Martha’s Vineyard Community Services; Board member for Martha’s Vineyard Community Television, where he hosts the popular show “Tank Talk;” counselor; and chairing the Tisbury School Committee and being Vice Chair of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School Committee. He served in the Army in Korea after enlisting in 1964. Dr. Tankard obtained his Doctoral Degree from the Fielding Graduate University, a Master’s Degree from Bridgewater State College, a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts, and a Certificate of Leadership from The Principals’ Center at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Can you add something after the two bios describing their incredible friendship – helping explain why they are getting this award together?

While their lifelong contributions to the community are too numerous to list, their most recent foray into housing for veterans is noteworthy. Their tireless advocacy and fundraising on behalf of Island veterans has resulted in a soon-to-be-constructed building in Oak Bluffs with 12 apartments designed specifically for veterans.