| John D. Gardner | |
| Birth Date: | 27 September 1954 |
| Birth Place: | Columbus, Ohio |
| Placeofburial Label: | Place of burial |
| Nickname: | Jack |
| Allegiance: | United States of America |
| Serviceyears: | 1976–2012 |
| Rank: | Lieutenant General |
| Commands: | U.S. Army South Task Force 134 |
| Unit: | United States European Command |
| Battles: | Iraq War |
| Awards: | Army Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit (4) Bronze Star Medal Meritorious Service Medal (6) |
John Donovan "Jack" Gardner[1] (born 27 September 1954)[2] is a retired lieutenant general in the United States Army. He is the former deputy commander of the United States European Command in Stuttgart, Germany.[3] [4] During his career he served in Europe, Asia, Latin America, Bosnia, Iraq and numerous locations throughout the United States. He currently serves as the director of the 21st Century Jobskills Project, a nonprofit organization focused on assisting public school students in transitioning to living wage jobs.[5] Gardner is a native of Columbus, Ohio.[6]
Gardner was assigned as deputy commander for detainee operations/Commander of Task Force 134, Multinational Force Iraq. His oversight included all detainee operations at Camp Bucca, Camp Cropper, Fort Suse and Abu Ghraib prison as well as operations at Camp Ashraf. Both Fort Suse and Abu Ghraib prison were returned to Iraq control during his tenure.[7] [8]
Gardner was the commander of the United States Army South where he oversaw American military operations in 31 countries and 13 dependencies, in Central and South America and the Caribbean. His operational area of responsibility covered over 15.6 million square miles (40.4 million km2) of area, or one-sixth of the world's surface.
Gardner retired from active duty in the Army in May 2012.[6]
Gardner is a graduate of West Point in 1976[1] and the Army Command and General Staff College. In addition Gardner holds a master's degree from Georgetown University, and completed a Senior Service College Fellowship at Harvard University.