The Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation has chosen two longtime advocates for veterans’ rights for this year’s Creative Living Award.

Tom Bennett and Robert Tankard are the 2026 recipients of the award, which dates back to 1983, created by Ruth Redding to honor her friend and Oak Bluffs resident Ruth Bogan.

“Tom and Bob have made such a strong impact on our community, both individually and together,” Paul Schulz, executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation, said in a statement announcing the award. “They embody the principles of the Creative Living Award and we are honored to celebrate their achievements.”

For years, Mr. Bennett served as the associate executive director and senior clinical advisor for the Island Counseling Center at Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. He now serves as director of veterans services. 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

Mr. Tankard’s service to the Island has come in many forms, including educator and principal at the West Tisbury School, football coach, co-founder and trustee at Martha’s Vineyard Diversity Coalition and board member for Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, to name a few. He served in the Army in Korea after enlisting in 1964.

Mr. Bennett and Mr. Tankard have also played a large role in advocating for the veterans’ housing development which is being built in Oak Bluffs.

A celebration will be held on a date to be announced in the future. For more information, contact [email protected].