[Arefin Bari]

I have known Gary since 2002 Robot Rodeo. I went over to their pit to check out their transmission, while Gary gave me a brief overview of Fluffy (S.P.A.M.'s 2002 roobt). Right away I knew that this man had something to offer to me, a lot of knowledge. He is one of the mentors in FIRST I definitely look up to. He is very inspiring as well as a very good friend. Not only that he had few good discussions with me about engineering, he also helped my team...

... 2004 UCF regional, Thursday evening, team 108's robot was 138 pounds, few of us from the team stayed back in the pit to work on the robot. One man that was still there who didn't have any reason to stick around but just to show gracious professionalism. Yes, Gary Dillard was there standing right behind us, supplying us tools, screws, drills, power (whatever we needed). I salute him for who he is, a great guy who knows the true meaning of FIRST.

Not only that he is a great inspiring mentor on S.P.A.M. he is also a very good friend of mine. I met him through his wonderful daughter who is also a part of S.P.A.M., April Dillard. I have realized why I am still in FIRST, it is because I still have mentors and friends like Gary Dillard who takes time out of their hand to show and tell us about things we want to learn about.

Gary, you truly deserve this honor, Congratulation man.