What Are People Saying About Us

• Dear Troop Rewards, Many continued thanks for the awesome experience for my family in Key West 2018. There aren't words to describe the impact you and your organization are having on returning service members and their families. As mentioned during our trip I would like to provide you with an American Flag that was flown in my helicopter on several combat missions during my 2017/2018 deployment to Afghanistan. Also my wife and I would like to make a monetary donation to ensure the continued success of your mission.

  ~ Apache Helicopter Pilot - Key West RnR Trip 2018

• Dear Troop Rewards, Another huge THANKS for our vacation. A much needed, stress-free, family break. It was our first vacation in...way too long to count. We'll be moving to Ft. Benning, Ga in a few weeks where we can finally all be together again. We will certainly keep spreading the word of all the great things you are doing for our deployed troops. Thank you!! and God Bless.

  ~ Army W2 - Sandpearl Resort & Spa - Memorial RnR 2018

• Dear Troop Rewards Chairman Tom Burkett, Thank you so much for your interest in Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. We take great pride in our role as a corporate leader by supporting numerous community efforts. We are please to honor your request for a donation. Enclosed are the complimentary single day admissions to Busch Gardens Troop Rewards requested. On behalf of Busch Gardens, we wish you much success with your organization's activities.

  ~ C. Lilana Hughson, Community Relations Representative, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

• Troop Rewards, On behalf of all of us at Historic Tours of America, I would like to welcome the selected families to Key West and invite them to visit our attractions and take our tours while they are here. We are thrilled we are able to work with Troop Rewards in providing these wonderful vacations for our troops and their families.

  ~ Christopher C. Belland, CEO of Historic Tours of America

• Dear Troop Rewards, We just want to say THAAAAANK YOU for ALL you guys did for us this past week!!! We really enjoyed our stay and we're looking forward to coming back and visiting again! Jayla actually cried hysterically when we left this morning and said she was going to MISS her new friends she made there ( the staff....by the way THEY ALL WERE PHENOMENAL). I promised her we'll bring her back to visit you all and then she calmed down. It's very rare that a place leave a great impression on us but WOW.....You guys by far surpassed excellent service!!! I would recommend The Sandpearl Resort to ANY and EVERYONE who wants to truly enjoy themselves on a GREAT vacation. Thanks Tom..... YOU GUYS ARE BEYOND AWESOME!!!!

  ~ Crystal & Josiah, (USAF Family), Sandpearl Resort & Spa October 2014

• Dear Troop Rewards and Staff, Thank you very much for the incredible recovery vacation. Our family was truly spoiled by the luxurious accommodations at the Sunset Key Guest Cottages, wonderful food and exciting excursions provided by Fury Water Adventures. It was the perfect way to spend time together as a family in between deployments. We are grateful for all the work that Troop Rewards did to make this possible. It truly made a difference in our life. Enclosed, please find a Unit Coin from Dan's unit as an expression of our gratitude.

  ~ Dan & Lauren and Family (US Army), Sunset Key Guest Cottages, Key West September 2014

• I just wanted to send a quick note thanking you not only for all you are doing for the troops, but for the coins and beautiful framed letter. What a wonderful experience we had last night and we certainly look forward to working with you in the future.

  ~ Derek with Fury Water Adventures, Key West

• I was honored to help welcome home our US Air Force servicemen and women and thank them for their service and speak at your event. I think its great what Troop Rewards is doing to Honor, Remember, and Reward our local heroes serving our country.

  ~ George Cretekos, Mayor of City of Clearwater

• Dear Troop Rewards, It was our pleasure to provide complimentary transfers from the Key West Ferry to and from the resort for the 10 families. Thank you. It was great to support a great organization like Troop Rewards.

  ~ Glenn Stevenson

• Thank you for this great opportunity and honor!!! We are having such a great time in Key West!!!

  ~ Jessica, Adam, Giovoni, and Angel (USAF), Sunset Key Guest Cottages, Key West September 2013

• Dear Troop Rewards, Manuela and I wanted to express our sincere gratitude to you and the entire team at Troop Rewards, both for our fun vacation at Sandpearl and for all that you do for our returning veterans. The warm welcome our family received and the sheer fun experienced during the vacation was heartwarming. The one Sergeant who spoke up during the ice breaker/awards ceremony said it perfectly when he expressed that it is the actions of folks like yourselves that remind us of who (and what), we are serving (and sacrificing) for... this great country of ours. We all serve in our own way; your father during Korea, and now yourself, in such a profound way... you're a great American patriot. Our daughter, Vanessa Pottinger had recently returned from a dramatic tour in Afghanistan and difficult 6 month separation from her husband Roger and 2 year old daughter Layla. But I saw that this vacation helped restore her spirit and reset our love together as a family. We thank you for helping set the stage for that recovery. Once again, our thanks... and very best wishes to you, your family, and the TR team.

  ~ John and Manuela Melville (Father of USAF Capt), Sandpearl Resort & Spa 2015

• Tom and Troop Rewards, We want to thank you so much for the trip to Key West. We had so much fun and it was a great way to celebrate Jonathan's homecoming and our Anniversary. We could not have asked for a better experience. What you are doing at Troop Rewards is amazing. Thank you again.

  ~ Jonathan, Kristin and Natalie (USAF) Sunset Key Guest Cottages, Key West September 2013

• To Troop Rewards, The rest of the world may never understand why America is the greatest place on earth, they cannot grasp what connects 300 million people of different races, religions, and cultures. We all come from different backgrounds and different lifestyles. But we are all united by the hope and courage freedom brings. There is nothing as powerful as free men and women giving of themselves to help others! It matters not if they are a firefighter running into a burning building, or a soldier volunteering to defend his country, or a CEO organizing and giving of his time and resources to remind soldiers that Americans care about their sacrifices. Thank you for what you and your organization are doing to help veterans. Sincerely a grateful veteran and brother.

  ~ Kevin (US Army), September 2013

• Troop Rewards, We would like to thank you and all your Troop Rewards volunteers team for joining us during our Clearwater Celebrates America Event this 4th of July. We are so happy to have been able to involve such a wonderful cause and organization and hope to work with Troop Rewards in the future.

  ~ Kris, Erin, Chrystal, Matt, & Natialie, City of Clearwater Events & Festivals Dept.

• I wanted to thank you personally from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity you are giving my husband and I with this vacation! We are both so grateful and excited! and with this deployment feeling like is taking forever to go by, it gives us something to look forward to! Well of course, other than his homecoming and being reunited as a family again :). I can't wait to personally shake your hand and tell you thank you, this means so much to us! (can you tell how often we go on vacation lol) Florida is such a beautiful place! I think it's our calling to live on the beach someday, well for Timothy it would be a boat! I think it's so amazing what Troop Rewards does for families!

  ~ Lauren (US Army Spouse), Sunset Key Guest Cottages, Key West August 2014

• Thank you so much Troop Rewards for all that you do! I wish I could have stayed and finished our family vacation but unfortunately I had to have surgery! Achilles surgery went well and recovery is going great! Our family have never had anything like that in the 21 years of my husband service to the USAF. It was such a honor and we couldn't be more grateful! The Hyatt was BEAUTIFUL and hopefully one day we can return and finish out our stay! It seemed as a dream! Thank you so much! God Bless! Tom, you have an amazing heart! Wish the world had more people like you! You're an amazing person for all that you do for the military families! It does not go unnoticed! Thanks again!

  ~ MacDill AFB Family, Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa, Memorial Day 2015

• Troop Rewards, What you are doing for so many military families is so wonderful! Our family was greatly blessed by the vacation your organization arranged. We will never forget what Troop Rewards has done; our family made great memories! Thank you!!!

  ~ Michael, Nathalia, & Family (USAF), Shephard's Beach Resort, Veterans Day 2014

• To Troop Rewards, We just wanted to thank you again for the incredible experience we had last week. We had an amazing and relaxing time! Thanks so much for accommodating our family and showing us a good time with all the activities. My wife and I appreciated the opportunity to chat and get to know the Founder, Tom Burkett, and your organization a little better. We are grateful and appreciative for what Troop Rewards does. The folks at the Sandpearl made us feel so welcome and appreciated. Thanks for putting all of this together. Please feel free to keep us on a list in your back pocket of people to call if you ever need anything.

  ~ Mike and Song (USAF), Sandpearl Resort and Spa, Memorial Day 2015

• I got goose bumps just telling our management team at Fury this morning all about the awesome Troop Rewards program we are participating in next week. I passed around the names of the families and the entire team is aware and supportive and we promise to make this special! You will LOVE Derek he is going to be the ideal liaison for you and these folks to really get the most out of this visit!

  ~ Nadene Grossman, Fury Water Adventures, Key West

• I am really ‘welling up’ a little! ..at how Awesome this is …what an amazing program …I’m thrilled to be just a small part of it! I hope that you will count me in for anything you do in Key West … always! Congratulations to you on your future successes in growing this program … so very impressive!

  ~ Nadene, One of our Sponsors in Key West

• Dear Troop Rewards and Staff, Bob and I just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate your foundation for the work you all do. Our week at the Sandpearl was so relaxing. It was truly wonderful to be able to have a worry-free vacation together after such a long deployment. Absolutely everyone was so gracious. Thank you so much!

  ~ Shannon, Robert & Family (US Army), Sandpearl Resort & Spa October 2014

• Dear Troop Rewards, On behalf of my wife and I, thank you for your generosity you showed us during the Memorial Day RnR trip. Your organization is a blessing, and one that will be forever remembered. It truly does mend some of the wounds we incur as we're called upon to serve away from our families for our country. It was definitely some much needed RnR and we're forever grateful. We'll be continuing to spread the word of your organization while getting others to invest in your efforts in anyway we can, to help pay the deed forward for our future troops. Please accept these unit patches as a token of our appreciation.

  ~ SSgt

• Dear Troop Rewards, We can't thank you enough for the opportunity you gave us for our vacation! We were truly blessed and my husband and I were able to reconnect and just be us! We are forever grateful for your generosity and meeting Mr. Burkett was truly a pleasure. Your organization is a great thing and has such a wonderful impact for us and we definitely had an amazing experience and made lots of memories!

  ~ The Rogers Family (US Army), Sunset Key Guest Cottages, Key West August 2014

• Troop Rewards, Thank you so much for giving our family a vacation we will never forget! What an amazing and wonderful blessing this trip was. We were treated like kings and queens and from the moment we arrived the experience was done with such excellence and attention to EVERY detail!! Thank you does NOT even come close to capturing our appreciation!! We will support verbally and financially this TOP NOTCH organization!!

  ~ Tom and Daire (USAF), Sunset Key Guest Cottages, Key West September 2013

• We endeavor to one day provide RnR Recovery Vacations to all soldiers returning from deployment and serving our country proudly.

  ~ Tom Burkett

• Dear Troop Rewards, I'm not sure even where to start with the gratitude that Anna and I have for the excellent vacation that was provided us. It's so crazy to think how almost a year ago Anna and I were saying this deal is way too good to be true, and then have it be something we talked about and thought about for the 8 months I was away in Afghanistan. To becoming a reality, and just what we needed!!! I can't express enough thanks to Troop Rewards for what you gave us. We literally enjoyed every single second we spent at the SandPearl. Everything that was provided via Troop Rewards was first class! I truly believe the majority of the individuals who serve in the military are humble people. We don't ask for a whole lot given the sacrifices we make, and for what our families make. Words cannot describe how awesome it is for an organization like Troop Rewards to go out of their way to give something back to the men, women, and their families who give so much. It is a true honor to sacrifice my time away from my family and country to serve in a time of war, so that organizations like Troop Rewards can give back!! Again, all I can say is thank you so much, and know that what you gave us will never be forgotten.

  ~ US Army Captain

• Dear Troop Rewards, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you once again for the tremendous vacation at the Sandpearl Resort this past week. My family and I had a wonderful time being together in such a welcoming and relaxing environment. We loved every minute of the vacation and were extremely surprised and delighted by the gesture of having a US flag flown in our honor. We truly felt appreciated for the sacrifices we've made for our Nation and can't thank you enough for all the hard work you've done to treat so many military families with a sense of gratitude. Thanks again!

  ~ US Army Lt Col and Family, Sandpearl Resort & Spa October 2014

• I have been a hard charging Airborne Ranger for almost 11 years and I plan to keep giving 100 percent until I retire at 20 years. I have not made these sacrifices alone… I have a wife of 10 years, a 3 year old son, and a 1 year old daughter that continue to support me, even when I am gone much more than I am home. I do not want this reward for me, but for my family to enjoy time together before they watch me leave them again. Thank you for your consideration and even if I am not picked, thank you for providing our service members with this awesome gift and opportunity. I am often told on the street at random “thank you for your service”, I have grown to respond with “thank you for caring that I serve”. Thank you for caring that we serve!

  ~ US Army SPC, Sunset Key Guest Cottages, Key West September 2013

• Tom, Thank you for your leadership of Troop Rewards and for your continued commitment to those who serve in uniform. I'm proud of the work you do. And thank you for including us in the Sandpearl event. It was a great night! Please let me know if I may ever be of assistance.

  ~ US Congressman, The Honorable David Jolly

• Thank you Troop Rewards and Tom Burkett for the work you are doing to honor and reward our servicemen and women in uniform. Anything I can do to help your organization, you just need to ask. It is Americans like you that are helping give the recognition that our returning soldiers deserve. I was very honored to be able to come speak at your event in May and personally thank each and every service member at this great event at The Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater.

  ~ US Congressman. The Honorable Gus Bilirakis, Representative for the 12th District of Florida

• Dear Troop Rewards, We wanted to tell you again how much we appreciate all that Troop Rewards has done for us. We had the time of our lives! We made many memories and met so many awesome people. We'll never forget it. We admire the amount of respect you have for us all and it has been a pleasure meeting you and your crew. Thank you!!! P.S. We have included some Navy Challenge Coins and Dolphin Pins for your staff as a way to say thanks.

  ~ US Navy MM2 (SS) & wife serving abroad the USS Virginia, Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa 2015

• Troop Rewards, I just wanted to take a moment and express how truly thankful my family and I are for the vacation that you provided us. It is really amazing what you guys are doing for the troops, I just wish more people knew about it. Me and my wife are going to do our best to spread the word. It was a very rewarding and humbling experience. The outpouring of support you get from people always hits home. My family and I really needed this time together and would never in a million years have been able to do something this amazing. If you ever need volunteers or assistance with anything keep us in mind. We would like to pass along our gratitude to Nadine, Derek, and Diane as well. Thanks again,

  ~ USAF Capt & Family, Key West September 2015

• Troop Rewards, My husband and I were so humbled & grateful for the Recovery Vacation at the Sandpearl Resort in May. It was such a wonderful week. We couldn't have asked for anything more. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to not only utilize this program, but to work & talk with Tom Burkett & hear his vision for Troop Rewards. It is people & organizations like this that makes Tampa Bay such a special place. With Troop Reward's drive and heart for the military, I have no doubt it will continue to grow & bless so many more families. Troop Rewards is doing such a special thing, thank you. Sincerely,

  ~ USAF Capt & Family, Sandpearl Resort & Spa, Memorial Day 2015

• To Troop Rewards, My family and I wanted to personally thank you for providing an amazing recovery vacation. The time spent away from family can never be replaced but being able to spend quality time with no stressors is a wonderful way to come home. The memories made on this vacation will last a lifetime. I can only wish all service members returning from one of the many deployments could experience a vacation like your organization provided. Presidents throughout the generations have spoken about shared sacrifice amongst Americans and that comes in many forms. The time, effort, and money offered by your organization and the Westin are an irreplaceable sacrifice. My family and I cannot thank you enough for providing amazing accommodations during this vacation.

  ~ USAF Captain, Sunset Key Guest Cottages, Key West September 2013

• Dear Troop Rewards, My husband and I wanted to extend our sincerest thanks for such a wonderful, relaxing and much needed get away, thanks to Troop Rewards. What a remarkable, kind and generous organization. It was a long year for the kids and me while "daddy" served our country in the Middle East. Getting to spend quality and quiet time together was extraordinary and a treat. Everyone at the Le Meridein Hotel Tampa was fabulous and our bellies were blessed with delicious food. The shows were amazing as well. Thank you to all who donated their time and talents. We were humbled by it all. You were all amazing. With Sincere Thanks, USAF Family

  ~ USAF Family Le Meridien Hotel "Couples RnR" Retreat July 2016

• Dear Troop Rewards, My husband and I wanted to extend our sincerest thanks for such a wonderful, relaxing and much needed get away, thanks to Troop Rewards. What a remarkable, kind and generous organization. It was a long year for the kids and me while "daddy" served our country in the Middle East. Getting to spend quality and quiet time together was extraordinary and a treat. Everyone at the Le Meridein Hotel Tampa was fabulous and our bellies were blessed with delicious food. The shows were amazing as well. Thank you to all who donated their time and talents. We were humbled by it all. You were all amazing. With Sincere Thanks,

  ~ USAF Family, Le Meridien Hotel July 2016

• Dear Troop Rewards, We would like to thank you and the Sandpearl Resort for this wonderful experience that was provided for our family. We will cherish it forever and are very grateful for all you and the resort staff did to make it all possible! We had a blast and enjoyed every second of it! THANK YOU again and God Bless you all.

  ~ USAF Family, Sandpearl Resort and Spa, Memorial Day 2015

• Dear Troop Rewards, We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the wonderful vacation your organization provided us. It was the best vacation we've ever experienced. The staff of the Sandpearl did an amazing job of treating us like family during our stay. Roberta did an amazing job of welcoming us and ensuring the rest of our stay was fun & relaxing. Your organization is touching lives & creating memories for military families. We appreciate all that you do and hope you will continue the great work for our military families. Warmest Regards,

  ~ USAF Family, Sandpearl Resort and Spa, Memorial Day 2016

• Thanks to Troop Rewards, Our recovery vacation was so amazing it's hard to describe with words...it was a once-in-a-lifetime dream vacation. My family and I were blown away by the hotel and lavish amenities provided at no charge. We are in awe of the generosity and activities provided by Troop Rewards and its sponsors. When I was deployed, I did my job, nothing more. Unfortunately, it took me away from my family during the winter holidays which made it especially difficult. My family and I were pampered and provided world-class comfort and attention at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa for an incredible 5 days. We are truly grateful for Troop Rewards and the Hyatt. Your selfless mission supports so many of my fellow service members who have also sacrificed so much for our country. "Thank you" doesn't begin to express our undying gratitude for all you've done, and all you will do for those that follow. With much appreciation!

  ~ USAF Lt Col and Family, Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa Memorial Day 2015

• Tom, I want to say a huge thank you to you, your volunteers, and your organization for the amazing vacation you provided for us in Clearwater a few weeks ago! The accommodations were excellent, the food - amazing, the views - spectacular and it was exactly what my family needed after a year apart. We came back from our trip refreshed, re-connected, and energized for getting back to normal, thankful to God, Troop Rewards, and the warm Florida sun!

  ~ USAF Lt Col Jason Bianchi, Memorial Day 2017

• Troop Rewards understands the unique stresses and separation dynamics placed on families during deployments and they go above and beyond to compensate for the time apart.

  ~ USAF Lt Col Jeremy Harmon (Ret)

• Dear Troop Rewards, I just wanted to say thank you again to you and your partners for an unforgettable week. My family and I will never forget your generosity and will definitely be ambassadors for Troop Rewards to those coming back from or heading to a deployment or remote assignment. After spending a year in Korea away from my family, every uninterrupted minute that we get together is a treasure. You and your partners at Troop Rewards provided my family a week's worth of uninterrupted minutes and an equal amount of memories together. On that same note, I will be heading out again in October for six months. I will be in Guantanamo Bay until April. Melissa is still interested in helping out as a liaison at the hotel if you still need her help. If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I will continue to sing the praises of you and your program. Best Regards,

  ~ USAF MSgt & Family, Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa Memorial Day 2015

• Dear Troop Rewards, As a military family, we have more than our fair share of people helping us out because of my time away, etc... I've been gone for probably a fourth of my 5 year marriage... but this is something else. On another level completely. If there's any way I can help whether it's promoting or whatever please let me know. We could never have pulled this off. By far the best week we've had as a family. Thank you

  ~ USMC Sgt & family, Sandpearl Resort & Spa October 2014