Our mission & the man behind it
We exist to support local military families during times of hardship, and to inspire the next generation to explore a career in aviation — honoring the life and legacy of Major Rick “GUNS” Garin.
A twofold mission
First, we stand with local military families during times of hardship — mobilizing fast, direct relief when they need it most. Second, we educate and encourage young people to explore a career in aviation, opening the cockpit through free, premium educational content with our partner E3 Aviation.
Major Rick “Guns” Garin
Major Richard Charles “GUNS” Garin (Rick) was a loving, dedicated, and accomplished person who made the world a better place wherever he went.
He was an incredible husband, father, brother, son, friend, and pilot. This organization was founded to honor his life and to inspire other young aspiring pilots to follow in his footsteps. The members of our board see the importance of preserving his memory through the efforts of the Foundation.
How the foundation serves
Veteran Family Relief & Assistance
We believe every veteran is unique and should be cared for that way. With an average response time of less than 24 hours, and more than 300 veterans helped to date, we mobilize aid quickly and effectively for our service members and their families when they need it most.
Aviation Education
Our partnership with E3 Aviation lets us educate and empower future aviators by providing exclusive access to thousands of hours of premium aviation educational content — completely free for students.
Annual Golf Tournament
The Annual Guns Garin Memorial Golf Tournament is hosted by PGA Tour Player Michael Thompson and benefits veterans and their families around the country.
Learn MoreVeteran Mental Health Initiative
1 in 3 veterans is actively dealing with a known mental health issue — including PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and TBI. GGMF is committed to helping provide in-person and group therapy for veterans who need it.
Standing in the gap for those who stood for us.
Partners make an even bigger impact
Corporate, event, and church partnerships reach more veterans and create more impact. Align your organization with a mission that delivers help within 24 hours.
Event Sponsorships
Sponsor a Guns Garin event and publicly show your support for our military.
Corporate Sponsorships
Make a monthly pledge, a one-time donation, or run an employee action campaign.
Church Partners
Make supporting our veterans part of your missions program and tell your congregation you stand with our military.
Generous partners who help us answer the call for veterans and future aviators.
PGA Tour ProfessionalMichael Thompson
We are deeply grateful to Michael Thompson for his generous support of our foundation. Michael is an 11-year veteran member of the PGA Tour — winner of the 2020 3M Open and the 2013 Honda Classic, and runner-up at the 2012 U.S. Open.
A graduate of the University of Alabama, Michael has been a consummate professional and volunteer ever since attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He is committed to helping veterans and their families in partnership with our foundation.
- 2020 3M Open Champion
- 2013 Honda Classic Champion
- 2012 U.S. Open Runner-Up
Help us carry the legacy forward
Your gift puts real help in the hands of military families — and keeps the dream of flight within reach for the next generation.