Gares Garber

LT. COLONEL GARES GARBER, JR.
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Cadet Squadron: 10

Known to his classmates and the Air Force community as "Jerry," Gares Garber, Jr. was a proud native of Alexandria, Virginia. He received his Congressional appointment to the newly formed United States Air Force Academy in 1955, arriving at the temporary campus at Lowry Air Force Base as a member of the "Pioneer Class." As a cadet in Cadet Squadron 10, Jerry was defined by a steady temperament and a moral compass that never wavered. His 1959 Polaris yearbook entry summarized his character in five words that would prove prophetic for his entire career: "His loyalty is his honor."

The culmination of Jerry’s cadet career was marked by the frenetic and joyous activity of June Week 1959. Following graduation and commissioning, he joined many of his classmates in the tradition of "instant tradition" weddings. He married his wife, Mary, beginning a partnership that would span 58 years of military moves and civilian service.

Upon graduation in June 1959, Jerry entered the navigator pipeline. His early operational years were spent in the high-stakes environment of the Cold War, serving as a Navigator in the 431st Air Refueling Squadron at Biggs AFB. By 1962, as the Air Force's strategic focus expanded, he transitioned into the burgeoning missile program. For four years, he served as a Missile Combat Crew Member with the 341st Strategic Missile Wing at Malmstrom AFB, pulling alerts during some of the most tense years of the nuclear standoff.

Jerry’s technical expertise and operational versatility led him to the Manned Space Flight Support mission at Patrick AFB (1966–1968), where he supported the nation’s reach for the moon during the Apollo era. He followed this with a tour as a Missile Operations Officer at Vandenberg AFB and a position as a Plans Officer at Headquarters SAC, where he helped shape the strategic capabilities of the Air Force.

In 1971, Jerry returned to Colorado Springs to give back to the institution that shaped him. His impact on the Academy was three-fold: he served as an Air Officer Commanding (AOC), was a key figure in the Executive Honor and Ethics office, and served as the Executive Secretary of the Association of Graduates (AOG). During this time, he was also the Editor of Checkpoints magazine, where he worked tirelessly to maintain the bond of the "Long Blue Line" for a growing body of alumni.

After a final operational tour at Ellsworth AFB, Jerry returned to USAFA for his final active-duty assignment as the Director of Professional Ethics. After 22 years of decorated service, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Jerry’s commitment to service did not end with his uniform. He moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he spent a decade in corporate leadership at USAA. In 1992, he transitioned to his "third career" in education, spending 17 years as a teacher at a Diagnostic & Remedial Reading Clinic. There, he applied the same patience and mentorship he once gave his cadets to help children and adults overcome literacy challenges. A lifelong learner and a man of deep integrity, Jerry Garber’s legacy is one of unwavering loyalty—to his country, his family, and the Academy.

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SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS
Year Duty Location
1960 – 1962 Navigator, 431st Air Refueling Squadron Biggs AFB, TX
1962 – 1966 Missile Combat Crew Member, 341 SMW Malmstrom AFB, MT
1966 – 1968 Manned Space Flight Support Patrick AFB, FL
1968 – 1969 Missile Operations Officer, 1st Strat Aero Div Vandenberg AFB, CA
1969 – 1971 Plans Officer, Headquarters SAC Offutt AFB, NE
1971 – 1976 AOC / Exec. Sec. AOG / Editor of Checkpoints USAFA, CO
1976 – 1979 Operations Officer, 67th Strategic Missile Sq Ellsworth AFB, SD
1979 – 1982 Director of Professional Ethics USAFA, CO
1982 – 1992 Corporate Leadership USAA, San Antonio, TX
1992 – 2009 Diagnostic & Remedial Reading Specialist San Antonio, TX

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MEDALS AND AWARDS
• Meritorious Service Medal (3 Awards)
• Air Force Commendation Medal (3 Awards)