Local Military Hero Honored at San Diego Gulls Game

By Cindy Li Legislative Intern for Supervisor Joel Anderson’s Office

On February 19, 2023, veteran Thomas Girard was honored as the “Military Hero of the Game” by the American Hockey League’s San Diego Gulls. The Gulls fought valiantly as they took on the Bakersfield Condors.

In the roaring crowd was the Second District Supervisor for the County of San Diego, Joel Anderson. Supervisor Anderson commemorated Thomas Girard’s invaluable contributions and service to his country and the San Diego community by presenting him with a District Proclamation.

“Thomas Girard is the embodiment of dedication to one’s community,” Anderson proudly stated. “I am honored to recognize his service to our country abroad and his dedication to his community at home.”

For 10 years, Girard honorably served the United States Air Force (USAF) as a Security Forces Fire Team member in the Middle East and Europe. His father served in the USAF for 24 years and his grandfather served in the U.S. Navy for 24 years. Girard lived on a military installation for most of his life and came from a family of military heroes. The desire to protect and defend his country was in his blood.

After the 9/11 tragedy, Girard knew he had to do his part to serve his nation. In 2006, he joined the Air Force Security Forces where he manned security gates and control towers, served as military law enforcement, and searched the military installation for unexploded ordnance.

In recognition of Girard’s dedicated service, he received the Iraqi Campaign Medal for his valorous efforts during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was also presented with the Meritorious Unit Award, the National Defense Service Award, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal for his time in the Middle East.

Following his military service, Girard began a career in law enforcement as a police officer in Arizona. He then moved to San Diego where he excelled in the real estate field, now serving the community as a top 3% real estate agent in the county.

Today, many veterans struggle with employment and housing insecurity as they transition from military to civilian life. Girard drew upon his military discipline, organization, and compassion for his fellow veterans to focus on helping as many active-duty service members and veterans as he can.

“Specializing in that, knowing where they are coming from, knowing how to navigate the VA system, it really has allowed me to truly help our veterans get into homes,” Girard said.

Girard also currently serves the San Diego County Flood Control Advisory Board where he works diligently to ensure the safety of his fellow citizens in the event of a natural disaster.

Be it his bravery in serving our nation or his unyielding commitment to supporting his local community, Thomas Girard states that he will always live by the USAF Security Forces motto: “Defensor Fortis.”

Girard explained, “It means ‘Defenders of the Force.’ That’s kind of the motto I even use for real estate because I’m defending those who have served and [ensuring] that they’re well taken care of when it comes to real estate.”