Jim Gingras

Name: Jim Gingras
City/State: Cross Plains, WI
Branch of Service: Air Force
Years of Service: 21
Last Rank Held: O5
Military Occupation: Foreign Area Officer (Military Diplomat)
Current Occupation: Real Estate Developer
X: TBD
Instagram: @jamesg1127
Facebook: TBD

Jim outside of the military:

I retired from active duty in 2022 so our family could be back with extended family. After serving 16 years overseas, we wanted to come home to provide support that we couldn’t while serving thousands of miles apart. It was important for the kids to develop deep roots and family connections. We have also started three businesses in the three years since retiring. Currently, we’re doing a real estate development project to restore a 1930s-era resort with 15 cabins in Baraboo, WI. Finally, since I love teaching, I’m training to get back in the classroom as a high school social studies teacher.

Jim on joining the IAVA Cavalry:

I am passionate about many of the causes that IAVA advocates for. I believe it is up to us to ensure change happens, and the only way to do that is to start talking about it with policymakers.

How the military experience affected Jim’s personal growth:

Having served on active duty for 25 years (21 years + 4 at USAFA), I am largely the person I am today thanks to my military service. Even after retiring, my military background continues to shape everything I do.

IAVA’s policy priorities that are the most pressing:

I believe Alternative Therapies for mental health need to happen now. There is compelling evidence that MDMA assisted psilocybin treatment has a profound positive effect on mental health. There is a whole generation that needs help with PTSD and other mental health issues that could significantly benefit from this change.

IAVA’s policy priorities with the strongest personal connection for Jim:

We need to have the backs of our Afghan Allies. I sponsored 3 Afghan families on their SIV journey. Sadly, one took over 10 years to finally get approved … in June 2021. We spent the next six months trying to get this family out. They took beatings from the Taliban when Kabul fell (even the 12-year-old son). They went into hiding and evaded around the country. Eventually, we succeeded in getting them out thanks to IGO and NGO support. I continue to help others, but our SIV process is broken and needs help. We gave our word that if our Afghan partners helped us, we would help them. That sacred promise needs to be fulfilled.