Every day, we walk past community members who’ve made extraordinary sacrifices for our everyday freedoms. One of them is Gary Bourgeois: a local leader, veteran, and lifelong practitioner of martial arts.
Gary recently retired as a master sergeant after 23 years in the Louisiana and Texas Army National Guard. His service included a deployment to Iraq, where he served as a tank commander and earned a Purple Heart. He also spent over a decade mentoring young soldiers in Recruiting and Retention.
Now, as a mortgage advisor with Barrett Financial Group LLC, Gary specializes in VA loans as he helps fellow veterans understand and access the benefits they've earned. He’s passionate about dispelling myths around VA loans that often discourage veterans from using this powerful tool.
Outside of work, Gary’s dedication continues through martial arts. A seventh-degree black belt in Taekwondo, he’s taught hundreds of students across Louisiana and Texas, and served as a Team USA coach at international competitions. Today, he’s back at white belt while training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu alongside his son.
Whether guiding veterans, coaching students, or leading in his community, Gary embodies the spirit of service. His life is a testament to leadership and a continued commitment to help those around him.