Garret Messner joined First Command Financial Services as a Financial Advisor in October 2015, following a 24-year career in the United States Army, where he attained the rank of Lt. Colonel. Garret understands the challenges and opportunities associated with life in the military and is committed to helping service members and their families get their financial lives squared away. Garret has a Doctorate's degree in Business Administration from Northcentral University and a Master's degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is also a graduate of the United States Military Academy and earned a Masters Degree from the United States Army Command and General Staff College. He holds Series 7, 66, and 24 securities licenses plus life and health insurance licenses in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Utah. Understanding that the biggest obstacle to financial security for most people is their own behavior, Garret serves as a personal financial coach to clients, continually reinforcing positive financial behaviors. His thorough knowledge of military pay and benefits enables him to advise clients on how to navigate the Blended Retirement System, properly allocate their contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and take full advantage of other benefits. Garret will work with you to establish specific, meaningful goals that are consistent with your values and then develop a personalized financial plan to guide your pursuit of those goals. In his free time, Garret enjoys reading and traveling. First Command Financial Services was founded in 1958 by a retired Air Force officer for the specific purpose of improving the financial well-being of military professionals and their families. Today, more than 500 First Command Financial Advisors across the country and abroad, many of whom also served, are committed to the company's Mission of Coaching those who serve in their pursuit of financial security.