War Eagle Garage was born out of tragedy and a calling to make a difference for veterans who might be struggling alone. Its founder, Thompson Tindall, a welding teacher at a community college, was passionate about helping his students succeed. Among them was a veteran he worked with closely, guiding him as he pursued his studies and reintegrated into civilian life. Thompson, a veteran himself, took pride in his student’s progress and the bond they formed.

But during a holiday break, Thompson received devastating news: his veteran student had taken his own life. The grief weighed heavily on him. It wasn’t just the loss of a student—it was a call to action. Thompson felt an overwhelming need to do something, to create a safe place for veterans where they could feel connected, understood, and valued.

As War Eagle Garage began to take shape, another traumatic event solidified Thompson’s commitment to the veteran community. While administering a final exam, Thompson discovered one of his students cheating. When he confronted the student, the situation escalated quickly, and the student pulled a gun on him. This terrifying encounter left him shaken and struggling with his own PTSD. In that moment, he realized just how essential his connection to the veteran community was for his own resilience. They were his support network—the people who understood the depths of trauma and the strength needed to push through it.

Driven by these experiences, Thompson established War Eagle Garage, not as a physical garage but as a refuge where veterans could find camaraderie, purpose, and support. War Eagle Garage would go on to become a beacon for veterans looking to connect, grow, and rebuild, led by a man who truly understood the importance of community in healing.

As War Eagle Garage grew, so did its impact. Veterans began reaching out, but many were confused by the name, assuming War Eagle Garage was a physical garage where they could get their vehicles repaired. At first, Thompson was taken aback by this misunderstanding. But as more veterans expressed this need, he realized that their confusion pointed to an unmet necessity within the veteran community.

For many veterans, reliable transportation is essential. It’s more than just a means of getting from one place to another—it’s a way to access jobs, medical appointments, and social connections. Yet, vehicle repairs and maintenance can be costly and often difficult to manage. Thompson knew firsthand the frustration and isolation that can come when your independence is compromised, and he felt compelled to respond.

This is when the idea for the Veteran Vehicle Assistance Fund was born. Rather than turning veterans away, Thompson saw an opportunity to expand War Eagle Garage’s mission. Through the Veteran Vehicle Assistance Fund, War Eagle Garage could help veterans get back on the road safely and affordably. The fund would support car repairs and maintenance for veterans in need, providing not just financial assistance but also a sense of empowerment and stability.

With this new initiative, War Eagle Garage took on an even greater role in the veteran community. It became more than a source of support and camaraderie; it became a lifeline, helping veterans overcome everyday challenges and gain the independence they needed to thrive. For Thompson, what started as a way to honor one veteran’s memory had grown into a full-fledged mission to serve and uplift his fellow veterans in ways he’d never initially envisioned.