Anthony Pagliari

Anthony Pagliari’s journey from an ordinary upbringing to a 22-year distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force, and later, entrepreneurship, reflects a life of resilience, adaptability, and service. Born in Waterbury, Connecticut in 1967, Anthony moved to Florida at a young age and completed his high school education in 1986. His early work as a mechanic left him seeking greater purpose, prompting him to explore the military with a friend. Initially, they considered joining the Marines, but Anthony ultimately chose the Air Force, embarking on a career that would span over two decades.

His Air Force journey began in 1989, stationed at various locations, including Sheppard Air Force Base and Travis Air Force Base in California. As a C-5 crew chief, he handled some of the largest aircraft in the U.S. military, which required technical expertise and unwavering attention to detail. A transfer to Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii followed, and his role evolved over time. Despite a fulfilling position as a crew chief, Anthony sought more. He decided to retrain as a flight engineer, a challenging process that took two years, involving water survival and survival evasion resistance and escape (SERE) training. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and eventually accumulated over 5,000 flying hours, participating in multiple major military operations such as Iraqi Freedom.

Anthony’s Air Force career exposed him to high-stress, dangerous situations, particularly during international conflicts. He recalls one notable mission shortly after the Black Hawk Down incident in Mogadishu, where his aircraft’s landing was delayed due to unrest on the runway. They eventually landed but had to take cover when unrest flared up again. On another occasion, a landing gear malfunction in Kuwait put his crew at risk, forcing them to stay airborne until they could safely land. These incidents tested his mettle, but they were pivotal experiences that shaped his career.

After retiring from the Air Force in 2011, Anthony transitioned into law enforcement, joining the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office in California. For the next decade, he worked as a deputy, balancing the demands of public service with the challenges of life outside the military. His time in law enforcement further honed his leadership and decision-making skills, though it came with its own difficulties. After ten years in this role, he retired from law enforcement and returned to Florida, reuniting with his roots.

It was in Florida that Anthony embraced a new challenge: entrepreneurship. Along with his wife, who is a doctor of nursing, Anthony launched a franchise of Game Day Men’s Health, a clinic focused on testosterone replacement, weight loss, and men’s health services. Their motivation stemmed from a desire to help men over 40, who often face health challenges yet lack dedicated resources. They aimed to create a space where veterans and first responders, in particular, would find the care and support they deserve. Anthony’s involvement in veteran advocacy didn’t stop with his business; he also became actively involved with the Pinellas County Veterans Association, working to bridge the gap between veterans and the resources available to them.

Anthony’s life story is one of commitment to service—whether in the military, law enforcement, or as an advocate for men’s health and veterans’ rights. Through each chapter of his life, Anthony has demonstrated resilience, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of purpose, making him a role model for veterans and civilians alike. His journey showcases how military service can serve as a foundation for lifelong success and fulfillment, even as it transitions into civilian ventures.