Zachariah Jal Gai
CHAIRMAN
Zacharia Gai was born in Sudan and came to the United States as a refugee, determined to give back to the nation that offered him safety and opportunity. Shortly after arriving, he was inspired to pursue military service, a calling that began when he saw community college advertisements for the GED program and recruitment messages for the U.S. Army and National Guard.
Mr. Gai completed his General Education Development (GED) credential at Elgin Community College, where he studied English, math, science, and social studies under Professor Sally Guy, who became a critical mentor and lifelong friend. He continued his studies while working part-time and preparing for military service, ultimately earning his place in the U.S. Army.
During his military career, Mr. Gai served with distinction as a Green Beret in the U.S. Army Special Forces. His assignments included deployments to Iraq and multiple locations around the world, where he supported critical missions in defense of the United States. He was permanently stationed in North Carolina beginning in 2008.
Following his military service, Mr. Gai advanced his education, completing an associate degree at Fayetteville Technical Community College, a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, and a master’s degree in cybersecurity from Excelsior University. He currently serves as an instructor for Valiant Integrated Services, contributing extensive operational and technical expertise to the defense community.
In 2015, Mr. Gai returned to South Sudan, where he met his wife. She later joined him in North Carolina, where they now reside with their four sons. His mother also lives with the family, forming a strong multigenerational household rooted in resilience and gratitude.
Committed to serving vulnerable communities beyond the military, Mr. Gai founded the Happy Heart Orphanage in 2023 to support displaced children in Northern Uganda, many of whom are refugees from his home region. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to service, education, and humanitarian leadership.
Mr. Gai credits the support he received in his early years in the United States—particularly from Elgin Community College and its Veterans Services programs—as instrumental in helping him adapt to a new culture and pursue his goals. “We had a diverse classroom,” he says. “We learned from each other.”
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