Gary began his mine rescue career in 1988 as an alternate for the WIPP Silver team and worked his way up to team Captain in 1994. He has competed in at least three Regional competitions a year for the past 25 years as well as at the National competitions. The WIPP team has won many awards including the prestigious Governor’s Trophy of New Mexico. Gary is always ready to help other teams and demonstrated his dedication to mine rescue by participating in several rescues of person in shafts, from a cave in, and help fight two underground mine fires.