In an era defined by digital saturation and a sedentary lifestyle crisis, the intersection of physical fitness and civic duty has never been more critical. For United States Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Tim Gick, the solution to engaging the youth of today lies in a creative, tactile, and purposeful endeavor. Through his company, "Not a Very Good Teacher," Gick has launched Mission Match!—a military-themed card game designed to do more than just entertain; it aims to instill a culture of physical activity, teamwork, and an appreciation for service among Generation Alpha.
The Foundations of Service: A Legacy Defined
To understand the drive behind Mission Match!, one must first look at the man behind the mission. Lieutenant Colonel Tim Gick’s life has been defined by a deep-seated commitment to the United States military. This was not a career choice made in a vacuum; it was a birthright.
Gick’s lineage is a tapestry of service across nearly every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. His father served in the Navy, his grandfather in the Army, and his uncle in the Marines, supported by a wider family network that included multiple uncles in the Air Force. The military culture even extended to his immediate family connections, including a brother-in-law currently serving as a two-star general in the Army.
"I guess there is a lot of military in my family," Gick reflects with characteristic humility.
His journey into uniform began in earnest at Texas Tech University, where he joined the Air Force ROTC. It was there that he met his roommate, Joseph Shamy, who would go on to have a distinguished career in the Air Force and currently serves as the JROTC Senior Aerospace Science Instructor at Franklin High School in El Paso, Texas.
"Tim and I connected at Texas Tech, and we were roommates," Shamy recalls. "He saw me training for ROTC, which ultimately led me into going into the Air Force."
Following his graduation, Gick entered Officer Candidate School in 2007. His career has since been marked by a series of high-stakes assignments, including multiple tours in Afghanistan and the Republic of Georgia, alongside critical leadership roles in the intelligence and reconnaissance communities.
The Catalyst: A Moment of Clarity in San Francisco
While Gick’s military career was the foundation, the spark for Mission Match! was ignited by a volunteer experience. In 2022, while working with the Marine Corps’ iconic "Toys for Tots" program in San Francisco, Gick found himself packing gifts and organizing donations. As he processed the inventory, he felt a profound sense of dissonance.
He noticed two glaring issues: the vast majority of the toys were manufactured overseas, and they lacked any deeper educational or values-based purpose. It was a "Eureka" moment that bridged his military background with the needs of the modern American family.
"I told myself, ‘I can make my own toy made here in the United States that provides a pathway to purpose and service,’" Gick says. He realized that if he could design a game that was American-made, engaging, and physically challenging, he could tackle the dual problems of declining physical fitness among youth and a lack of awareness regarding military service.
Anatomy of the Game: Integrating Fitness and Education
Mission Match! is a strategic card game that transforms physical exercise into a competitive, fun-filled experience. The game utilizes a cast of mascots, such as "Muscle Monkey" and "Cosmo Cat," which represent different branches of the military.
The mechanics are simple yet effective: players aim to collect pairs of cards. When a player picks up a pair of "Action Cards," they must perform a specific exercise—such as jumping jacks, pushups, squats, or leg raises. The player who collects the most cards by the end of the game wins.
However, the game goes beyond just physical activity. Each card is scannable via QR code, which directs users to digital resources tailored to their age group. Whether it is the "Young Marines" program, JROTC information, or direct links to the various military branches, the game serves as a gateway for children to explore the concept of service in an age-appropriate, non-pressured way.
The Role of Mentorship: Shamy’s Perspective
When Gick reached out to Shamy to help bring the concept to life, the timing was fortuitous. Having spent his post-military career in the classroom, Shamy had a front-row seat to the challenges facing modern students. The COVID-19 pandemic had exacerbated a trend of sedentary behavior, and both men agreed that there was a tangible "deficiency" in the physical readiness of youth who might eventually express interest in military service.
"I saw that there was a deficiency in at least the kids that wanted to go into the military in their physical fitness," Shamy notes. "When we were making the game, integrating fitness was something we wanted to do because it makes the game more different than just a normal card game."
Though the game was designed with younger children in mind, the response has been cross-generational. Shamy has utilized the game in his high school classroom with surprising success. One student, he reports, became so motivated by the fitness component of the game that he integrated the exercises into his daily routine, resulting in a 40-pound weight loss.
Beyond the Board: The Pathfinder Games Movement
The ambition of Gick and Shamy does not stop at the kitchen table. Mission Match! is a cornerstone of a broader initiative called "Pathfinder Games." These are real-world, hands-on events designed to pull children away from screens and into "purpose."
One such event was hosted at the Pentagon as part of "Bring Your Child to Work Day." The feedback was overwhelming. By physically connecting children with service members and challenging them to participate in the activities featured in the game, the Pathfinder movement aims to normalize the idea of service as a viable and honorable path.
"This provides that pathway to purpose so that they can meet these organizations they wouldn’t have otherwise," Gick explains. "That’s the whole point of Pathfinder Games."
Implications for the Future
The implications of Gick’s work are significant. In an era where military recruitment numbers are a matter of national concern, and childhood obesity rates remain a public health crisis, a simple card game could represent a subtle but powerful shift in the paradigm.
By ingraining the habit of movement at a young age, Mission Match! prepares children for the rigors of life, whether they choose to join the military or pursue other avenues. As Shamy observes, the goal is about "making sure that you’ve ingrained those lifestyle habits into your kids today because the decisions they make today definitely affect them tomorrow."
Conclusion: Supporting the Mission
Lieutenant Colonel Tim Gick has successfully transitioned his leadership from the battlefield to the classroom and the living room. By founding "Not a Very Good Teacher," he has created a brand that emphasizes that education and physical fitness are not just extracurricular activities—they are essential components of character development.
As the movement grows, Gick and Shamy are looking to expand the reach of Mission Match! to ensure every household has access to the tool. For those interested in the initiative, the team has launched a Kickstarter campaign, and more information is available on their official website.
In a world that often asks "what can I get?", Gick is helping the next generation ask "what can I give?" Through a deck of cards, a few squats, and a renewed interest in national service, Mission Match! is proving that even the smallest mission can have a massive impact.
This article was prepared with contributions from M&S Senior Military Editor Rob Wilkins.
Neng Nana
Ali Ikhwan
