Who We Are.

Let Us Introduce Ourselves.

Our Story.

American Airboat Rescue was founded by Gary Hanner in 2021. Together, he and his wife, Lissa, travel around the country whenever and wherever their airboat rescue services are needed.

Gary has developed a dynamic outdoorsman skill set after many years as a professional hunting guide and a volunteer search and rescue member. From these experiences, a passion for helping people and animals quickly emerged. A particular experience with fostering dogs with All Breed Rescue (where he and Lissa met their dog, Lucky) fueled his mission to one day professionally help animals (and their people) in need.

After many more guided excursions, rescue missions and a move back to Tennessee from Colorado, Gary and Lissa reached a time in their lives where they wanted and were able to give back.

Gary discovered his fascination with airboats and their capability of reaching remote and isolated areas when he purchased one in the 90’s. Over the years, he bought and sold two more airboats for recreation and volunteer work. In 2020, he purchased his fourth airboat, a former fire department airboat, with the dream of providing evacuation, rescue and recovery services for people and animals around the country.

Today, Gary and Lissa are in the beginning stages of American Airboat Rescue as a registered nonprofit organization. They are continuing to collect donations and recruit sponsors in order to purchase crucial gear, equipment and supplies for the airboat. Together with your help, they will soon be up and running to help anywhere they are needed.