MAYOR GARCETTI NAMES CAPTAIN LAWRENCE VASQUEZ AS L.A.’S FIRST DIRECTOR OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

LOS ANGELES — Mayor Eric Garcetti has appointed Capt. Lawrence Vasquez as the City of Los Angeles’ first Director of Military and Veterans Affairs, a key post that will further the Mayor’s strong commitment to creating opportunities for military personnel and veterans.

“The women and men of the armed forces should know that they have our unwavering support while they are serving, and when they make the transition to civilian life,” said Mayor Garcetti. “Larry’s leadership, experience, integrity, and drive will make a difference for the veterans and active-duty personnel who call Los Angeles home.”

As Director of Military and Veterans Affairs, Capt. Vasquez will work with regional military leadership — including the Governor’s Military Council; the National Guard on matters ranging from disaster preparedness to civil unrest; and the Army Corps of Engineers on key infrastructure projects taking place throughout the city.

In addition, Capt. Vasquez will act as the chief liaison to the Mayor's Military Veteran Advisory Council and will spearhead work on issues important to the city’s veteran community — with a focus on housing, employment, and mental health services. Building upon the success of the 10,000 Strong veterans hiring initiative, Captain Vasquez will also guide the development of the city’s next generation of veteran employment strategies.

“It is an honor to serve as the Director of Military and Veterans Affairs for the City of Los Angeles,” said Lawrence Vasquez. “Mayor Garcetti has been an incredible leader for the women and men who wear our country’s uniform, and I look forward to deepening our relationship with active duty military in the region while also making sure veterans share in the wealth of opportunities this city creates.”

Before joining the Mayor’s Office, Capt. Vasquez served as Chief of Staff, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia. In this role, Vasquez managed a large regional staff with oversight of 8 Navy facilities, 5,500 personnel, and a $700 million budget across three continents. Previously, Vasquez has held multiple Commanding Officer positions including at Naval Base Ventura County, a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Farah, Afghanistan, and leading Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light – 45 based out of San Diego.

Mayor Garcetti has a strong commitment to improving the lives of military personnel and veterans. In 2013, he stood up the Office of Veterans Affairs to develop strategies to combat unemployment, instability, and homelessness. The Mayor launched the 10,000 Strong veterans hiring initiative which to date has placed more than 11,000 veterans in jobs at 200 companies across the region. Additionally, he has worked to bring an end to veteran homelessness, and in the past five years more than 9,200 homeless veterans have been connected with housing.

Via LAMayor.org