LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti today appointed Navy Capt. Lawrence Vasquez as the city's first director of military and veterans affairs.
“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,” Garcetti said. “Larry's leadership, experience, integrity and drive will make a difference for the veterans and active-duty personnel who call Los Angeles home.”
Vasquez's role will have him working with regional military leadership on matters including disaster preparedness and civil unrest, as well as with the Army Corps of Engineers on key infrastructure projects.
Vasquez will also act as the chief liaison to the mayor's Military Veteran Advisory Council and work on issues with the veterans community, with a focus on housing, employment and mental health services, according to Garcetti's office.
“It is an honor to serve as the director of military and veterans affairs for the city of Los Angeles,” Vasquez. said. “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.”
Vasquez previously served as chief of staff, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, where he managed a large regional staff with oversight of eight Navy facilities, 5,500 personnel and a $700 million budget, according to the mayor's office. He has also held multiple commanding officer positions, including at Naval Base Ventura County, with a provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan and with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 45 based out of San Diego.