Wednesday, June 09, 2010
President Barack Obama’s choice to head the Selective Service System was Lawrence G. (Larry) Romo, a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. He was confirmed by the Senate December 3, 2009, and sworn in December 12. Since there has been no military draft since 1973, the role of director is largely ceremonial.
Romo grew up in San Antonio, Texas, graduating from Highlands High School in 1974. He attended the Air Force Academy, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree. He earned a Master of Education degree from Montana State University–Northern (formerly Northern Montana College).
From 1987 until 1992 Romo was an Item Manager for the Directorate of Special Weapons. From 1992 to 1999, he was the Transition Assistance Program Specialist at Kelly Air Force Base responsible for aiding military personnel transitioning into the civilian job market.
In 2000, Romo was among 10 candidates seeking to fill a vacancy on the San Antonio City Council when Councilman José Menendez in District 6 vacated his seat. Even though Romo had worked with Menendez’s staff on several local initiatives, he was not chosen to assume the post. He ran unsuccessfully for San Antonio’s city council in 2001 and 2005.
Most recently, Romo was the Soldier and Family Assistance Program Manager for the U.S. Army 5th Recruiting Brigade at Fort Sam Houston in texas. He also was an Admissions Liaison Officer for the Air Force Academy.
Romo has served as chairman of the Bexar County Veterans Committee (Texas) and as chairman of the San Antonio Commission for Children and Families. He has been a member of the American Legion, American GI Forum, and the Military Officers Association of America.
In 2008, he contributed $1,022 to Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign and was was a Clinton delegate to the Democratic National Convention. He also appeared in a political advertisement attacking U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) for his record on veterans’ affairs.
-Noel Brinkerhoff
Selective Service System (AllGov)
Comments