United States Navy
Biography
Lieutenant Eduardo M. Garza, Jr., Retired, USNR
Lieutenant Eduardo M. Garza, Jr. is a 1996 graduate of the University of South Dakota where he received a Bachelor of Science in Education.
In May 1999, Garza enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve under the Advanced Pay Grade (APG) program and was assigned to Naval Aviation Base Support Unit (NABSU) 0170 and Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-201 as an Aviation Storekeeper at NAS JRB Fort Worth, TX. In 2003, Garza was selected to cross rate into the Intelligence Community and attended the Basic Reserve Intelligence Training (BRIT) School at NAS JRB Fort Worth, TX. He was assigned to US JICSOUTH 0270 upon completion of that course in May 2004.
In January 2005, Garza wasselected for a Direct Commission as an Intelligence Officer and assigned to Reserve Intelligence Area Southeast (RIASE) New Orleans with Defense Intelligence Agency Headquarters (DIA HQ) 1482. He served as the Training Officer and Command Fitness Leader and was instrumental in RIASE assistance and recovery phases during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in August and September 2005. Additionally, Garza served on active duty at DIA Headquarters Washington D.C. at the Joint Intelligence Task Force-Combating
Terrorism Division to transition DIA HQ 1482’s new mission from the Middle East to Southeast Asia.
In March 2007, Garza served as the first Hispanic Diversity Officer for the Office of the Chief of Naval Personnel’s Diversity Directorate (N134). He served as the primary liaison, coordinator, and communicator with military, government and civilian organizations to increase Navy outreach to the Hispanic community, affiliation groups, and organizations. His efforts catapulted the Navy’s Outreach mission to the Hispanic community by 400% in one year.
Garza voluntarily mobilized as an Individual Augmentee to Baghdad, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and assumed the duties as the Lead Sunni Intelligence Officer (J2) for the Force Strategic Engagement Cell Multi-National Forces- Iraq (MNF-I) from May 2008 to April 2009. His responsibilities included assessing and providing sensitive intelligence for national reconciliation operations between Sunni terrorist groups, all MNF-I Divisions, and senior officials of the government of Iraq. Garza is a recognized expert in Iraqi Sunni terrorist groups, Sunni politics, and national reconciliation strategies. He was personally selected on multiple occasions to brief MNF-I Commanding General Raymond Odierno, General David Petraeus, and the US Ambassador to Iraq on issues affecting the Iraqi Sunni community.
Garza earned a Masters of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston in December 2008 while on his OIF deployment.
LT Garza recently completed his active duty obligation as the Division Officer within Navy Recruiting District Chicago. Additionally, he served with NRD Richmond and led 9 officer recruiters to increase recruiting production by 900% in one year.
Garza’s awards include being the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, Navy and Marine Corp Commendation Medal, (2) Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal (6 Awards), Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation (3 Awards), Navy Battle “E” Ribbon, Navy Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Navy Recruiting Ribbon with 14 Device, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Mobilization and 10 year Devices, Expert Pistol Medal, Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, and Information Dominance Corps Warfare Qualified. Garza additionally received the 2008 National Image Incorporation Meritorious Service Award for Hispanics in the Military. He was as a Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) national finalist for the Warrant Officer Ronald P. Bucca Award in 2007 and the Regional Junior Officer of the Year in 2005.
LT Garza is now working for Concordia University Wisconsin as the Design Your Future Academic Support Coordinator at the Miller Parkway Campus and as the Military Support Specialist for all Student Veterans across Concordia’s many campuses throughout Wisconsin.
He is most proud of his family, his wife Sharon and children Cassandra (15) and son Jacob (12).