Speakers Bio: Les Davis is a native Texan and the son of a commercial pecan grower. He graduated from Comanche High School with honors in 1989 and attended Tarleton State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Earth Science in 1993. Les received his commission as a second lieutenant through ROTC and was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 112th Armor, 49th Armored Division where he served for the next eight and a half years in several positions ranging from Armor Platoon Leader, Mortar Platoon Leader, and detachment, Line and HHC Company Commander.
In 2001, Les became the full-time Officer in Charge for 5th Battalion, 112th Armor of the 49th Armored Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team in Marshall, Texas. He was called to active duty from June 2002 until July 2003 in support of Operations Noble Eagle and Armored Falcon, the security missions for 12 installations in Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Upon demobilization, he was assigned to the Texas National Guard Headquarters in Austin as a Detailed Inspector General. In 2004 he was promoted to Major and culminated his long tenure with the IG Office in 2008 as the Deputy State Inspector General.
In 2008, Les was assigned as the Officer Strength Manager for the Texas Army National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Command, where he managed the recruiting and accession of all officers and warrant officers. In September 2010, Les deployed to Afghanistan with Texas Agribusiness Development Team IV as the Agribusiness Expert Team Leader and Hydrologist as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. He led his team in successful and sustainable Ag and economic development in support of Task Force White Eagle (Polish Battle Group) and Combined Joint Task Force-101 counterinsurgency operations. Upon his return in October 2011, he was assigned as the Camp Mabry Garrison Commander.
Les and his wife Karissa have been married for 19 years, have three children, and live in Jollyville, Texas. His military education includes the Armor Officer Basic Course, Armor Officer Advances Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Command and General Staff Officer Course, Inspector General Course and Officer Strength Manager Course. Les is a member of the VFW, the National Guard Association of Texas, and the Military Vehicle Preservation Association. His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with bronze hourglass device and M device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and NATO Medal (Afghanistan). Les has also been awarded the Polish Army Medal in Silver, the National Guard Basic Recruiter Badge and is a Distinguished Knight in the Order of Saint George.
Ms. Laura Lopez currently serves as a Public Affairs Specialist for the Texas Military Forces at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas, where she is the Community and Media Relations Lead.
Prior to joining the Texas Military Forces in 2010, Laura worked for the Environmental Defense Fund as a Communications Intern.
While working with the Environmental Defense Fund, she assisted with special projects and Social Media. In addition, she has more than six years of reporting experience in both newspaper and television, previously working as a Freelance Reporter for the Pflugerville Pflag Newspaper and the Nightbeat Reporter for KTAB-TV in Abilene, Texas.
During her years on television, Laura covered the 2007 floods in Abilene, a redrawing of school boundary lines, the deployments and redeployments of Airmen stationed out of Dyess Air Force Base and helped promote a partnership between the Abilene Fire and Police Departments as they designed a new youth educational complex. As a freelance reporter, she kept the citizens informed about the issues impacting them in the city council and school board.
Laura holds an Associate of Arts degree in Journalism from Austin Community College, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. In January, she will begin her Masters of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications degree from Kent State University.
Laura has been raised in both South and Central Texas, but calls Austin her home. When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, cooking and traveling to new places with her husband.
Featured Lunch Menu: meat and vegetables dish (TBA); mixed field green salad with assorted rolls and a featured daily dessert. Vegetarian meal or Grilled Chicken Caesar salad are available alternatives as well.
