Lance Lesher

• Branch: U.S. Navy
• Years Served: 1985-1988, and 1992-2021
• Rank: Captain
• Military Occupation: Surface Warfare and Civil Affairs
• Twitter Handle: @LanceLesher65177

Tell us a little about you outside of the military:

I am actively involved in my community and engage in various volunteer activities. My focus is on connecting veterans with employment opportunities and supporting veteran small business owners. I also contribute to the community as a teacher, coach, and mentor, continuing to support our military personnel in new and impactful ways.

Why are you joining the IAVA Cavalry?

I am eager to connect with other IAVA members, hear their stories, and learn about their advocacy efforts. Meeting with policymakers and sharing ideas on supporting and addressing the needs of post-9/11 veterans excites me. I look forward to contributing to solutions for the pressing issues facing our veterans.

How did your military experience shape you to be the person you are today?

Growing up with a father who served 20 years in the U.S. Navy and being surrounded by a service-oriented community shaped my perspective on service and sacrifice. Serving both as an enlisted member and an officer provided me with a comprehensive view of military life. My deployments abroad allowed me to experience diverse cultures and viewpoints, fostering a desire to explore different experiences and understand various worldviews.

Which one of IAVA’s policy priorities do you believe is the most pressing? Why?

Education opportunities and mental health support are critical. Education helps veterans transition to civilian life by equipping them with marketable skills, while mental health support addresses the emotional challenges of leaving military service. Both are essential for a successful transition and for maintaining well-being in civilian life.

Which one of IAVA’s policy priorities do you have the strongest personal connection to? Why?

I have a strong connection to education benefits. My father’s transition from military service was financially challenging, but the G.I. Bill enabled him to gain new skills and improve our family’s situation. His experience motivated me to gain skills early on and seek vocational training, and I understand firsthand the importance of education in creating opportunities for veterans and their families.