L.A. Native Honored by U.S. Army Recruiting Command

Lance Izumi was recently recognized by the U.S. Army Recruiting Command in Fort Knox, Ky. Presenting the award to Izumi (second from left) are (from left) Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel Dailey, U.S. Army Recruiting Commanding General Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Snow, and Command Sergeant Major Anthony Stoneburg.

By CATHERINE PAULEY, Northern California Recruiting Battalion Public Affairs

Lance Izumi, J.D., son of Rikio and Mikuri Izumi of Gardena, was recently awarded the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal for his service to the U.S. Army Recruiting Command at Fort Knox, Ky.

The medal is the Army’s third highest public service honorary award.

Izumi blazed the trail in 2010 for Northern California Recruiting Battalion’s Grassroots Advisory Board based in Rancho Cordova. He has been the president of what is now known as the Community Relations Board since its inception. His network of contacts to assist the battalion’s recruiting efforts is endless. He is well connected to State Legislature officials and the California Community College system, which is invaluable.

Izumi represents the board at community events, and he and his wife, April, participate in battalion-hosted occasions such as changes of command, hail-and-farewell gatherings and holiday parties.

Commanding General Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Snow cited Izumi’s dedicated support and commitment to the command from Oct. 1, 2015 to Sep. 30, 2016. “His successful collaboration provided battalions and recruiters in USAREC the skills and abilities needed to conduct effective community outreach.”

“I am so honored to receive the Army’s Outstanding Civilian Service Medal,” said Izumi. “The Army offers so many opportunities to our nation’s men and women, especially our young people. I am glad that I have been able to help inform members of our diverse communities throughout California and our country about these opportunities.”

Izumi, a Sacramento resident, is senior director of education studies at the Pacific Research Institute. A graduate of Gardena High School, he received his juris doctorate from the University of Southern California School of Law and also holds a master of art in political science and bachelor of arts in economics and history.

From 2004 to 2015, Izumi served as a Board of Governors member for the California Community Colleges, the largest system of higher education in the nation. In addition, he served two terms as president of the board.

Izumi, a former chief speechwriter for Gov. George Deukmejian and U.S. Attorney General Edwin Meese III, currently chairs the Board of Directors for the Foundation for California Community Colleges.

“The support of our community ambassadors is a tremendous asset for our local recruiting teams,” said Snow. “You [Izumi] are a key asset in ensuring success for the Northern California Recruiting Battalion, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”