Col Luis “Lou” Lara is the Marine Corps Systems Command Program Manager, Training Systems (PM TRASYS). He is responsible for managing a workforce of over 150 personnel in the acquisition and sustainment of training systems used throughout the Marine Corps. Col Lara graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in 1993 with a B.S. in Aviation Maintenance Management. He also holds M.S. Degrees in Acquisition and Contract Management from the Naval Post-Graduate School and Military Studies from the Marine Corps University. He earned a commission in 1995 and subsequently became a Logistics Officer and a Contracting Officer. In 1999, he deployed on a Western Pacific deployment as a member of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Additionally, in support of the Global War on Terror, he deployed three times to Kuwait/Iraq, twice as a Contingency Contracting Officer and once as the Regimental Combat Team – 5 Logistics Officer in support of combat operations in Fallujah. Prior to his selection as Program Manager Training Systems, Col Lara served as the Deputy Program Manager for Training Systems, and completed a fellowship as a Secretary of Defense Executive Fellow at Georgia Power Company. Other key Acquisition Officer assignments include, Acquisition Command as Product Manager for Anti-Armor Systems, Deputy Director for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), Assistant-Program Manager Logistics for the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV), Team Leader for the Body Armor and Load Bearing team and Director of Contracts at Marine Corps Support Facility, Blount Island Command. His personal decorations include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal with three gold stars in lieu of fourth award, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Additionally, he is a recipient of the Combat Action Ribbon.