Pete Salazar Jr: A Lifelong Commitment to Veterans
Pete Salazar Jr. Founding Board Member + Executive Director of USDV – United States Disabled Veterans is a graduate of the University of Texas, San Antonio where he majored in history. Pete was a part of the inaugural class of The Institute for Law and Public Affairs. He has more than a decade of experience working with a broad span of veterans. Pete specializes in addressing multiple lawmaking bodies in both the state and federal levels concerning veteran’s issues.
Mr. Salazar Jr. has over 8 years appointed, contributing with the Commission on Veterans Affairs for the city of Austin. Pete spearheaded and aided various programs implemented by the City of Austin, TX to help veterans. Collaborations such as: The small business micro loan program for veterans, along with coordinating on behalf of the Veterans Commission for the Austin Veterans Art Festival. Pete proudly served as a board member for the Veterans Suicide Prevention Channel and served on the planning committee for the Austin Veterans Day Parade. He enjoys helping his communities!
Areas of specialty & interests: Pete supports and empowers Women Veterans suffering from
PTSD disorders, and Suicide Issues through USDV initiatives.
Community Efforts & Advocacy Collaborations
Pete Salazar Jr. has over 19 years of experience in the non-profit sector and has significantly contributed to a variety of organizations by developing programs, writing grants, and managing staff.
Pete worked with Caritas of Austin as an Employment Specialist and was instrumental in setting up the Supportive Services for Veterans and their Families (SSVF) program. He developed all protocols for the employment aspects of the program, created educational modules, and trained housing case managers, ensuring efficient referral processes and client readiness assessments. Pete’s efforts resulted in enhanced employment outcomes and overall well-being for our veteran clients.
Pete also worked closely with the Center for Survivors of Torture and managed operations and client services for both the Austin and Dallas offices. Notably, he played a pivotal role in coordinating the Texas response to the Afghanistan withdrawal, effectively addressing the humanitarian crisis by collaborating with both refugee services and veteran organizations.
Pete’s career path lead into his vital role within the Boys & Girls Club of Austin. He successfully managed operations with a team that included contracted teachers. His work involved other social service programs, coordinated major events, and utilized the club’s budget to support impactful community initiatives.
Furthermore, Pete worked as a Public Policy Specialist on a State Level that dealt with independent living centers throughout the state of Texas. His involvement was amending the State Plan for Independent Living, collaborating with 27 Independent Living Centers across Texas, and engaging with federal partners in Washington, D.C. His advocacy and legislative monitoring efforts involved comprehensive understanding of policy implementation and stakeholder engagement.
Pete also gave his time to Texas Empowerment Academy. He managed a dual enrollment program with Austin Community College. Pete currently, is helping Project Transition’s mission aiding relief for individuals living with HIV, ensuring access to stable housing and comprehensive care.
| Attribute | |
|---|---|
| Details | |
| Full Name | Pete Salazar Jr. |
| Education | University of Texas, San Antonio – Major in History |
| Specialization | Veterans’ issues, public speaking, lawmaking bodies (state and federal) |
| Key Affiliations & Roles | – Founder of USDV-(A) prior ‘Abroad’ – Currently, USDV – United States Disabled Veterans www.usdva.org *New/Updated website coming real soon* – Currently, Vice Chair for The Commission on Veterans Affairs for The City of Austin, TX – The Institute for Law and Public Affairs |
| Experience | Over decades working with veterans & survivors of torture (Male & Female) |
| Key Contributions | – Small Business Micro Loan Program for Veterans – Board Member for the Veterans Suicide Prevention – Austin Veterans Art Festival, Planning Committee |
| Appointments & Roles | – Over 8 years with Commission on Veterans Affairs, City of Austin |
| Board and Committee Work | – Former board member, Veterans Suicide Prevention Channel – Austin Veterans Day Parade committee |
| Current Role | Vice Chair, Commission on Veterans Affairs for The City of Austin, TX |
| Advisory Work | Advising Austin City Council on veterans’ programs and policies for the last four years |
| Recognitions / Awards |
Commendations from U.S. Senator Harry Reid for work with veterans in Las Vegas United State Senate – Certificate of Commendation 2006 National service award in 2007 for servitude with Americorps through US Veterans Initiatives |
| Public Speaking | Local and national promoting veterans’ issues |
More About Pete Salazar Jr. Community Advocate
Pete understands disability as he has Cerebral Palsy and his commitment to people of all disabilities is by being of servitude to community members throughout the nation needing resources and aid relief.
News & Media:
KVUE – ABC
Article regarding {Advocacy for veterans in the VA’s Foreign Medical Program, assisting with the purchase of various Medical devices and paying for a variety of operations.}
KVUE – ABC
