Ethan Cavazos
Administrative Assistant
Ethan Cavazos joined the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County (VACLC) as an Administrative Assistant on March 10, 2025. A San Diego native, Ethan has built a life centered on service and support.
His journey began when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve on October 12, 2008, as a 0331 Machine Gunner. Over five years, he contributed to the 4th Tank Battalion in Miramar and the 4th Medical Battalion, focusing on training, embarkation, unit readiness, and serving as Supply Chief. In 2013, Ethan transitioned to Active Duty, serving until 2021 as a 3051 Supply Chain Management and Embarkation Marine. His role expanded as he worked with Inspector and Instructor Units, overseeing warehouse inventories, personnel effects, funeral honors teams, physical fitness training, and deployment readiness. He was in leadership positions such as Platoon Sergeant, Supply Chief, and Combat Marksmanship Trainer (CMT) at various locations, including Great Lakes, Illinois. His final assignment was at Joint Base McGuire in New Jersey with Marine Aircraft Group-49 and Combat Logistics Battalion 451 (CLB-451), where he served as Ground Supply Platoon Sergeant. He also worked with Porter Teams at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California.
Throughout his military career, Ethan earned several honors, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Selective Marine Corps Reserve Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and four Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals.
After leaving the military, Ethan utilized the Post-9/11 GI Bill Chapter 33 and the Yellow Ribbon Program to further his education, earning a Gas Utilities Certification from Kennedy King College.
For the past four years, he has worked at Peoples Gas in the Distribution Department as a CDL Class-A Driver and Utility Worker, collaborating with the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUOA). Recently, he completed his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification through the College of Lake County and is close to earning his associate degree in Applied Sciences. With plans to transfer to the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) for a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, Ethan remains dedicated to his professional growth. Now living in Lake County, Ethan joined the VACLC team with a deep passion for helping fellow veterans navigate the benefits they have earned. His lifelong commitment to service continues as he works to support those who have served.
