C. Eddy Mentzer brings more than three decades of personal and professional experience in supporting military families through a variety of roles across the DoD and Federal Government. Having joined the Office of the Secretary of Defense in 2010, Eddy currently serves as the Department’s lead on supporting military spouses across the spectrum of education and employment services. Previously, Eddy has led the Department’s Family Readiness System, Child Care and Youth Programs policy office, and policy efforts related to Military OneSource and the Military & Family Life Counselor program. Prior to rejoining the DoD in 2010, from 2004 to 2010 Mr. Mentzer served as a National Program Leader within the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture where he managed multiple global programs in support of military children, youth and families. From 1992 to 2004 he was a Department of the Air Force Civilian, overseeing child, youth, education, and family support programs at a variety of levels throughout Europe. In addition to growing-up in a military family, Eddy recently became a Veteran spouse upon the retirement of his wife after 30 years of service in the USAF.