> Mayor's Office of Veterans and Military Affairs > MOVMA Director Robert Dembo Retirement Message
Veterans and Military Affairs
MOVMA Director Robert Dembo Retirement Message
The City of Houston, Mayor’s Office of Veterans and Military Affairs provides value-added services to a large community with little manpower. Our office of 2 people oversees a community with over 400,000 Veterans and Military personnel ensuring they are receiving the care and support they earned during their military service. We work on both a strategic and tactical level to serve our community.
Strategically, we have a 30,000-foot view over Veteran services and military communities in the Houston area, and we work with partners to ensure that their needs are met. On a tactical level, we work directly with Veterans, Military personnel, and their families every day, providing valuable information they need to get the help they deserve.
That said, almost 5 years ago, I accepted an invitation to lead the Mayor's Office of Veterans and Military Affairs. Effective, May 1, 2025, I chose to heed another call – retirement. It's time to move on and pass the torch to Dr. Jones; but what a wonderful ride it has been. During my tenure, we accomplished so much in Houston, working with awesome partners and great reminiscences. What a great opportunity I've enjoyed.
Here's a partial list of what I've seen from this office:
Collaboration with the opening of the best reintegration center in the US, Combined Arms, unveiling ceremonies for Houston Vietnam Memorial and Veterans Memorial Park/Vietnam Fallen Warriors Monument. Through a collaborative partnership with Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce, the City of Houston hosted the first and second Veterans Business EXPO in the State of Texas. The development of great new programs for employment and town hall meeting for city employees. New initiatives to support mental health for Vets/active duty/families and the prevention of suicide. We've helped countless people connect to benefits and find their way in a complex system of resources.
Awarded the Texas Veterans Commission and Disable Veterans Large Employer of the Year for the State of Texas. Commended for being Top Performer, USA Vietnam War Commemorative Partner! This office was among the TOP 15 percent of more than 13 thousand commemorative partner organizations that have participated in this noble effort. Awarded U. S. Navy Fleet Week for Houston in 2025.
I've met so many elected officials on every level which include diplomats and foreign dignitaries. We created many events together; Veterans and Vietnam Day ceremonies, Texas Veterans Women Day, Military Branches Birthdays celebration, career fairs, food drives, homeless Veterans Stand Downs, POW/MIA Days, and many more. I have presented numerous proclamations, appearances on local TV, and spoke to stakeholders.
I've most enjoyed talking to our newest generation of veterans and military personnel. What binds all of us together, across the years and across the conflicts, is a shared commitment to duty, honor, and country.
Best of all, I love helping people every day, whether in a big or small way with important things. With my small team - we did our best to assist wherever we needed. I think we made a difference. But we've seen sadness, too. There have been loved ones lost, people who slipped away. Sometimes it feels like you can never do enough.
It's been a tremendous honor to serve the administration of three Houston mayors: Annise Parker, Sylvester Turner, and John Whitmire. Special thanks for the outstanding support from these mayors, Great City of Houston Council Members, and staff. What a great privilege! And there have been so many great colleagues here to work with - truly amazing people.
Please know this office will continue to serve our Veteran and Military community in Houston under the leadership of Dr. Lashonda Jones. We will never stop serving. Thank you all for this wonderful opportunity.
Respectfully,
Robert Dembo III, USN
Director, Mayor’s Office of Veterans and Military Affairs
City of Houston