CDR Everett Alvarez Jr, USN (Ret)
Director

Commander Alvarez is a distinguished naval officer and former POW, best known as the first American aviator shot down over North Vietnam. Captured in 1964, he was held as a prisoner of war for eight and a half years, returning home in 1973.

Born in Salinas, California, Alvarez earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Santa Clara, the same year he joined the Navy. He also holds a master’s degree in operations research and systems analysis from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, a Juris Doctorate from the George Washington University School of Law, and is a member of the District of Columbia Bar. Alvarez served in program management at the Naval Air Systems Command in Washington, D.C., until he retired from the Navy in 1980.

Alvarez’s bravery and sacrifice have made him an enduring symbol of strength and dedication to the nation. His remarkable service and resilience have been recognized with numerous military decorations, including the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit (with combat “V”), two Bronze Stars (with combat “V”), the Distinguished Flying Cross, and two Purple Heart medals. Alvarez was selected and honored by the “Council for Excellence in Government” as one of the 25 greatest public servants over the past 25 years. He was awarded the Richard Nixon Library Foundation’s first “American Hero” award and the Navy Memorial Foundation’s prestigious Lone Sailor Award.

Appointed by Secretary Principi, Alvarez chaired the CARES Commission, an independent panel of 16 members to recommend critical change within the VA. He is past Chairman of the Board of Regents – Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, served as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Graduate University, is a member of the Board of Fellows of Santa Clara University, and has served on the White House Fellows Selection Committee and the Board of Directors of the Armed Services YMCA of the USA. Alvarez has authored two books: Chained Eagle, a historical account of his experiences during his captivity in Vietnam, and Code of Conduct, the story of the rebuilding of his life.

Alvarez is married to the former Thomasine Ilyas of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Alvarez and his wife, reside in Potomac, Md.