Lt Gen James Laster is a Senior Fellow with the Flatter Executive Cadre.
Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps.
Summary: James Laster is employed as a Senior Fellow for the National Defense University in support of the Pinnacle, Capstone, and Keystone programs. Lieutenant General Laster is currently serving as the President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Before coming to Toys for Tots, General Laster served for over 38 years as a Marine infantry officer. He also volunteers his time for the veteran supported America’s Heroes Enjoying Recreation Outdoors (AHERO). He commanded at every level and his assignments ranged from serving as an infantry platoon and company commander to Command of 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines; 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) Maritime Special Purpose Force Commander and Operations Officer for two operational deployments to Southwest Asia and operations officer for a Joint Task Force in Africa. LtGen Laster also commanded The Basic School where all newly commissioned Marine Second Lieutenants receive their entry-level training as rifle platoon commanders. As a General Officer, he commanded Training Command and Training and Education Command, the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, and Eastern Recruiting Region. He subsequently commanded the 3d Marine Division in Okinawa, Japan responsible for training and operations in the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia.
