About Follow Me Veterans Foundation
Veterans walking alongside veterans.
We believe veterans are best served by people who have walked the same road. Through lived experience, peer support, and community, we help fellow veterans move toward stability, purpose, and belonging.
Serving Los Angeles City and County
Our Founder
A shared road.
A renewed purpose.
Larry Hooks Jr. founded Follow Me Veterans Foundation with a belief that shared experience can open the door to trust, connection, and meaningful support.
An Army veteran, certified Peer Support Specialist, and recovery advocate, Larry draws on his lived experience to help fellow veterans move from crisis toward stability, purpose, and community.
His commitment to service began early. He graduated from Crenshaw High School in 1990 and rose to the rank of Captain in the LAPD Explorer Program before enlisting in the United States Army in 1991.
Our Values
What guides every step.
Honor. Support. Empower. Transform. These four words guide every program we build and every veteran we walk alongside.
Honor
Respect each veteran’s service, story, and lived experience.
Support
Walk alongside one another with compassion and connection.
Empower
Encourage the confidence and purpose to take the next step.
Transform
Keep moving toward stability, belonging, and a renewed future.
Our Board
Experience in service.
Commitment to community.
Our board brings together military experience, peer support, healthcare, and community leadership.
Larry Hooks Jr.
Founder & President
Army veteran, certified Peer Support Specialist, and recovery advocate.
Larry brings lived experience and a commitment to helping fellow veterans find stability, purpose, and community. His belief in veterans supporting veterans is the foundation of our work.
Kenrick Haylock
Vice President
Military veteran and entrepreneur with experience in community leadership, operations, and organizational governance.
Kenrick serves on the Board of Directors for the Santa Monica Black Empowerment Association, co-founded Heroes Pathway, and previously served as Adjutant for Disabled American Veterans. He brings strategic oversight and a deep commitment to veteran and community advocacy.
Arkiya Poitier
Treasurer
Military service member, healthcare professional, and veteran advocate with 19 years of total military service.
Arkiya served for 10 years in the United States Navy Reserve and currently serves as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force Reserve. A Surgical Technologist for 16 years, she brings discipline, compassion, and teamwork to helping veterans and their families thrive.
Take the Next Step
There’s a place for you here.
Whether you’re a veteran seeking support or someone ready to help, connect with Follow Me Veterans Foundation.