Meet Paula Jansen: A lifetime of service
Discover the dedication and experience that makes Paula Jansen the ideal candidate for Commander of the VFW Department of California. Learn about her military career, her unwavering commitment to veterans, and her vision for the future.
A legacy of service
Paula is a California native, she sent part of her childhood in Fallon Nv, she comes from a long line of military veterans spanning all services, including her grandfather, great uncles, father, uncles, brothers, sister, nieces, and nephews. After 21 years of service, Paula retired from the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Storekeeper Chief. She joined the VFW in 2012, becoming a Gold Legacy Life Member in 2021.
Dedicated to family and community
Paula is married to Eric Jansen, who is also retired from the U.S. Navy after 26 years. They have two children and one grandchild. Paula has dedicated thousands of hours supporting the Veterans of Foreign Wars and pageantry across San Diego/California. She earned her eligibility for the VFW while deployed to the Persian Gulf onboard USS Constellation CV-64 VRC30 Det 3. She was stationed in Misawa, Japan, and San Diego during her career but traveled throughout the Pacific. Eric is a life member of Post 7907, Her children are both members of VFW Auxiliary 7907, LeAnna completing a year as District 1 President for 25-26, and currently on the department web team and historian.
Authenticity in action: Why Paula stands out
Paula stands out because her commitment to service isn’t occasional—it’s a consistent, deeply rooted part of who she is. She doesn’t just show up; she builds relationships, creates impact, and leaves lasting impressions on the people and communities she serves. What truly sets her apart is her authenticity. Veterans can quickly recognize when someone genuinely understands service, sacrifice, and community—and Paula embodies those values through action, not just words. Her key strengths and experiences that will resonate with veterans include a proven record of service with thousands of volunteer hours and recognition like the Lifetime Presidential Award. Paula demonstrates the same dedication and perseverance that are core to military life. Veterans respect commitment over time, and she has clearly earned that respect. She also has deep roots in the VFW community as a VFW Gold Legacy Life member and leader, understanding the culture, traditions, and mission of supporting veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families.
Leadership Through Action
Whether organizing events, supporting fellow members, or mentoring younger volunteers, Paula leads by doing. Veterans often value leaders who work alongside others, and she consistently models that kind of hands-on leadership.
Compassion and Connection
Her passion for cancer awareness and community outreach shows her ability to connect on a human level. Many veterans and their families face health challenges, and her empathy and advocacy create meaningful, relatable bonds.
Ability to Bring People Together
Paula has a gift for building community—uniting people of different ages, backgrounds, and experiences under a shared purpose. That sense of camaraderie is something veterans deeply value and miss after service.
Resilience and Positivity
Through her journey, she maintains a positive, uplifting presence while still honoring the seriousness of the causes she supports. This balance allows her to inspire without overlooking the realities veterans face.
In short, Paula stands out because she reflects the very values veterans hold dear: service, loyalty, compassion, and integrity. She doesn’t just support the mission—she lives it.
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