Paula Jansen: A leader for VFW California
Discover the dedication, experience, and leadership that Paula Jansen brings to her campaign for Commander of the VFW Department of California 2026-2027. Learn why her proven commitment to veterans and community makes her the best choice.
Why I am the best choice for Commander
What makes me the best choice for Commander is a combination of proven service, hands-on leadership, and a deep, personal commitment to the VFW mission.
I bring years of consistent involvement as a lifetime VFW member, where I’ve dedicated thousands of volunteer hours supporting veterans, their families, and our community. Being honored with the Lifetime Presidential Award for over 4,000 hours of service reflects not just time given, but a sustained commitment to making a meaningful impact.
My experience goes beyond participation—I’ve actively helped plan, organize, and execute events that bring our community together, support our veterans, and strengthen our Post. I understand what it takes behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly, from coordinating volunteers to ensuring every member feels valued and included.
Leadership, to me, means showing up, listening, and working alongside others. I’ve built strong relationships within the VFW by being dependable and approachable and willing to step in wherever needed. I also have experience mentoring and encouraging others, helping grow involvement and inspire the next generation of volunteers.
Positions Held/Appointed
~Post
Adjutant Lt Fred Kent Post 7907
All State & All American Post 24-25
Commander Carter-Smith Post 5867 17-22
All-American Post (3 years) 18-19, 20-21, 21-22
All-State Post (5 years) 17-22
Junior and Senior Vice Commander Post 5867
~District
VFW District 1 Commander 20-21
All State &All-American District Commander
Junior and Senior Vice Commander District 1
VOD/PP/Teacher of the Year Chairman
Public Relations Dispatch/Social Media/Webmaster)
Community Service Chairman
Past Commanders Club Secretary
~Department
Senior Vice Commander
Junior Vice Commander
Mentor or for District 2,4,5,11
Surgeon 22-23, 23-24
Chief of Staff 21-22
Community Service Citizenship Chairman/Youth Scouting JROTC
Community Service Citizenship Chairman
Deputy Inspector
~National
VFW National Special Aide de Camp 23-24
VFW National Aide de Camp 18-19
VFW National Deputy Chief of Staff 19-20, 22-23
~Foundation
VFW Department of Ca/Golden State Guardian Foundation
Vice President 24-26
Council Representative 20-21
VFW Membership
Gold Legacy Life Member
Centennial Life Member- National Home
Western Conference Ways & Means Committee
Military order of Cootie
Grand Ways & Means Chairman
Grand Aide-de-Camp
Grand Deputy Chief of Staff (VFW Class)
Life (Charter) Member Cootie Pup Tent 66 Monrovia
Life (Charter) Member Cootie Pup Tent 79 Poway
Military Awards & Decorations
Navy Commendation Medal with 1 star
Navy Achievement Medal with 3 stars
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
Navy Battle “E” Ribbon
Good Conduct Medal with 3 stars
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
Navy Overseas Service Ribbon with 2 stars
Volunteerism
County Supervisor Anderson Representative to San Diego County Veterans Advisory Board 21-Present
Veteran of the Year for 38th Senate District 2018
Woman of the Year for Senator Joel Anderson 2018
Lifetime Presidential Volunteer Service Award 2018
Women’s Club of Lakeside
Friends of Lakeside Library
El Capitan Stadium Association/Lakeside Rodeo
Kiwanis Club of Lakeside
Elks of Santee-Lakeside
Co-Director of Positive Directions Pageantry,
Miss San Diego County.
Director of Miss Military Star California Pageant
Girl Scouts of America Life Member
My message: Leadership and Learning
"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other" - John F. Kennedy.
This quote encapsulates the core message I want to convey about my qualifications for this vital role. I believe that effective leadership is a continuous journey of learning, adapting, and growing. As Commander, I will commit to an open-minded approach, listening to the insights of every VFW member, and continuously seeking better ways to serve our veterans and strengthen our department.
My qualifications are not just about what I have done, but what I will continue to do: lead with integrity, learn from every experience, and dedicate myself wholeheartedly to the VFW mission.