Paula Jansen's speech

**Fellow Veterans and Members of the VFW Department of California,**

I stand before you inspired and energized, ready to serve as your Department Commander once elected with the same unwavering dedication I have shown for over 10 years. Our core values—commitment, integrity, and service before self—are more than words; they are the guiding light that drives us to make a difference every day. Together, we have the power to uplift our veterans, support their families, and strengthen the communities we hold dear.

Throughout our history, true leadership has always been about caring for those who have served and sacrificed. As the Commander, providing servant leadership is my goal in the coming year. Just as we provided our troops with the essentials—food, shelter, tools, training, medical and family care—to help them thrive, we must now do the same for our posts and districts. When our posts are strong, and our members are engaged, we create a ripple effect of hope and progress that extends into every corner of our communities. This is how we honor our mission and build a future filled with promise and pride.

**Know Your Members. Listen, Care, and Lead with Heart** 

Our members are the heart of the VFW—heroes with stories, skills, and dreams. It’s essential that we listen—really listen—to their needs and aspirations. When we understand what matters most to them, we can serve better and ignite their passion to stay engaged. Leadership is about guiding, mentoring, and inspiring others to carry our shared mission forward. When we listen and act, we create a stronger, more united family that reflects the true spirit of service.

**A Department Reborn, a Future Bright with Hope** 

Not long ago, we faced tough challenges. But through resilience, unity, and strategic planning, we turned setbacks into opportunities. PSC Deb Johnson and Commander Kuta along with COS Jennings and myself crafted a meaningful three-year plan—one that has guided us through progress and growth. Today, I am proud to say we are on track, having stabilized our headquarters, we are working on modernized our systems, and achieved a historic milestone: our first-ever department inspection by National with minimal discrepancies. These accomplishments reflect our collective strength and unwavering commitment to the entire Department of California membership.

**Training, Mentorship, and Building a Legacy of Excellence** 

Standardized training and mentorship are the cornerstones of our strength. Inspired by PSC Johnson’s leadership, we continue to develop tools that empower our members—like the All Training Attended Report and the Good Standing Delegate Report—ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness. These innovations help us grow stronger.

**Inspection and Continuous Growth** 

Our Department Deputy Inspector Program has revealed areas for improvement, pushing us to higher standards. As we complete our electronic inspection dashboard, we will have real-time insights into our posts’ health—allowing us to act swiftly providing the help post may need. Our ongoing commitment to excellence is a testament to our dedication to service and progress, always with our veterans and their families at the heart of what we do.

**Together, We Rise and Shine** 

The line officers and staff have worked tirelessly, and I promise to keep that momentum going. But more than anything, I promise to listen—to your hopes, your concerns, and your dreams for a better VFW. Our greatest strength is our unity, our shared purpose, and our unwavering devotion to service. When we come together, listen, and act, we forge a future filled with hope, opportunity, and pride—an organization that truly serves the needs of our veterans, their families, and the communities we cherish.

 

**Veterans of Foreign Wars — we are one family, bound by purpose, driven by service, and committed to making a difference. Together, let’s move forward with strength, pride, and an unwavering spirit of hope. The best is yet to come!**

We are ready to Go Over and Above Together.