Paula is a California Native who comes from a long line of military Veterans spanning all services including her 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 Bronze Legacy Life Member in 2021.  She has been married to Eric Jansen, who is also retired from the U.S. Navy after 26 years.  They have two children and three grandchildren.  Paula has dedicated thousands of hours supporting the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Pageantry across San Diego.  She earned her eligibility for the VFW while deployed to the Persian Gulf onboard USS Constellation CV-64.  She was stationed in Misawa Japan and San Diego during her career but travel throughout the Pacific.  She earned Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (4), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Battle E Ribbon, Good Conduct (5),   Armed Forces Expeditionary, Military Volunteer Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Oversees service Ribbon (3). 

After retirement she worked for a defense contractor and then as a government employee in the logistics field.  She enjoys helping others, doing crafts and being involved in her community.

VFW 1^st District Commander 20-21 (All American)

All State Post Commander 2017-2021

All American Post Commander 2018-2019, 2020-2021  

Lifetime Presidential Volunteer Service Award 2018

Woman of the Year for Senator Joel Anderson. 2018  

Veteran of Year for Senator Joel Anderson 2018

Representative to San Diego County advisory board 2021

Girl Scout Alumni

Dept of Ca Community Service Citizenship Chairman/ Youth Scouting JROTC  20-21

District 1 VOD/PP/Teach of Year Chairman 2017-2019

Co-Director of Positive Directions Pageantry Scholarship Pageant

Director of Miss Military Star California Pageant

Member of Women’s Club of Lakeside

Member of El Capitan Stadium Assn

Member of Kiwanis’s of Lakeside