Paula Jansen was installed as the Senior Vice Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Department of California in June of 2025 at Orange, California.

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 Gold Legacy Life Member in 2021, She is a Cootie Life Member of Pup Tent 66 and a Century Life Member of VFW National Home. 

She has been 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.  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.