Beyond the ordinary

I’ve lived many chapters in this life—Eagle Scout, husband, father of three wonderful children, and grandfather of nine.

I’ve served as a combat medic, worked in business, and invested my time and energy into helping others.

Along the way, I’ve experienced success and failure, been hired and let go, and ultimately found the courage to build something of my own.

Each of those moments has shaped me, humbled me, and taught me to keep moving forward.

There was also a time when I stepped away from everything and climbed the path of a Buddhist monk, searching for peace and understanding.

In that stillness, I learned that strength doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from compassion, patience, and the willingness to grow.

The name I carry "Paragon" was given to me by buddhist monks while I was ordained in the Monastery - an aspiration toward the “epitome” of something greater. At first, that felt like a heavy burden, because I knew I was, and always will be, human.   Over time, though, I came to see it differently—not as something I had to live up to perfectly, but as a reminder to lead with love, truth, and dedication.

Today, that perspective guides how I serve. It’s not about being flawless—it’s about showing up with humility, caring for others, and doing the best I can for my brothers and sisters in the VFW, the Auxiliary, and every veteran family who may need support.

Do I have all the answers, I don't believe anyone does, What I have is a skill to listen, and put into action change for the better. 

Post

  • Commander

  • Sr. Vice Commander

  • Adjutant

  • Assistant Quartermaster

  • Surgeon

  • Founder - Cootie Pup Tent 77     "Battlefield Buffoons"

  • CCDB PT 77

  • Seam Squirrel 2026-2027

District

  • Commander

  • Jr. Vice Commander

  • Voice of Democracy Chairman

  • EMT / Fire / LE- Chairman

Department

  • Student Veterans Association Chairman
  • Administrative Committee
  • Suspension Committee
  • Investigative Committee
  • Department Deputy Inspector

National

  • National Deputy Chief of Staff
  • Military Graves Resolution
  • National Resolutions Committee 2026

Veteran Memberships

  • VFW Gold Legacy Life
  • Centennial LIfe Member - National Home
  • Disabled American Veterans
  • American Legion Post 48 - Finance Officer
  • Warrior Veterans of the 4 Winds

Military and Civil Service

  • 8404 Field Medic - 24 Marine Amphibious Unit
  • 8483 Operating Room Technician
  • 9502 Naval Instructor, Uniformed Services University
  • Pharmacy Officer  (GS15) - Uniformed Services University 
  • Sr. Research Associate Physiology - F. Edward Herbert School of Medicine

Volunteerism

  • Latin Urban League 2024 Veteran Pioneer Award
  • Member - Ventura Domestic violence and Sexual Assault task force
  • Board of Director - Andreas Soter Simonson Cancer Foundation
  • Mental Health Duty Chief - Crisis Intervention Team, Emergency Services Department Burningman Project
  • 32 degree Mason, Pentalpha Lodge 194, Maryland
  • Almas Shriner - Scottish Rite Temple - Washington D.C.
  • Director, Ventura County Services Exposition

Military Awards and Accomplishments

  • Armed Forces Exeditionary Medal
  • Joint Services Commendation Medal (2)
  • Joint Services Achievement Medal (2)
  • Navy Meritorious Services Commendation
  • Multinational Force and Observers Medal
  • Good Conduct
  • Sea Service Deployment
  • Blue Nose
  • Shell Back

Business Acument

  • Executive Director Golden State Guardians Foundation (formerly VFW Foundation)
  • Managing Director NRG Environmental
  • Director Environmental Health and Safety & Regulatory Compliance CalNRG Operating. 
  • Director Environmental Healthand Safety, True Oil Enterprises
  • Founder / CEO Ecocompounds Inc. 
  • Founder / CEO R3 Technologies

Program Priorities

  • Membership
  • Healthcare access and quality
  • Psychedelic Assisted Psychology for PTSD

“Every man is a vital link in the great chain.”

General George S. Patton

Candidates Side by Side

Comparing the qualifications of two candidates is essential to making an informed and responsible decision. Each candidate brings a distinct combination of leadership experience, organizational knowledge, and vision for the future, and evaluating these factors side by side allows voters to assess who is best equipped to meet the needs of the organization. A thoughtful comparison moves beyond personality or rhetoric and focuses on proven performance, demonstrated commitment, and the ability to execute at the level required, ensuring the choice is grounded in merit and aligned with long-term success.

Experience Paragon D1 Candidate
National Resolutions Committee x
National Deputy Chief of Staff x
Department Investigative Committee x
Department Suspension Committee x x
Department Deputy Inspector x
Department Committee Chairman Student Veterans Association POW/MIA
District Commander x x
District Jr. Vice Commander x
Post Commander x x
Post Sr. Vice Commander x x
Post Jr. Vice Commander x x
Post Surgeon x
Post Assistant Quartermaster x
Founder Cootie Pup Tent PT 77 - Battlefield Buffoons
Cootie CCDB x
Cootie Seam Squirrel x
Latin Urban League Veteran Pioneer Award 2024
American Legion Post 48 Finance Officer x