Paul Rodriguez, Candidate for Department Commander
Born in Hawthorne, Paul is a native Californian. Upon graduating from South Hills High School in 1979, Paul enlisted in the US Army. After basic at Ft. Jackson, S.C., and AIT at Ft. Sam Houston, TX, Paul joined the Dental Corp at Ft. Ord, Presidio of Monterey as a Dental Specialist. It was during that time he met his wife of 40 years, Bonnie.
After completing 3 years of military service, Paul remained on the Monterey Peninsula working for the City of Monterey for 34 years. At the same time he was a 22-year volunteer EMT and Fire Engineer for the Cachagua Volunteer Fire District.
Already an active member of the American Legion, upon retirement Paul became even more active in Legion activities and programs. Paul is an Honorary Life member of Post 512 Carmel-by-the-Sea.
The American Legion:
31 Years of Service History
Post 512 Carmel-by-the-Sea
Post Commander, 2 times
Post Adjutant
Post Finance Officer
Post General Manager
Tri-mendous 28th District
District Commander
District Finance Officer
District Judge Advocate
District Executive officer
Area 2
Area 2 Vice Commander, 2 times
Area 2 Adjutant
Area 2 SAL Commissioner
Department of California
Department Chaplain
Ways & Means Chairman
SAL Commission Chairman
National Foreign Affairs Commission
Sons of the American Legion
California SAL Detachment Commander
SAL Alternate NEC
Policy Statement:
The American Legion Department of California is in fact a business. A very specialized business but nevertheless a business! To that end it is the responsibility of those in charge to discharge their duties and responsibilities with all due diligence.
Look at the Department of California this way. As a business we need capital. Our investors are our veterans who invest their monies and time to make the organization run. It is the responsibility of the elected officers, appointees, and employees to operate within the guidelines of the corporation.
The Department of California needs a complete re-evaluation of its business plan, operating procedures, and financial policies! I believe most of us will agree that these are challenging times not only for our American Legion but for many of our cherished organizations. The reasons are many but one thing we all share is we need to make less go further today!
I am proposing:
- Create a sound and realistic income-based budget
- Review the policies for the use of our reserve funds
- Review and revision of our employment policies as well as updating the Employee Handbook
- Well-defined disciplinary policies and guidelines
A strong organization requires a solid foundation. Our American Legion Department of California’s 105+ year old foundation needs attention! The resources within our organization are many. I feel we can help to shore up our foundation! I promise you a stronger and better Department of California if elected your Commander!
Want to download a copy of Paul’s bio? Click below.
For additional candidate information, visit Officer Candidates.
Author: caLegion Contributor
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