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Paralyzed Veterans of America CA

For 75 years, Paralyzed Veterans of America has been on a mission to change lives and build brighter futures for our seriously injured heroes—to empower these brave men and women with what they need to achieve the things they fought for: freedom and independence.

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Board of Directors Biographies

President /National Director, Jose Reynoso – E-mail: jo**@***cc.org. A former Marine Corporal, in the Marine Expeditionary Unit, Jose learned training tactics of warfare to service men and police forces throughout the world. Jose is a combat veteran having served two tours in the Middle East. Jose suffered a spinal cord injury and found hope through the PVA’s Adaptive Sports Program.  

Vice President, – Bob Molinatti – E-mail: bo*@***cc.org. Bob, a US Army veteran, served from 1976-1978 when he sustained a spinal cord injury in an auto accident. Post-injury he earned a Broadcast Journalism degree from Cal State, Long Beach. Bob won the Los Angeles Marathon and represented the US at the Paralympic Games in Seoul Korea and in Atlanta, GA. Bob hosted the TV show, “In Pursuit,” on ESPN which highlighted disabled sports and athletes
  

Secretary, Artis Flanagan – E-mail: ar***@***cc.org. 

Treasurer, Teresa Gaspar – E-mail: te****@***cc.org. Teresa served as a cryptologist in the United States Navy and as a combat medic in the CA National Guard. She was a Peer Support Specialist for Volunteers of America and a Veteran Navigator for the Goodwill until her spinal cord injury. She was boots on the ground as a Battle Buddy locating homeless veterans in Los Angeles and received the PVA’s Dwain Taylor Member Award for her volunteer service in 2022.

Immediate Past President, Elmer Jacobs, Jr. Elmer worked 25 years for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Cal State Long Beach.  Elmer, a former Marine, has a spinal cord injury and has been involved with PVACC serving fellow veterans.  

Director, Lamont Jacobs – E-mail: la****@***cc.org. Enlisted in the Army, Lamont served as a supply specialist and forklift operator. Once out of the Army Lamont worked at Proctor & Gamble and then at Phillips 76 Oil Refinery until he sustained a spinal cord injury. Lamont has attended wheelchair games for over 10 years and is an inspiration and encouragement to veterans. 

Director, Charles Whitehead – E-mail: ch*****@***cc.org. Charles served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1982-1987. He is an actor, musician, singer/songwriter, composer, and producer. He is also the co-leader of his own band named “Per Se.” is the Vice Chairman of the BEAC Commission for the City of Long Beach, is on the Board of Directors with four others, and Co-Host of Operation Confidence’s podcast radio show titled “America’s Invisible Heroes,”. He always encourages everyone to “Keep your head up” and “Refuse to lose” because “Life is good”. Charles has works at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center and

Director, Sarah Labrada– E-mail: sa***@***cc.org. Sarah served in the US Army as a Combat Medic.  After a knee injury she became a medical supply logistician. Sarah was diagnosed with MS in 2009 and was medically discharged in 2011.  Sarah is a mother of two boys and is an active PTA member.  She also actively volunteers at the Long Beach VA and is the PVA Multiple Sclerosis point of contact as the PVA has recently voted to accept veterans with MS as PVA members. 

Director, Leif Meisinger– E-mail: le***@***cc.org. Leif served in the US Army and deployed to Iraq in 2007-2008 during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  While deployed Leif was in an IED blast where he suffered his spinal cord injury in 2007.  Leif is a recent graduate of Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa where he hearned his Associated degree in Liberal Arts. Leif is an active member in the Veteran community and serves as the founding president of the American Legion Riders Chapter 133 and is a member of the Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association. 

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