Who We Are

Port City Patriots, formerly Disabled American Veteran Charities of San Joaquin County, is a 501(c)3 organization founded in 1972 by a group of veterans who wanted to assist fellow veterans.  Over the past 50+ years we have provided direct support to thousands of local veterans through various programs and services.

We are guided by our all-volunteer Board of Directors which is comprised of both veteran and non-veteran volunteers who hold a deep respect and profound sense of responsibility to honor the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families during their time of service to our nation.

Port City Patriots

10940 Trinity Parkway

Suite C-285

Stockton,  CA   95219

Charles Roots

Usmc 1969-1977, 1983
U.S. nAVY-Retired 1983-2008
President

Why do you volunteer on this Board?

My step father had served as a Marine in World War Two. Whenever we would see a serviceman in uniform hitch-hiking we would always offer him a ride. That has stuck with me throughout my life – Give a helping-hand to a veteran.

Background:

Dr. Charles R. Roots, or “Chas” as he was known in his Brat days attended a bilingual school in Paris, France (60-61, 7th), then the Oslo American School (OAS) in Norway (61-63, 8th -9th).  He completed high school back in the States in 1966. During his time in the Marine Corps while in Vietnam he committed his life to Christ. Early in the 1980s he was commissioned as a Navy chaplain, retiring from the naval reserve as a captain (0-6) in 2008 with a total of 34 years of military service. He has been the senior pastor of the Ripon (CA) Free Methodist Church since 1998. He has been married to Isaura 35 years on June 5.

Bob Bentz

U.S. Army 1967–1970
Vice President

Why do you volunteer on this Board?

I have been helping Veterans since 1974. I focus each interview on assessment of eligibility for local and federal benefit.

Background:

Delta A.A., C.S.U. Stanislaus B.A. Social Science, 2002 Wurschmidt Award: Highest national honor for veteran services, Federal Employee of the Year 2002 in Service to the Community category.

Lanny Bauer

USMC
Treasurer

Why do you volunteer on this Board?

I resigned from the Chapter to devote more time Port City Patriots in my desire to help veterans

Background:

I am a retired Marine and was serving as Secretary/Treasurer of Al Jordan DAV Chapter 15 as well as a member of DAV Charities of SJC. I Joined the board in 2005 and am a past President and current Treasurer.

Paul Picchi

Secretary

Why do you volunteer on this Board?

I joined the Board in 2011 to use my skills in fundraising.  My father was a veteran, and even though I did not serve in the military, I wanted to honor his service by volunteering with this organization.

Background:

Graduate of the University of the Pacific (1977) where I played football.  Business experience in private investigation, produce sales, and since 2004, superintendent in the construction industry.

Dave Lurgio

U.S. NAVY 1961-1981
Board Member

Why do you volunteer on this Board?

I am a Vietnam Veteran, 68-69, I am very proud to serve with an organization that caters to veterans.  It is my way of giving back to those who gave before me.

Background:

Graduated High School, 20 Years navy food service, various service schools, worked several jobs working with people at customer service.

Ron Green

U.S. Navy
Board Member

Why do you volunteer on this Board?

As a former County Veterans Services Officer it gives me an opportunity to continue to be of service to members of the veteran community.

Background:

Retired San Joaquin County Veteran Services Officer; Retired H/R Professional, Board Member Since 2015 ; MPA Golden Gate Univ; BA CSUS

Nicholas Smith

U.S. Navy 1967-1971
Board Member

Why do you volunteer on this Board?

This is an opportunity to assist the people who served our country who have a need.

Background:

Business College, Plumbing Contractor for 25+, Business owner, Retired

Debbie Baglietto

Board Member

Why do you volunteer on this Board?

I am involved with various boards in San Joaquin County.  I was doing a fund raiser with another organization and we chose Port City Patriots (formerly DAV of SJ County) to be the beneficiary for the fund raiser because of the wonderful things they do for VETS.  After they were the beneficiary for the 2nd year and we both found it was a great partnership, I was asked to be on the board to continue to help the VETS as many possible ways that we can.

Background:

I have been in banking since 1983, 27 years at Bank of America where I started as a teller and worked my way up to Manager and Client Manager with Investment License and 14 years with Oak Valley Community Bank as VP Manager.

Stan Rapada

Board Member

Why do you volunteer on this Board?

As a veteran, it is my responsibility to support the veteran community.  I believe in the work and services that the Port City Patriots provide.  It is important work.  I am proud to be a part of this service community.

Background:

Retired from the Military after 32 years and from San Joaquin Delta College, 20 years, I am currently the Director of the Military and Veteran Student Centers for the University of the Pacific.  I travel the world as a humanitarian, photographer, and documentarian of Iraq and Ukraine.  I am working on my master’s degree in leadership class of 2024.

Joann Barbero

Board Member

Why do you volunteer on this Board?

I want to honor our veterans and current service members for their service and sacrifice to our country.

Background:

I am a high school graduate.  My husband and I owned a construction business for 35 years, and I have had my own bookkeeping business for the past 12 years.