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.
Usmc 1969-1977, 1983
U.S. nAVY-Retired 1983-2008
President
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.
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.
U.S. Army 1967–1970
Vice President
I have been helping Veterans since 1974. I focus each interview on assessment of eligibility for local and federal benefit.
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.
Secretary
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.
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.
U.S. Navy
Board Member
As a former County Veterans Services Officer it gives me an opportunity to continue to be of service to members of the veteran community.
Retired San Joaquin County Veteran Services Officer; Retired H/R Professional, Board Member Since 2015 ; MPA Golden Gate Univ; BA CSUS
Board Member
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.
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.
Board Member
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.
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.
Board Member
I want to honor our veterans and current service members for their service and sacrifice to our country.
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.
U.S. Army 1967-1969
Board Member
When I returned from serving in Vietnam, I transitioned into civilian life and a career path that included many veterans. I am proud to volunteer to help fellow veterans overcome obstacles.
After serving in the US Army (67-69), I trained and raced harness horses until 1986. I then spent 30 years as a mortgage lender specializing in providing VA home loans for my fellow military veterans and their families.
Board Member
As a veteran I understand the unique challenges and sacrifices that come with military service. Volunteering with the Port City Patriots allows me to give back to the local veteran community. It’s an honor and privilege to help create opportunities and ensure that no veteran feels alone or forgotten. I’m proud to stand alongside the other Board members who are committed to making a difference in the lives of local veterans.
I proudly served four years in the U.S. Air Force as a KC-10 Crew Chief at both March AFB and Travis AFB. Since 2000, I have worked at the Port of Stockton and have been the Assistant to the Port Director / Secretary to the Board of Port Commissioners since 2017. In addition, to my professional role, I’m actively involved in two other non-profit organizations. I have been married since 1999 and am a proud parent to two daughters and two sons.
Board Member
I chose to serve on this Board because I believe many Veterans in our community need greater access to essential services and resources. Too often, Veterans don’t know where to begin when seeking assistance, and my goal is to help connect them with the information and support they need to achieve stability and success.
I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and have over eight years of experience as a Case Manager working with the Veteran community. For five of those years, I focused on supporting low-income Veterans and those at risk of homelessness. In recent years, my work has centered on helping Veterans secure meaningful employment and regain stability. I’m a firm believer in the principle of “Veterans helping Veterans,” and I strive to uphold that commitment every day through my work and service.
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