May 11, 2023
Community

Jon W. Paulson Veterans Community Dedication Ceremony

Swords to Plowshares and Dianne Paulson are thrilled to welcome you to the long-awaited dedication ceremony of the Jon W. Paulson Veterans Community in Presidio National Park. Please join us for a speaking program to honor Jon and commemorate the project on May 11th.

Event Program

Welcome

Fellow Advisory Board member and Vietnam veteran, John Keker, will be the Master of Ceremonies. Remarks will also be delivered by Supervisor Catherine Stefani, Col. Chris Starling, Michael Blecker, and close friends including Steve Plath and Mike Cerre. Light refreshments will be provided. We will also unveil a bronze sculpture created by Rolf Nordhammer Kriken to honor Jon and the many lives lost in Vietnam.

About JWPVC

The site, formerly known as the Veterans Academy, was the nation’s first-ever permanent supportive housing program for veterans. It has been home to 108 formerly homeless veterans with disabilities since 2000. This site and program set a national precedent.  

In 2016 when our beloved Jon Paulson died from cancer caused by Agent Orange exposure during his time in Vietnam, we knew his legacy of serving veterans should continue. After an arduous nearly-6-year process, we have finally completed all capital improvements including installation of elevators for our veterans to age in place with dignity.  

We are so grateful to all our generous supporters who have contributed to the Jon W. Paulson Veterans Community. We are especially grateful to Dianne Paulson for her patience and continued commitment to Swords to Plowshares. A donor plaque will be on display as well.  

Read more about Jon’s life here: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sfgate/name/jon-paulson-obituary?id=9196797

When & Where

Thursday, May 11, 2023

3:00 pm

-

5:00 pm

Transportation Details

*Please make note that there is a Girard Street on the other side of San Francisco. This is located off Doyle Drive in the Presidio. Ample parking is available in the parking lot behind the Jon W. Paulson Veterans Community (two buildings that face each other south of the Tunnel Tops and views of Golden Gate Bridge)