FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mr. Raul Barragan - The Veterans Support Initiative (VSI) was born from the lived experiences of its founder, Raul Barragan, an eight-year U.S. Army veteran who served honorably during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) as part of the International Security Assistance Force. During his military career, Raul distinguished himself through discipline, leadership, and excellence.

When Raul returned home from active duty, he faced the same challenges many veterans experience, navigating the transition from service to civilian life, pursuing education, and rediscovering purpose beyond the uniform. Determined to succeed, he used his GI Bill benefits to continue his education, ultimately earning his Master of Business for Veterans (MBV) from the University of Southern California (USC). His academic path deepened his understanding of leadership, management, and the systemic gaps that too often leave veterans behind.

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Raul’s professional journey led him into sales and advertising, where his commitment to excellence earned him multiple honors for outstanding performance and leadership. His work and visibility in the community gained recognition from We Are The Mighty, a platform highlighting influential voices and changemakers within the veteran community.

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Beyond his career, Raul has been deeply engaged in veterans’ advocacy and organizational leadership. Within the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), he has served as Commander, Quartermaster, District Commander, West LA Chairman, and Marketing Chair for the VFW Department of California. His leadership has consistently centered on connection, empowerment, and visibility for those who have served.

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In recognition of his dedication to veteran causes and community service, Raul was recently elected as the Los Angeles County District 3 Veteran Commissioner, where he continues to advocate for equitable access to health, housing, and career opportunities for veterans across the region.

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As a husband and father of two, Raul remains grounded by family and community. His commitment to mentoring youth and supporting education reflects the same sense of service that defined his military years.

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The Veterans Support Initiative emerged from Raul’s vision to bridge the gap between service and civilian life, to ensure that every veteran has access to the resources, respect, and opportunities they deserve. Today, VSI stands as a beacon for veterans and their families, fostering collaboration between local agencies, nonprofits, and civic leaders to build pathways toward healing, stability, and purpose.

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​​EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ms. Gail Wilson - With an unwavering commitment to service, Gail brings over a decade of impactful experience at the intersection of community advocacy, nonprofit development, and veteran support. As a dynamic leader and visionary strategist, Gail has worked tirelessly to uplift underrepresented populations, especially veterans, youth, and families facing systemic barriers to opportunity.

 

Driven by purpose and rooted in compassion, Gail has successfully led initiatives in project management, grant strategy, and organizational development, securing vital funding to launch and expand programs that transform lives. Through years of volunteering and collaborating with grassroots organizations, city agencies, and veteran service groups, Gail has championed
solutions that prioritize dignity, access, and equity.

As the founder and principal consultant of a thriving community-focused consultancy, Gail advises nonprofits on strategic planning, board development, marketing and communications, and fundraising capacity. Their work consistently bridges the gap between vision and execution, crafting compelling narratives, designing effective community outreach strategies, and building
cross-sector partnerships that drive measurable impact.

In service to the Veterans Support Initiative, Gail leads with deep respect for those who have served, curating outreach events, essential resource drives, and partnerships with civic, corporate, and educational institutions. Her work has expanded support services across the San Fernando Valley, connecting veterans and their families to healthcare, mental wellness, employment, and
case management programs. 

 

A passionate advocate for youth leadership, Gail also mentors emerging leaders through involvement with organizations like the California Cadet Corps, SkillsUSA, and Youth Policy Institute -- developing civic responsibility, volunteerism, and intergenerational dialogue as tools for lasting community change.

 

Whether behind the scenes, crafting grant proposals, or out front, coordinating large-scale community events, Gail brings unmatched dedication, creativity, and collaborative energy to every project. Her life’s work is anchored in one mission: to build stronger, healthier communities where every individual, especially our nation’s heroes can thrive with dignity, purpose, and pride.