Our History
Our story began with a simple mission—to ensure that every veteran in our community receives the care and respect they’ve earned. Meet the founders who turned that mission into a lasting legacy.
Our Founders
Ronald J. Greenwood
Ronald J. Greenwood is an Army veteran who served with distinction in the 199th Light
Infantry Brigade during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969. As a squad leader in the
Air Cavalry, Ron was severely wounded in combat on January 31, 1969. For his service,
he received both the Army Commendation Medal and the Purple Heart.
Following his military service, Ron used his GI Bill to earn a degree with honors from
UC Berkeley, later graduating from law school. It was while studying for the bar exam at Boalt Hall that he met his future wife, Lisa. Together, they founded the law firm Greenwood & Greenwood, where they practiced law for two decades.
Their firm served as the pro bono legal team for the Association of Service Disabled Veterans, playing a key role in the successful passage of Public Law 106-50, which established the Federal Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) program. Following the passage of this landmark legislation, Ron and Lisa sold their law firm to their junior partners and launched a logistics company, becoming pioneers among SDVOB entrepreneurs.
As their business thrived, they were inspired to give back in an even greater way. In 2006, they founded the Gold Coast Veterans Foundation (GCVF), initially operating it out of their logistics company until 2011. In 2012, GCVF opened the Veterans Connection in Camarillo, where the organization continues to serve today. Ron served as Chairman of the Foundation from its inception until January 2019.
Lisa E. Greenwood
Lisa Greenwood’s commitment to veterans’ causes began with her father, Captain Tom Wilson, a World War II bombardier navigator who flew 52 missions over Germany in a B-17. This early exposure to military sacrifice shaped her lifelong dedication to those who serve.
Lisa put herself through UC Berkeley, working full-time to finance her education. She later worked as a legal secretary while attending law school. It was during this time that she met her husband, Ron, as they prepared for the bar exam at Boalt Hall. Together, they established the law firm Greenwood & Greenwood, practicing law side-by-side for twenty years.
While running their practice, Lisa also served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at both Golden Gate University and John F. Kennedy University Schools of Law. Alongside Ron, she provided pro bono legal services to the Association of Service Disabled Veterans and testified before Congress in support of what would become Public Law 106-50.
Following the enactment of the SDVOB legislation, Lisa and Ron sold their law firm and launched a logistics company, becoming among the first SDVOB-certified businesses. As their company grew, so did their commitment to giving back, leading to the creation
of the Gold Coast Veterans Foundation (GCVF) in 2006.
From 2006 to 2011, Lisa helped run the Foundation from their business offices. She organized all golf tournaments and personally hosted and managed all Foundation receptions during those years. In 2012, GCVF opened the Veterans Connection in Camarillo. Lisa served on the Board of Directors from the Foundation’s founding until January 2019.
After over 30 years of dedicated service to the veteran community, Lisa and Ron passed the torch to a new generation of leaders. Lisa continues to play an active role in the Foundation as Co-Founder.