Kenneth Paklos
Oceanside
Summary
Marine Corps veteran and former VA Contact Representative with firsthand experience guiding veterans through the complexities of enrollment, eligibility, and benefits access. Worked remotely on the front lines of veteran support, fielding calls from across the country via the VHIC line and resolving issues with empathy and precision. Also served in state-level crisis response during the COVID-19 unemployment surge and supported federal emergency operations during volcanic eruptions in Hawaiʻi. Committed to continuing this mission through VA accreditation, bringing both lived experience and professional insight to serve fellow veterans more directly and effectively.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Security Officer
GateKeepers Security
04.2025 - Current
- Checked and verified photo identification prior to granting facility access.
- Checked identification of persons entering and exiting facility to eliminate unauthorized visitors.
- Acted quickly during emergency situations to reduce opportunity for damage and injury.
- Greeted guests professionally and courteously to cultivate welcoming atmosphere while making safety top priority.
Professional Athlete (Boxer)
Self Employed
01.2022 - 06.2025
- Self-managed all aspects of training camps, travel logistics, licensing, medical clearance, and contract negotiations with promoters and commissions.
- Built strategic fight plans, adapted to opponents in real time, and demonstrated mental resilience under high-stakes pressure.
- Promoted personal brand through social media, networking, and in-person engagement, growing a loyal fanbase and sponsor interest.
- Maintained strict discipline in nutrition, fitness, and daily structure — consistently meeting weight and regulatory standards.
- Coordinated with coaches, cutmen, managers, and media for fight promotion, public appearances, and post-fight interviews.
- Balanced full-time athletic career with additional professional responsibilities, showcasing time management and entrepreneurial drive.
- Retired due to eye injuries
Contact Representative
Department of Veteran Affairs
05.2023 - 05.2024
- Responded to a high volume of inbound calls from veterans, family members, and caregivers via the national VA Health Identification Card (VHIC) support line.
- Provided detailed explanations of VA benefits, including health care eligibility, enrollment processes, and access to services across VHA, VBA, and NCA.
- Handled complex and emotionally sensitive inquiries with empathy and professionalism, often acting as the first point of contact for confused or frustrated veterans.
- Verified veteran eligibility and enrollment status through internal VA systems while maintaining HIPAA and privacy compliance.
- Educated callers on how to access VA care, obtain medical ID cards, update personal information, and navigate My HealtheVet and eBenefits platforms.
- Collaborated with multiple VA departments to route calls appropriately and resolve escalated issues regarding benefits, claims, and appointments.
- Maintained accurate records of each interaction using VA call center systems, contributing to streamlined veteran support and improved case tracking.
Unemployment Claims Case Manager
CoreStaff Servies
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Supported the California Employment Development Department (EDD) during the peak of the COVID-19 unemployment backlog, helping thousands of claimants navigate an overwhelmed benefits system.
- Fielded a high volume of calls from frustrated or confused Californians, providing clear guidance on filing initial claims, certifying for weeks, addressing disqualifications, and resolving account lockouts.
- Troubleshot complex claim issues related to identity verification, fraud holds, payment errors, and eligibility misclassifications.
- Delivered calm, empathetic support to vulnerable populations under economic stress while maintaining productivity and accuracy metrics.
- Documented each case thoroughly in EDD systems, ensuring accurate tracking for appeals and follow-up.
- Learned and adapted quickly to ever-changing policies and emergency legislation related to PUA, PEUC, and other pandemic relief programs.
- Contributed to reducing the claims backlog during a time of statewide crisis, playing a vital role in restoring financial stability for California residents.
Park Ranger
National Park Service
02.2019 - 02.2022
- Served as part of the specialized “Eruption Crew” at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, assisting with emergency operations and public safety protocols during active volcanic activity.
- Worked closely with federal law enforcement officers and the park’s Chief of Police to manage access control, enforce safety perimeters, and support real-time crisis response efforts.
- Monitored hazardous zones and educated visitors on eruption safety, air quality, and evacuation procedures, often under rapidly changing and high-risk conditions.
- Provided frontline support during natural events, including lava flows, ashfall, and earthquakes, ensuring the safety of visitors, staff, and wildlife.
- Maintained clear, calm communication with both tourists and emergency personnel during tense situations involving shifting volcanic hazards.
- Assisted with logistics, crowd control, and traffic flow during major public events and high-tourism periods following eruptions.
- Trained in safety protocol, park emergency systems, and incident response procedures specific to volcanic terrain and geological instability.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Hawaii At Hilo
Hilo, HI05-2022
Timeline
Security Officer
GateKeepers Security
04.2025 - Current
Contact Representative
Department of Veteran Affairs
05.2023 - 05.2024
Professional Athlete (Boxer)
Self Employed
01.2022 - 06.2025
Unemployment Claims Case Manager
CoreStaff Servies
01.2022 - 01.2023
Park Ranger
National Park Service
02.2019 - 02.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Hawaii At Hilo
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