Paul Brown is the kind of person you feel privileged to know. Standing at least six feet seven inches tall, his solid frame easily fills a doorway and his presence is known the minute he enters a room. Without a doubt he commands respect, but is a stranger to no one, striking up a conversation at every opportunity and listening in turn with undivided attention. His powerful charisma emanates from his cheery grin, and after even the shortest introduction you’ll feel like you have a true friend in this great man.

Paul is an AGR Chi Chapter Alumni, Alpha Nu Class. Born and raised in Santa Ynez on the family farm, he attended Cal Poly as an Ag Science Major and minored in both Philosophy and Psychology, and graduated in 1992. Gathering leadership qualities from holding on-campus offices, playing rugby for Cal Poly, working downtown in San Luis Obispo, and from AGR, Paul developed a balanced and very busy lifestyle that he has not stepped away from even today.

After college Paul worked with inner-city adolescents in the Oakland area. He lived among the troubled youth in a compound established to help straighten out the lives of those who did not have the benefits of a loving family and proper upbringing that most people take for granted. He feels this was much more than a position of job, but a way to reach out and touch the lives of others is a very positive way. “For the first few weeks of every program I was the drill instructor, and would demand order by holding fast to strict discipline. And by the end of the twelve week program, I was the one those kids knew they could count on; the one they could depend on. For many of them I was the first person they could trust. I learned so much from that, and loved what I was doing.”

Currently Paul is a Sergeant in the US Army, reactivated recently due to the September 11th attacks on the United States. He is based in Barstow, California at Fort Irwin as a leader and trainer of military policemen, and was transferred to San Luis Obispo Military Base to continue training for an upcoming mission overseas. As a Sergeant in a Combat Military Police Unit, Paul will be the first to arrive on any battlefield to direct tank maneuvers and personnel operations, and handle prisoners of war. Though he does not yet exactly know where he will be stationed in the coming year, his patriotism and commitment to his duty is unfaltering, and his optimism is unparalleled. “I was told that where I’ll be going has a lot of sand,” he said in a confident tone, “but it doesn’t do any good for me to try and speculate where that is. I’ll go where I am needed the most.” Paul epitomizes the true American Serviceman.

Like back in the college days when he was an undergraduate AGR, a Cal Poly Rugby Player and holding a job at the same time, Paul is never satisfied doing just one thing. Though he is Sergeant in the military and could easily be asked to relocate at any time, his ties to San Luis Obispo are not easily overlooked. He is the owner of Mother’s Tavern, one of the most prominent and widely known bars and dining establishments in San Luis. A very active owner, he gives the business direction, and is taking his spare time when he’s away from the base to train new managers and offer his expertise in whatever he can. “From back at AGR I learned not to expect more from people that they are able to give you. People have their limitations, so concentrate on what they can do, and their contributions will be what they can do best.” It is plain to see his on a first name basis with his employees, and is always interested in their well-being.

At 34, Paul Brown has a lifetime of experience, and is showing no signs of slowing down. He is honest to himself and those around him, and without a doubt his strongest qualities are integrity and respect. “Look inside and forgive yourself for what you’re not, and be modest and proud of what you are.” He said straightforwardly. If you ever get a chance to meet Paul Brown, take it, you will be really glad you did.
 

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