Chinese American Military Support

Based on article translated to English from World Journal.

 

A former prosecutor, practicing attorney, and current Mayor of Arcadia,  Paul P. Cheng (above in light blue suit) recently officially accepted an appointment by the Chinese-American Military Support (CAMS) organization to serve as its Pro Bono Legal Counsel. In this role, he will dedicate his extensive legal and public service experience to supporting active-duty & reserve service members, veterans, military families, and the Chinese-American community.

 

On August 24, CAMS members, military and veteran representatives, elected officials, and community leaders attended an appointment ceremony to mark Cheng joining the CAMS service team. Attendees included CAMS President Arthur Fong CAPT(retired) USN, board members Paul Tchan, LCDR Jamine Williams USPHS and Joaquin Lim (former Mayor of Walnut). Other Military and veteran representatives present included California State Guard (CSGR) Colonel Stapleton and his wife, CDR(Ret) CEC Ryan Wong USNR, Navy Petty Officer First Class (PO1) Benny Ho and family, U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) Staff Sergeant Ben Situ, as well as U.S. Navy veteran and Purple Heart recipient Ernie Low along with May Low.

 

Community figures in attendance included CAMS members former Mayor and current City Councilmember of Monterey Park Elizabeth Yang, Dr. Tim Wong and Daniel Liu, among others. Bringing together individuals across different generations and backgrounds, the gathering highlighted CAMS’s enduring mission to connect service members, veterans, military families, and the Chinese-American community.

 

In his new role as Pro Bono Legal Counsel, Cheng will provide legal advice and professional support entirely free of charge. Drawing on his multifaceted background as a trial lawyer, former prosecutor, elected municipal official, and State Guard officer, he will assist CAMS in continuing its mission of serving service members and the community.

 

"The history of Chinese Americans serving our country deserves to be recognized and remembered by future generations," Cheng said. "Behind every person who wears the uniform, there is a family and a community supporting them. For years, CAMS has worked to bring service members, families, and communities together. I am deeply honored to join CAMS and contribute my legal background to their mission."

 

Cheng is an experienced litigation and trial attorney who focuses on complex civil litigation and high-stakes disputes, having secured landmark verdicts and rulings in major California cases throughout his career. Prior to establishing his private law practice, he served as a prosecutor, building extensive courtroom experience and public legal service credentials.

 

Alongside his legal career, Cheng currently serves as the Mayor of Arcadia. He has long participated in local public affairs and community service, focusing on public safety, fiscal responsibility, economic development, and municipal efficiency. In military service, Cheng also serves as a First Lieutenant (1LT) in the California State Guard. Joining CAMS further unites his legal expertise, military service, and public service background.

 

Additionally, Cheng is scheduled to begin duties with the California Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation (JNE Commission) in 2027, where he will participate in evaluating candidates nominated for judicial appointments in California. "Public service should not be defined by a single title or office," Cheng noted. "Whether in court, in city hall, in uniform, or in the community, whenever your professional skills and experience can help others, it is worth doing. Supporting CAMS as its Pro Bono Legal Counsel is another meaningful way for me to serve."

 

Through this pro bono role, Cheng will assist with the organization's legal and operational needs. This appointment brings together his decades of experience across law, military service, municipal governance, and community advocacy, continuing his dedication to public service.

 

About Paul P. Cheng:

Paul P. Cheng is a veteran California trial lawyer, former prosecutor, First Lieutenant in the California State Guard, and the current Mayor of Arcadia. His legal practice focuses primarily on complex civil litigation and trial matters. With a career spanning prosecution, military service, and municipal leadership, Cheng has long been dedicated to local government, defense service, and community philanthropy.