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Paul J. Lehman
Office Liaison to the Executive Committee

On July 28, 2009 Paul was promoted from the part-time company bookkeeper position to the position of the Office Liaison to the Executive Committee (EC). Paul's job will be to manager the office, its staff, assume part of the Executive Directors Position and keep the EC up to date on any and all issues. Paul was originally hired as a part-time bookkeeper in 2005. Paul came to us while still working at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) where for 5 years Paul was a tutor in accounting and computer courses. Paul was promoted in 2005 to the part-time Online Tutoring Coordinator position. Paul retired from MATC in early 2006 so he could put more time in to his job at WPVA.

For 5 years Paul has been volunteering his time for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) a free tax preparing service created by the Internal Revenue Service and co-sponsored by The Milwaukee Building Coalition. Since 2007 Paul has been promoted to the Assistant Coordinator at his site and Tax Instructor for the program. Since 2003 Paul has volunteered over 2,500 tireless hours to the program. In 2009 Paul decided to retire from the program because of health reasons. For the past 5 years Paul also volunteers 2 days a year for the Ronald MacDonald House during their annual Christmas Bazaar as their truck driver hauling merchandise for the fund raising event.

After a freak accident In 1994 Paul had to undergo 4 spinal fusions that have failed and can not be fixed. This has made him partially disabled. He decided his situation would not drag him down, so against his doctors advice Paul went back to school and obtained his Associate Degree in Accounting. Paul was able to receive funding from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) in order so he obtain his goal of obtaining his degree in Accounting, and graduated as a Phi Theta Kappa, top of his class with many honors.

Paul was in the United States Army from 1978 to 1984. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. He was trained as a truck driver and 3 years into his tour he was promoted to the company Training NCO. After 2 years he was promoted to Transportation Coordinator for the battalion in West Germany. He served At Fort Ord in California and Flak Concern in Ludwigsburg in West Germany. Paul received many awards and was decorated for his dedication to the US Army and his country.

Paul's resume includes bookkeeping, tax instructor, Accounting Tutor, purchasing, small engine service coordinator and customer service representative just to name a few. Before Paul's accident he was a Master Small Engine Mechanic who worked on many items from garden trimmers to large garden tractors. These skills were obtained while either in the military or from his jobs since leaving the military in 1984. Paul is from Milwaukee and loves hunting, fishing, volunteering and camping. Paul still lives in his hometown of Milwaukee and loves to hunt, fish and camp.

Gustave R. "Gus" Sorenson
Government Relations Director

Gus Sorenson became Government Relations Director [GRD] in May 2000. Prior his appointment to this position, Gus has served the chapter as President, National Director, Vice-President, Secretary, Board Member, and Volunteer. Gus is also a member of PVA’s Long Range Planning Committee. He has been a PVA Member since the 1970’s.

As GRD, Mr. Sorenson’s primary focus is monitoring legislation that affects veterans and advocating for individuals with physical disabilities. He is also involved in a number of other assignments for the chapter such as grant writing, newsletter material, and fund raising. Mr. Sorenson often speaks to school classes and professional groups on what it means to be a veteran and what it’s like to live with a disability.

Mr. Sorenson served in the United States Army from May 1968 through February 1970 when he was honorably discharged. Sixteen days later he sustained a spinal cord injury. Overseas tours of duty include Panama and South Vietnam. Among his military decorations are the Silver Star, Army Commendation Medal, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge [CIB].

Gus Sorenson has a Degree in History from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and currently resides in Sturtevant, Wisconsin. He is an avid Quad Rugby player and a life long, die hard fan of the Chicago Cubs.