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Donald R. Fell
Executive Director
Donald R. Fell became the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Paralyzed Veterans of America (WPVA) on November 3, 2003. He first became acquainted with WPVA while playing on the same wheelchair basketball team as his predecessor, Dan Heidtke. Don has over 30 years of work experience with nonprofit organizations including the YMCA, YWCA, and other youth service agencies.
He served as an Executive with the YMCA for 17 years which included a 13 year stint with the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee. He also has spent approximately three years as a professional fund-raiser, working on capital campaigns in Virginia for public schools and the nonprofit entity that coordinates all of the organ transplants in the U.S. During his professional career Don has also been a high school social studies teacher, youth counselor, wilderness guide, and executive of a crisis intervention service for youth.
In 1965, Don was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He was trained as a weapons controller (radar control) and did tours of duty in Texas and Taiwan before returning to the States to be an instructor at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. In 1969, Don left the Air Force having achieved the rank of Captain to attend the Rutgers University Graduate School of Social Work where he received his Masters in Social Work in 1970.
Don did his undergraduate work at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, receiving his BA in History and Political Science and graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1965. He grew up in Phillipsburg, New Jersey which is located on Delaware River across from Easton, Pennsylvania.
Don is married to Ruth Watkins Fell who comes from Winona, Minnesota. They have two married daughters and four grandchildren. Don is an avid bicyclist, kayaker and canoeist and has participated in wheelchair sports, e.g., basketball and ice hockey for many years. Ruth and Don reside in New Berlin, Wisconsin. |
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.
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Teresa Peet
Chapter Administrtaive Secretary
Associate Member Teresa Peet, the current Administrative Secretary, came to the Wisconsin Paralyzed Veterans of America in October of 1997. Previously she was the Head Manager of a neighborhood Burger King Restaurant and a Loan Officer with Pacific Finance, Inc. Additional duties in our office include serving on the Chapter Membership Committee.
Active in the Covenant Community Church and the Church Choir, Teresa and her fellow singers have traveled extensively throughout Eastern Wisconsin giving concerts. Although not a veteran, Teresa honors our membership by volunteering much of her free time to the SCI Veterans at the Clement J. Zablocki Medical Center.
Teresa is a Graduate of Washington High School in Milwaukee and is currently enrolled at Milwaukee Area Technical College [MATC] in the Nursing Program. With interests in Pediatrics and SCI Medicine, her short term goal is to get an Associate Degree. One of her long term goals is to obtain her Masters Degree in Nursing.
A one time bowler, Teresa likes to travel and looks forward to the day she can re-visit New Orleans. Her 2 daughters, Alexis and Alayna, keep her on her toes at all times and with whatever time she has left, Teresa loves to read. She currently resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her family. |
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