Donald Doell was born and raised in Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York. He moved with his family to Suffolk County on Long Island before entering the Army in 1969.  His basic training was in Fort Gordon, Georgia.  He then went to Ft. Rucker, Alabama before going to Vietnam.  His eligibility comes from serving as a supply specialist in a military police unit in Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam.  Don obtained and early release from the Army to attend Suffolk County Community College.

 

He is a life member of VFW Post 4927 in Centereach, New York.

 

He was employed by Middle Country School District as assistant facilities director.

 

Don has held many positions, both elected and appointed at all levels of the VFW including Post Commander, County Council Commander, District 1 Quartermaster, On the State level as Legislative Committee member, Chairman for the National Home for Children, Patriotic Instructor, Inspector, Chief of Staff and Jr. Vice Commander.  He was also a member of the Citizenship Education and Community Service Committee, Manual of Procedure and By-Laws and Ritual Committee on the National level.

 

Don has been recognized for his volunteer service at the VA Hospital in Northport and has made a lifelong commitment to veterans service and all the programs of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. 

 

He was elected Commander at the 87th State Convention in Binghamton, New York.

 

He has two children; his daughter Lisa lives in Florida, and his son Danny (101st Air Assault) resides in Selden, New York.  His grandchild, Dillon resides in Florida. Don now shares his life with his long-time friend Margaret Regan.