Ted achieved his status as a military veteran while simultaneously working at ORR Protection. In May 1985, as a junior in high school, Ted joined the Indiana Army National Guard (INARNG). He continued serving part-time in the guard, commanding a Headquarters Field Artillery Unit. Ted joined ORR in November 1995 as a Technician and eventually moved to Project Coordinator. In support of Operation Enduring Freedom, he was called to serve on active duty in a combat zone in Afghanistan beginning in May 2004.
While in Afghanistan, Ted did not have to worry about his job at ORR. The Administrative Assistant at ORR’s Indianapolis branch coordinated care packages full of goodies, including Girl Scout cookies and Sqwincher hydration packets (distributed by ORR Safety) for Ted. He also received supportive cards and notes from his ORR co-workers. One day, Ted’s wife, Terri, received a call from Chairman Emeritus Bud Orr. Mr. Orr taking time out of his busy schedule to ask about Ted’s young son spoke volumes about the man and his company. ORR truly supported Ted during his deployment.
Ted’s active duty experience in Afghanistan was positive; he mentored the ANA (Afghan National Army) and administered attendance and pay functions. The experience humbled him as his thoughts often dwelt on WWII vets sacrificing their lives during battle. Ted was also humbled by the primitive lives of the Afghan natives, who went to the local well for water daily and lived lives without all the luxuries that most Americans enjoy.
After taking a Military Leave of Absence with his family, Ted returned to work at ORR in October 2005. He was greeted with warmth and understanding. It was almost as if he had never left! He was allowed to ease back into his role as Project Manager and continued to serve in the INARNG. After serving our country for 20 years, Ted retired from the military in January 2006.
Ted valued military lessons such as leadership, dedication, camaraderie, and safety (which is one of ORR’s Core Values). Military leaders performed risk assessments to keep the troops safe. Ted was responsible for the calculations that put artillery rounds inside the designated safety zone. Safety was emphasized at all times, especially in the combat zone.
Ted will celebrate 30 years at ORR later this year. He is currently the Field Service Supervisor at our Indianapolis office. His son is serving in the U.S. Space Force, and his daughter is a junior in high school with aspirations of a career in journalism.
