Career Timeline of Derrick Van Orden: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 3, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Derrick Van Orden made an impact.

Derrick Van Orden is an American politician, actor, and retired United States Navy SEAL. Currently, he serves as the U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district, aligned with the Republican Party. His background encompasses military service as a Navy SEAL, a career in acting, and now a role in national politics as a U.S. Representative.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1988: Van Orden Joins the Navy

In 1988, at the age of 18, Van Orden joined the United States Navy.

October 1992: Van Orden Graduates BUD/S

In October 1992, Van Orden graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUD/S) with class 184 and received assignment to SEAL Team FOUR.

2012: Act of Valor Film Role

In 2012, Van Orden played Senior Chief Otto Miller in the film Act of Valor.

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2014: Van Orden Retires From Navy

In 2014, Van Orden retired from the Navy as a Senior Chief after serving for 26 years, during which he completed five combat deployments.

2017: Opens Butternut Cafe

In 2017, Van Orden and his wife started operating the Butternut Café in the Village of Butternut in northern Wisconsin.

2018: Surviving the Wild Film Role

In 2018, Van Orden had a role in the film Surviving the Wild.

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2019: Running with the Devil Film Role

In 2019, Van Orden had a role in the film Running with the Devil.

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2019: Closes Butternut Cafe

In early 2019, Van Orden and his wife stopped operating the Butternut Café in the Village of Butternut in northern Wisconsin.

2020: Trump Endorses Van Orden

In 2020, President Donald Trump endorsed Van Orden's campaign.

2022: Van Orden Runs for Congress

In 2022, Van Orden was the Republican nominee for Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district, focusing his campaign on his military service and the economy. Former President Donald Trump endorsed his campaign.

November 2023: Van Orden Serves on House Committees

As of November 2023, Van Orden served on the House Committee on Agriculture, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

February 2025: Van Orden Files Resolution to Impeach Judge Engelmayer

In February 2025, Van Orden filed a resolution to impeach U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer after the judge blocked Elon Musk's team from accessing sensitive U.S. Treasury Department payment systems.