History of Derrick Van Orden in Timeline

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

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

September 15, 1969: Derrick Van Orden Born

On September 15, 1969, Derrick Francis Van Orden was born. He later became a politician, actor, and retired United States Navy SEAL.

Others born on this day/year

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.

Loading Video...

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.

Loading Video...

2019: Running with the Devil Film Role

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

Loading Video...

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.

June 17, 2021: Van Orden Confronts Library Page

On June 17, 2021, Van Orden confronted a teenage library page about a display of books with LGBT themes assembled for Pride Month at Prairie du Chien Memorial Library, particularly upset by A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo.

August 27, 2021: Van Orden Cited at Airport

On August 27, 2021, Van Orden was cited at the Eastern Iowa Airport for having a loaded handgun in his bag at the security checkpoint, calling it "a mistake".

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.

July 26, 2023: Van Orden Swears at Senate Pages

On the evening of July 26, 2023, Van Orden allegedly swore at Senate pages taking photos in the United States Capitol rotunda, leading to condemnation from fellow Republicans.

August 2023: Death of Sydney Marie Martenis

In August 2023, Van Orden's oldest daughter, Sydney Marie Martenis, died of cancer.

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.

2024: Van Orden Shouts 'Lies' During State of the Union

During President Joe Biden's 2024 State of the Union address, Van Orden shouted "lies" after Biden criticized Donald Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.