From Combat to Castings: Darrel Garrett’s Drive to Keep Moving Forward
Kim Viduski | Waupaca FoundryWhen Darrel Garrett made the decision to join the Army, he didn’t hesitate. It was the middle of the night. He was working long hours, stuck in a rut, and looking for more. So, he got up, found a recruiter, and enlisted.
He deployed to Iraq not long after, serving a 13-month tour in the infantry during Operation Enduring Freedom. It was a time that shaped him – physically, mentally, and emotionally. “You learn to push through anything,” he said. “You learn how much you can handle…and how much you can help others handle, too.”
When he came home, Darrel worked at Toyota and a series of other jobs before hearing about Waupaca Foundry from his brother-in-law. The hours were steady. The pay was solid. The work was real.
Now nearly two years into his role, Darrel is the kind of teammate you want by your side. He moves between departments, handles the tough jobs, and doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty. His main role is a new core room lift driver, but steps into operator from time to time as needed. He has also filled in for isocure's lift drivers. “The challenge keeps me going,” he said. “I like not knowing what’s next. It keeps you sharp.”
Even with lingering back pain from his time in the Army, Darrel rarely takes a step back. He’s known for clocking long hours and showing up ready to work. But more than that, he brings grit. Loyalty. And heart. “I’d do it all again,” he said about his military service. “And I’m proud of what I do here, too.”
He says Waupaca Foundry is a place where veterans feel valued – not just on holidays, but every day. Whether it’s flexibility for appointments or simply being treated with respect, the support runs deep. “It’s a solid place to be,” he said. “If you want stability, opportunity, and a team that’s got your back – Waupaca is it.”
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Darrel Garrett at the Kuwait border before going into Iraq.
He deployed to Iraq not long after, serving a 13-month tour in the infantry during Operation Enduring Freedom. It was a time that shaped him – physically, mentally, and emotionally. “You learn to push through anything,” he said. “You learn how much you can handle…and how much you can help others handle, too.”
When he came home, Darrel worked at Toyota and a series of other jobs before hearing about Waupaca Foundry from his brother-in-law. The hours were steady. The pay was solid. The work was real.
Now nearly two years into his role, Darrel is the kind of teammate you want by your side. He moves between departments, handles the tough jobs, and doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty. His main role is a new core room lift driver, but steps into operator from time to time as needed. He has also filled in for isocure's lift drivers. “The challenge keeps me going,” he said. “I like not knowing what’s next. It keeps you sharp.”
Even with lingering back pain from his time in the Army, Darrel rarely takes a step back. He’s known for clocking long hours and showing up ready to work. But more than that, he brings grit. Loyalty. And heart. “I’d do it all again,” he said about his military service. “And I’m proud of what I do here, too.”
He says Waupaca Foundry is a place where veterans feel valued – not just on holidays, but every day. Whether it’s flexibility for appointments or simply being treated with respect, the support runs deep. “It’s a solid place to be,” he said. “If you want stability, opportunity, and a team that’s got your back – Waupaca is it.”
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