From Deployment to Dedication: Alex Grebe’s Commitment to Service and Teamwork
Kim Viduski | Waupaca FoundryFor Alex Grebe, service has always been more than a duty – it’s a mindset. Before ever stepping foot in the foundry, he spent eight years in the U.S. Army National Guard, serving as an infantryman and completing one deployment to Afghanistan.
It was an experience that shaped his work ethic and perspective on life.
“Always be cool – and don’t get lost,” Alex says with a grin. “In the military, you learn to stay calm, adapt, and keep moving forward no matter what.”
After returning home, Alex was ready to find stability and a sense of purpose closer to home. A connection from his deployment helped point him in the right direction. “My roommate from the war’s dad worked in HR at Waupaca Foundry,” Alex recalls. “I was already working as an electrician, and I wanted to apply those skills somewhere I could build a long-term career. The Foundry gave me that chance.”
That opportunity turned into more than just a job. It became a place to rebuild, grow, and belong. Alex joined the company three and a half years ago and quickly became known for his steady focus and determination – traits that reflect both his training and his character.
He credits his military experience with giving him the drive to see things through. “It takes fortitude to get the job done and never quit,” he says. “No matter how tough the day is, you keep pushing. And around here, we’ve all learned how to do that together – the camaraderie is real – we share the successes and lessons together.”
For Alex, that camaraderie extends beyond the work itself. “When I went through a tough time personally, my coworkers and the Foundry supported me through it,” he shares. “That meant more than they probably realize. I’ll always be grateful for that.”
That sense of loyalty and teamwork hasn’t gone unnoticed. His nominator, Brian Johnson, recalls the first time he heard Alex’s name – while both he and his son were deployed overseas.
“My son Nathan worked at Waupaca Foundry when he was deployed with Alex in Afghanistan,” Brian said. “Even then, it made an impression that soldiers were recommending Foundry employment to each other from halfway around the world. Alex came back, applied, and continues to be a real asset. He’s steady, reliable, and adds value to our team every day.”
When asked what’s kept him at Waupaca Foundry, Alex’s answer is simple: “Loyalty.”
And that loyalty – to his country, his team, and his craft – continues to shine through, one shift at a time.
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It was an experience that shaped his work ethic and perspective on life.
“Always be cool – and don’t get lost,” Alex says with a grin. “In the military, you learn to stay calm, adapt, and keep moving forward no matter what.”
After returning home, Alex was ready to find stability and a sense of purpose closer to home. A connection from his deployment helped point him in the right direction. “My roommate from the war’s dad worked in HR at Waupaca Foundry,” Alex recalls. “I was already working as an electrician, and I wanted to apply those skills somewhere I could build a long-term career. The Foundry gave me that chance.”
That opportunity turned into more than just a job. It became a place to rebuild, grow, and belong. Alex joined the company three and a half years ago and quickly became known for his steady focus and determination – traits that reflect both his training and his character.
He credits his military experience with giving him the drive to see things through. “It takes fortitude to get the job done and never quit,” he says. “No matter how tough the day is, you keep pushing. And around here, we’ve all learned how to do that together – the camaraderie is real – we share the successes and lessons together.”
For Alex, that camaraderie extends beyond the work itself. “When I went through a tough time personally, my coworkers and the Foundry supported me through it,” he shares. “That meant more than they probably realize. I’ll always be grateful for that.”
That sense of loyalty and teamwork hasn’t gone unnoticed. His nominator, Brian Johnson, recalls the first time he heard Alex’s name – while both he and his son were deployed overseas.
“My son Nathan worked at Waupaca Foundry when he was deployed with Alex in Afghanistan,” Brian said. “Even then, it made an impression that soldiers were recommending Foundry employment to each other from halfway around the world. Alex came back, applied, and continues to be a real asset. He’s steady, reliable, and adds value to our team every day.”
When asked what’s kept him at Waupaca Foundry, Alex’s answer is simple: “Loyalty.”
And that loyalty – to his country, his team, and his craft – continues to shine through, one shift at a time.
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