38 Years of Dedication: A Veteran's Legacy at Waupaca Foundry
Megan Mulholland | Waupaca FoundryFor over 38 years, Lee Halford has been a cornerstone at Waupaca Foundry, building a career grounded in hard work, precision, and an unwavering sense of responsibility. But it was his time in the U.S. Army that shaped the work ethic and values the crane operator carried into the Foundry.
"The Army’s motto was ‘Be all you can be.’ I thought, ‘Let’s see what I can be,’" Halford recalled. His dad and six uncles fought in World War II, and all returned. Entering the military was what Halford wanted to do. He was also young, single and wanted to see the world.
Born in Hollywood, Florida, his family moved to Pound, Wis. When his parents divorced, he moved with his mom to Green Bay before living with his dad in Minnesota. He graduated from Wabasha High School in 1982 and went to Fort Dix, New Jersey, and then Fort Belvoir in Virginia.
He was stationed in Germany with the 504th Maintenance Company, 847th Maintenance Battalion, 7th Corps. He trained as a military occupational specialty generator repairman. “But then I go to Germany and all the generator repair training I did, they threw that out the window,” he said. “Next thing you know, I'm working on trucks and wheel vehicles.”
His time in the military wasn’t just about technical skills but about developing a work ethic that would shape his future at the Foundry. "In the military, you have to be on time. I am very punctual. The military gave me a work ethic. I give 110 percent. The military helped me mature; I was 22 but I was still young. In the Army, with a lot of the inspections, you wake up early, make sure everything is tidy and clean. I think that got me a little OCD. And I brought that to work here. People will tell you. If I see something dirty, I'm cleaning it,” he laughed.
Throughout his career, he’s relied on the principles of Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services, which he learned in the Army, ensuring everything is in top shape at the Foundry.
After his active duty ended, he returned to the U.S. to serve with the 597th Maintenance Company supporting the 13th Corps at Fort Hood, Texas. He served from 1982-85 while in active service in Germany and Texas and 1985-88 in the Wisconsin National Guard while beginning his career in 1986 at the Foundry in Marinette, where he lived. “I had visited the Foundry with my brother Keith when I was 15 and knew it was something I could see myself doing,” Halford said.
His brother was still working at the Foundry, so he submitted his application. He was hired on Friday and started Monday. That was 38 years ago.
He started on the third shift in refractory, moving through various roles including bull ladle operator, first shift crane operator for 15 years, and control room operator, where he had been for 18 years. He is currently a crane operator.
Halford was able to see the world in the Army – and then later share his experience with his family. “I got to see Germany when it was West and East. They tore down the wall in 1989. My son is stationed in Italy and my wife and I went over there in July. We went to Prague. When I was in there it was the Soviet Union. It is interesting to go back 40 years later.”
Picture of the border to Czechoslovakia.
He reflects on how his military service has been a foundation for his success. "I raised a family, paid off the mortgage, have no bills. And it is like family here at the Foundry. I feel appreciated by upper management for what I did in the military.”
Waupaca Foundry is proud to employ many men and women who are veterans. Ten percent of our employees have served in uniform, and we thank them for their service.
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"The Army’s motto was ‘Be all you can be.’ I thought, ‘Let’s see what I can be,’" Halford recalled. His dad and six uncles fought in World War II, and all returned. Entering the military was what Halford wanted to do. He was also young, single and wanted to see the world.
U.S. Army Veteran, Lee Halford, saluting in his uniform.
He was stationed in Germany with the 504th Maintenance Company, 847th Maintenance Battalion, 7th Corps. He trained as a military occupational specialty generator repairman. “But then I go to Germany and all the generator repair training I did, they threw that out the window,” he said. “Next thing you know, I'm working on trucks and wheel vehicles.”
His time in the military wasn’t just about technical skills but about developing a work ethic that would shape his future at the Foundry. "In the military, you have to be on time. I am very punctual. The military gave me a work ethic. I give 110 percent. The military helped me mature; I was 22 but I was still young. In the Army, with a lot of the inspections, you wake up early, make sure everything is tidy and clean. I think that got me a little OCD. And I brought that to work here. People will tell you. If I see something dirty, I'm cleaning it,” he laughed.
After his active duty ended, he returned to the U.S. to serve with the 597th Maintenance Company supporting the 13th Corps at Fort Hood, Texas. He served from 1982-85 while in active service in Germany and Texas and 1985-88 in the Wisconsin National Guard while beginning his career in 1986 at the Foundry in Marinette, where he lived. “I had visited the Foundry with my brother Keith when I was 15 and knew it was something I could see myself doing,” Halford said.
He started on the third shift in refractory, moving through various roles including bull ladle operator, first shift crane operator for 15 years, and control room operator, where he had been for 18 years. He is currently a crane operator.
Halford was able to see the world in the Army – and then later share his experience with his family. “I got to see Germany when it was West and East. They tore down the wall in 1989. My son is stationed in Italy and my wife and I went over there in July. We went to Prague. When I was in there it was the Soviet Union. It is interesting to go back 40 years later.”
Picture of the border to Czechoslovakia.
He reflects on how his military service has been a foundation for his success. "I raised a family, paid off the mortgage, have no bills. And it is like family here at the Foundry. I feel appreciated by upper management for what I did in the military.”
Waupaca Foundry is proud to employ many men and women who are veterans. Ten percent of our employees have served in uniform, and we thank them for their service.
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