Did Wisconsin US Rep. Derrick Van Orden serve active duty in the military longer than any member of Congress who enlisted?
Republican U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, who represents western Wisconsin, served 26 years of active duty in the Navy.
That's longer than any current or former member of the House or Senate, said Colgate University professor Danielle Lupton, who is doing ongoing research.
Official House and Senate historians said they don't track military service.
On the House floor June 14, 2024, Van Orden called himself “the longest serving enlisted member of the military in the history of Congress.”
At least six current and former members of Congress, all Republicans, who enlisted served longer when reserve duty is included:
Rep. Steve Womack, 30 years, National Guard; Sen. Dan Sullivan, 30 years, Marines and Marine Reserve.
Former senators with longer total military service include: John Tower, 46 years, Navy-Naval Reserve; Scott Brown, 32 years, National Guard; Robert Stafford, 29 years, Navy-Navy Reserve; Slade Gorton, 28 years, Army, Air Force, Air Force Reserve.
