Working for an electric cooperative is more than a job. Serving Central’s membership and community is a mission for every employee.
For a few of Central’s employees, serving began before their employment. It began with a service to the United States Armed Forces.
This November, Central is highlighting Veterans Day events and four of Central’s veterans.
Get to know more about the veterans who work at Central below.
Russ Ingram - Navy
CB Heavy Equipment Operator
Central’s Outside Fiber Plant Superintendent
“We were a bunch of kids carrying rifles,” Ingram said.
His Most Memorable Experiences
“My enlistment was over in 2000 after 12 years. My wife and I were married on September 8, 2001, with one of my buddies being a groomsman. My battalion was deployed on October 8th after 9/11. It was very difficult to watch them all deploy and not reenlist.”
During Operation Safe Haven in 1995, Ingram served at Guantanamo Bay Cuba building camps.
“These refugees had a strong desire to become U.S. citizens and work extra hard to prove to Americans they would contribute to society. They worked tirelessly with the service members to build the camps. They were doctors, lawyers and other professionals in their home country. It was really eye opening.”
Sean Martin - Army
Infantry Heavy Mortarman
Central’s Electrical Equipment Superintendent
“The best memory is coming home,” Martin said.
Martin, a seventh-generation combat veteran, turned 21 during his time in Desert Storm.
His Most Memorable Experiences
During the May 3 tornado, Martin was stationed at Bridge Creek to help with crowd control from the aftermath of the tornado that shook Oklahoma in 1999.
“When I was in Kuwait, the war was over, but we would provide goodwill services. It would be 120 degrees during the day and drop to 40 degrees at night.”
“I followed my dad around the world growing up, but Germany was my favorite place I was stationed.”
Martin was stationed in Germany after the Berlin Wall fell.
Levi Ferrell
Air Force National Guard Airfield Systems
Central’s Fiber Optic Technician
“During a student flight, I came to drill without shaving and had to shave with cold water and a 50-cent blade,” said Ferrel. “It wasn’t so bad, so I have shaved that way ever since.”
Ferrel was assigned to the 205th Squadron at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma City.
Why Ferrell Served
“I joined because my dad was drafted into the Marines and went to Vietnam. I grew up with all of his photos but very little stories.”
He also said that he loved heroic combat movies growing up and participated in the Civil Air Patrol.
Why he works at Central
“I came to Central because I have a passion for bringing the internet to rural communities and for what the cooperative stands for,” Ferrell said.
Eliot Tremblay
Air force Security Forces Military Working Dog Handler
“My life would look very different without the military. I probably wouldn’t have the military bearing or organization skills the military taught me,” Tremblay said.
Tremblay served six years from 2014 to 2020 in the 90th Missile Wing, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and the 14th Flying Training Wing.
Tremblay’s favorite memory
“My favorite memory from my time served was while I was working as a Security Forces Military Working Dog Handler and being able to travel near constantly around the country together.”
His Most Memorable Experiences
As a Security Forces K9 handler, Trembly said, “I was paired with a female German Shepherd for three years, then a male Belgian Malinois for one year, who were both trained to detect various explosives, as well as perform bite work.”