Commissioned through the Army ROTC program at the University of Arizona, Col. Orton began his military career as a Signal Corps officer and served as officer in charge of AFN Berlin AM-FM-TV. Following completion of law school, he accepted a direct commission in the United States Air Force as a judge advocate and served in assignments throughout the United States and Europe. Specializing in international law, he served as staff judge advocate for both the Joint U.S. Military Advisory Group, Greece, and the Joint U.S. Military Mission for Aid to Türkiye. He also served in the International Law Directorate of United States Air Forces in Europe and as staff judge advocate for the 3rd Space Support Wing at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.
After retiring from the Air Force, Col. Orton served as an assistant general counsel in the Office of the Governor of Texas and later as an assistant attorney general for the State of Texas. He currently works as an attorney with the federal government in El Paso, Texas.
Since joining Civil Air Patrol, Col. Orton has served in leadership positions at the squadron, group, wing, and region levels. He has served as Southwest Region Legal Officer since 2022 and was the Academic Director for the 2024 National Legal Officers College.
Col. Orton holds degrees from the University of Arizona, the University of Oklahoma, Lewis & Clark Northwestern School of Law, and George Washington University. He has earned Master ratings in the Legal, Cadet Programs, and Command specialty tracks and is qualified in multiple emergency services and aviation positions. His CAP recognitions include the Meritorious Service Award and selection as New Mexico Wing Senior Member of the Year in 2024 and Squadron Commander of the Year in 2025.
Col. Orton is a private pilot with more than 900 flight hours and previously served as chair of the Doña Ana County Airport Advisory Board.
