Ted continued to lead and was a wonderful influence among his classmates in A-2. His cheerful and positive demeanor gave all a boost. In academics, he was always near the top and a star man during his last three years, graduating 33rd in his class and a company tutor in math, science, and in English as well. More than one of his company mates benefited by his generous help and guidance and owe their academic survival to him. Ted excelled in intramural cross-country running and was a member of the company’s football team. In 1952, Co. A-2 won the Brigade Football Championship, the only year that

the “flankers” ever lost to the “runts” in football. Ted demonstrated that there is more than one way to be a “big person.”

After graduation, Ted was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and began an illustrious career, serving his country in a wide range of assignments and responsibilities. He was initially assigned to the 19th Battalion Combat Team in Jolo, at the height of the campaign against the Muslim outlaw Kamlon, and served with distinction.

In 1955 Ted won the heart and hand of Elvie, and the two began a family, ultimately having nine wonderful children. Ted’s and Elvie’s common sense, love, and firm guidance led to the outstanding success of their exemplary family, which continued to grow and serve their country so well. He always bragged that his children were his greatest treasures and instilled in them the discipline and work ethic that he learned at West Point.

In 1956, Ted joined the Department of Academics of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), an assignment which he held until 1973, making vital contributions in molding and shaping the minds and character of 20 classes of Cadets (almost 2,000 graduates and former cadets) who today constitute the backbone of the AFP officer corps. It is very seldom that one has the opportunity to contribute to the shaping of such a formidable institution as the Armed Forces of one’s country, and to do it so well, as Ted did. Many officers who benefited from Ted’s tutorship and counseling during their cadet days have, and always will, look up to him with respect, gratitude, and deep affection.

In 1973, Ted joined the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and engaged in building the institution that would eventually light up the Philippine countryside. If Ted is to be remembered by many for the imprint he made in the minds and character of the cadets he taught, he should be remembered even more for his contributions to his country’s rural electrification program. This aspect of Ted’s life may not be as widely known among military circles but will be well remembered and deeply appreciated by the millions of rural folks whose lives have been brightened by the advent of electric power in even the remote areas of the country.

At NEA, Ted initially worked as head of the Power Use Directorate and helped to evolve the systems that would make electricity not merely a household convenience, but a truly income-generating resource for the people in rural areas. Ted subsequently was appointed general manager of the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO). Under Ted’s guiding hand, BENECO was able to expand its service coverage, reduce its power losses, increase its collection efficiency and become a fully functioning and self-supporting public service organization.

In 1979 Ted went to Saudi Arabia and began making major contributions to their society. He worked there until 1993, serving in two concurrent positions: general manager of the International Operations and Maintenance Corp. that operated and maintained several Saudi Arabian seaports, and president of Global Electrification Systems, Inc. that assisted the Saudi agency responsible for the electrification of the country. His professional competence and leadership earned the lasting goodwill of the people of Saudi Arabia and provided millions of dollars for his own country and employment for thousands of Filipino workers. In 1993, he returned to the Philippines to take charge as the administrator of the NEA and in five years made major and historic contributions to further rural electrification of his own country.

In all of these assignments, Ted clearly projected, especially to the civilian sector, a clear example of a military officer managing civilian operations with professional competence, dexterity and vision. Ted was one of those who not only are mentally gifted but also possess the talent for practicality and the knack to draw out the best from the people with whom they work. He established a reputation for doing things well in a generally relaxed manner and for leaving behind what the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow described as “… footprints that perhaps another, sailing o’er life’s solemn main, a forlorn and shipwrecked brother, seeing shall take heart again …”

Throughout his life, whether at PMA or West Point, in military or civilian service, Ted was always an outstanding example of devoted adherence to the motto, Duty, Honor, Country, to his associates, his friends, and his family.

Ted, now you stand before us as a hero, and member of the Long Gray Line. We salute you and proudly proclaim:

Well done, be thou at peace