Who we are
When veterans transition out of military service, many are left asking: “What’s next?”
We created Vets to Drones to answer that question with opportunity, training, and a clear path forward.
Inspired into action
Since our founding in February 1, 2023, our organization has supported thousands of veterans as they navigate life after service, offering not just skills, but a community.
Chris Lewis
Founder/CEO
David Crabtree
Director of Operations
Curtis Lewis Jr
Vice President
Wesley Sonner
Instructor
Darrell Pearman
Instructor
Adam Blaney
Instructor
Stephen Conoway
Instructor
Gibril Bangura
Instructor
Michael Skrlac
Instructor
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Alexander Kraft
Instructor
Michael Kiser
Instructor
Lionel Durant
Instructor
Raymond Lee
Instructor
Daniel Vredevoogd
Instructor
Fernando Valencia
Instructor
Derick Watkins
Instructor
Tony Canaday
Chief Growth Strategist
Buck Chambers
Purple Heart Veteran Liaison
Richard Bantigue
Creative Director
Vern Shurtz
PM Search and Rescue
Dan Peoples
PM Disaster Response
Chris Larson
Aerospace Engineer
Ben Poulin
Curriculum Development Manager
James Alexander
Chief Instructor
Mack Carter
Reality Capture
Topaz Navarro
STEM Ambassador
Ben Pacheco
STEM Ambassador
We Are VETS to DRONES
We help veterans enter the commercial drone industry by providing free, industry-standard training and resources. Our graduates earn their FAA Part 107 Certification and are trained to meet National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) performance standards.
Vets to Drones was created to open doors for veterans by introducing them to the growing opportunities in the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) field. Becoming a certified drone pilot empowers veterans to pursue meaningful and exciting careers in the commercial sector.
Our partners span the veteran and UAS communities from drone industry experts and disaster response teams, to humanitarian NGOs and veteran-founded businesses. Together, we’re building a future where more veterans can take flight, find purpose, and forge a new path forward.
We Are VETS to DRONES
We help veterans enter the commercial drone industry by providing free, industry-standard training and resources. Our graduates earn their FAA Part 107 Certification and are trained to meet National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) performance standards.
Vets to Drones was created to open doors for veterans by introducing them to the growing opportunities in the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) field. Becoming a certified drone pilot empowers veterans to pursue meaningful and exciting careers in the commercial sector.
Our partners span the veteran and UAS communities from drone industry experts and disaster response teams, to humanitarian NGOs and veteran-founded businesses. Together, we’re building a future where more veterans can take flight, find purpose, and forge a new path forward.
Who we are
When veterans transition out of military service, many are left asking: “What’s next?”
We created Vets to Drones to answer that question with opportunity, training, and a clear path forward.
Inspired into action
Since our founding in February 1, 2023, our organization has supported thousands of veterans as they navigate life after service, offering not just skills, but a community.
Chris Lewis
Founder/CEO
David Crabtree
Director of Operations
Curtis Lewis Jr
Vice President
Chapters
Jamie Lane
REGION 1
Alex Smith
REGION 2
Charlie McMann
REGION 3
Max Johnson
REGION 4
Max Johnson
REGION 5
Max Johnson
REGION 6
Max Johnson
REGION 7
Max Johnson
REGION 8
Max Johnson
REGION 9
Max Johnson
REGION 10
Chapters
Jamie Lane
REGION 1
Alex Smith
REGION 2
Charlie McMann
REGION 3
Max Johnson
REGION 4
Max Johnson
REGION 5
Max Johnson
REGION 6
Max Johnson
REGION 7
Max Johnson
REGION 8
Max Johnson
REGION 9
Max Johnson
REGION 10
Chapters
Jamie Lane
REGION 1
Alex Smith
REGION 2
Charlie McMann
REGION 3
Max Johnson
REGION 4
Max Johnson
REGION 5
Max Johnson
REGION 6
Team Leaders
Jamie Lane
REGION 1
Alex Smith
REGION 2
Charlie McMann
REGION 3
Max Johnson
REGION 4
Max Johnson
REGION 5
Max Johnson
REGION 6