

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


Ben Poulin
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

Alexander Kraft
Instructor

Michael Kiser
Instructor

Lionel Durant
Instructor

Raymond Lee
Instructor

Daniel Vredevoogd
Instructor

Fernando Valencia
Instructor

Derick Watkins
Instructor



Tony Canaday
MMEC Intern
Operations and Sales

Buck Chambers
MMEC Intern
Manufacturing Supply Chain

Richard Bantigue
Creative Director

Vern Shurtz
PM Search and Rescue

Dan Peoples
PM Disaster Response

Chris Larson
Aerospace Engineer

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


Ben Poulin
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


