Nonprofit offers veterans second career through commercial drone pilot training
Vets to Drones, a nonprofit that helps veterans gain training and experience in the drone industry, is trying to change that by helping veterans find a second career after leaving the military.
Key points
- In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida's landfall in Louisiana, Lewis said they created a 360 view similar to Google Earth, but "from the sky with the drone." Today, Vets to Drones has nearly 8,000 members with hundreds already licensed as commercial drone pilots.
- He started Vets to Drones with a fellow Marine who died in 2022, which ultimately pushed him even harder to help other veterans through the organization.
- Vets to Drones has become a pipeline for the drone workforce, while bringing a new sense of purpose and community to veterans.
PENTAGON CONSOLIDATES DRONE OVERSIGHT Veterans across the country train under Vets to Drones, then become FAA Commercial Drone certified, which leads them to jobs in several sectors.
Additional details
- He believes the drone industry is a true fit for military members looking to enter the civilian workforce, adding that many of their field and infantry skills cross over seamlessly.
- "I still live by the Marine Corps motto: honor, courage, and commitment," Lopez said, adding that the branch helped him shape his career outside the military.
- One hefty drone, typically used by law enforcement or first responders for security over watch, is tethered and can stay in the air for days at a time.
- MARINE REFUSES TO BACK DOWN IN 16-YEAR FIGHT When Marine veteran Dusty Lopez left the military, he got into disaster recovery and insurance, then started his own business in insurance claims and assessment.
- Kickstarted by Marine Corps veteran Chris Lewis after a recent trip to California aiding in wildfire mitigation, Lewis knew what it was like to leave the military and search for a new path forward.
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