Veterans have always been an integral part of the country’s defense, and their contributions are immeasurable. Many veterans return home to pursue their passion for aviation, but they face many challenges in finding employment that aligns with their skills and experience. Fortunately, two organizations, Vets to Drones and Meritorious, have partnered to address this problem.

Vets to Drones is a nonprofit organization that trains veterans to become FAA-certified drone pilots. The organization provides a comprehensive training program that covers everything from flight theory to practical flight operations. The program is designed to help veterans transition from military service to civilian careers in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry.

On the other hand, Meritorious provides outdoor networking activities for veterans, with Veterans, Guns & Cigars merging networking and competition shooting. Meritorious aims to provide a supportive community for veterans that fosters business, mentorship, and employment opportunities. Meritorious sponsors active duty and transitioning veterans to attend at no cost who interact with professionals and executives in attendance.

The partnership between these two organizations will enable student veterans to practice their drone piloting skills in real-world situations during Veterans, Guns & Cigars outdoor events. Vets to Drones will provide the necessary equipment and training to ensure that the veterans are well-equipped to operate the drones safely and effectively. These outdoor activities will give student veterans the opportunity to hone their skills and build confidence in their abilities.

Moreover, Vets to Drones and Meritorious will connect student veterans with companies that are actively hiring drone operators. The connections made during these outdoor activities will be invaluable in helping veterans secure jobs in the UAV industry. This partnership ensures that student veterans will have access to the training, experience, and connections they need to succeed in their careers.

In conclusion, the partnership between Vets to Drones and Meritorious will provide student veterans with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in drone piloting and connect with potential employers. The partnership represents a significant step forward in helping veterans transition from military service to civilian careers in the UAV industry. It is an excellent example of how two organizations can come together to make a difference in the lives of those who have served our country.

Partnerships: Empowering Veterans for Economic and Workforce Development

Meritorious Veterans, Guns & Cigars’ mission is to empower veterans and military spouses by providing them with new skill sets, professional development opportunities, and small business resources that promote economic and workforce development. By collaborating with key partners, we are able to expand our services, offer diverse experiences, and connect veterans with new networks, job opportunities, mentorship, and other resources critical to their success.