VETERANS NAVIGATING AVIATION
Mentorship Program
How can a mentor help you?
You'll be connected with a Veteran who is currently a flight student or a certified flight instructor — people who’ve already walked the path you’re about to take. They’ll be there to help you choose a flight school, navigate both VA benefits and FAA requirements, and share real-world insight from their own journey into aviation.
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Your mentor-mentee relationship is what you make of it — the more you engage, the more value you'll gain. It’s designed to support your transition, on your terms.
How to connect with your future mentor
Please fill out our mentorship survey to see where you are currently at in your aviation journey and so we can get to know you a bit better! We will then set you up with someone who we think is going to be a good fit for you and find a time once or twice a month that you and your mentor can connect and keep each other updated on how your aviation journey is going and where you might need some help or advice.
Meet the Veterans Navigating Aviation
Mentorship Team
Alex-
I’m a Navy veteran currently pursuing my CFI certification. I’m passionate about mentoring fellow veterans who are interested in aviation, helping them navigate the path from military service to aviation. I enjoy sharing guidance, encouragement, and lessons learned in order to help veterans achieve their flight training goals and reach new heights in aviation.
Raymond-
Commissioned in 2018 and served 5 years as a Field Artillery Officer. He was stationed in Fort Sill, OK and JBER, AK. Raymond started flying with a Part 61
school just outside of Oklahoma City in 2022. After a few lessons he knew he wanted to pursue aviation as a second career. He began researching programs across the country to maximize his G.I Bill benefits to make flying as affordable as possible. He is now currently working on his flight instructor certification (CFI) in Central Oregon. Raymond believes transitioning out of the military is a difficult process but having a strong community outside the military makes it a lot easier. Outside of flight training Raymond works as a substitute teacher, volunteers at the local animal shelter, and volunteers as a local admissions representative for West Point.
Omar-
I served five years in the Marine Corps as an aviation technician and was stationed at MCAS Beaufort in South Carolina. While on the SkillBridge program, I started flying at a Part 61 flight school and quickly realized how expensive the path could be. That pushed me to dive deep into how the VA could help fund my dream of becoming a pilot. I’m currently working on my commercial rating at Central Oregon Community College. My goal is simple: help veterans navigate the process, avoid the mistakes I made, and succeed in aviation and life after the military. When I’m not in college or at the airport, I volunteer at Westside Church and serve as a Young Life leader in Jefferson County.
Hunter-
I am an Army Veteran with overseas service including a tour in Afghanistan. As a current full-time college student and aviator pursuing my commercial certification, I have firsthand knowledge of the hurdles new veteran aviators face. I am committed to leveraging my experience to provide guidance and assistance. I have successfully helped many veterans launch their aviation careers and I'm looking forward to assisting you as well.
Elijah-
My five years in U.S. Naval Aviation shaped my passion for service—and that commitment didn’t end when I left the military. While attending flight school, I realized that many veterans faced the same hurdles I did while transitioning into commercial aviation. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to guiding and supporting those who are following a similar path toward a career in commercial aviation.
Alex-
I’m a Navy Veteran, I served 5 years as a helicopter mechanic. I am working on my Instrument Rating at Central Oregon Community College. I obtained my Private Pilot License before joining the Navy in 2020 and saw my service as an amazing opportunity to not only serve my country, but to help further my career as a pilot. I realized it isn't the fastest way, but it's an extremely feasible way to reach your goals of becoming a pilot. Navigating the VA and the benefits they provide has been a challenge however. I've seen first hand how it can deter fellow Veterans from taking advantage of the benefits we are entitled to. We are here to help you streamline your transition out of the military and ensure your success moving forward.