I served in the United States Air Force as an Airfield Manager, responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of airfield activities. During my deployment, I learned about the Disaster Recovery International (DRI) Foundation’s Veterans Outreach Program from Education Office advisors. They connected me with Alan Lake, Col., USAF (Ret.), and Chris Bygum, MSgt, USAF, (Ret) who guided me through the application process. After being accepted for the scholarship, I joined the first-ever military overseas global continuity course, with many students separated by 14 time zones. This outstanding opportunity allowed me to make VOP history as one of the first veterans to take the course, pass the Qualifying Examination, and receive the CBCP certification, all while stationed in a combat zone.

Transitioning out of the military, I faced the overwhelming task of finding a civilian career that would utilize my skills and experiences. The uncertainty of the job market was challenging, and I knew I needed something to stand out to potential employers. Receiving the Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) certification through the DRI Foundation had a significant impact on my career prospects. It validated my military skills and demonstrated my commitment to professional development in disaster recovery and business continuity. With mentorship and support from the DRI Veterans Outreach Program, I secured a position with Marriott International as a Project Manager specializing in Disaster Recovery. This certification has been instrumental in advancing my career, and I am certain that without it, I would have faced greater challenges in securing a role that aligns with my expertise. I am deeply grateful to the DRI Foundation and to my mentors and colleagues who supported me throughout this journey. Donnie Hamilton, CBCP I served 7 years in the United States Air Force as an Emergency Management Specialist. During my time I trained with many military and civilian professionals. While transitioning, I encountered some difficulties before leaving the military. All military personnel must go through the transition assistance program (TAP) and the challenge of synchronizing civilian employment with the date of separation. Throughout my military career, I’ve had the privilege of crossing paths with some of the most influential, well-respected, experts (Emergency Management) across my career field who poured into my growth and development as an airman and ultimately mentored me. One of those mentors was Darren Pemberton, who served as the Installation Emergency Manager, who had recently retired from the Air Force, and later became a Director in the Business Continuity industry. He told me about the opportunity and encouraged me to leverage the DRI Foundation as an opportunity to gain a competitive edge, coupled with my Emergency Management experience. Along with Darren Pemberton, there were many business continuity professionals with whom I connected and networked on LinkedIn. They made it their duty to guide me along the way.