In 2026, the Patriot Fund’s generous investment of $15,000 empowered A Write to Heal to provide the Veterans Drone Treatment Program to fourteen veterans, creating meaningful opportunities for healing, personal growth, and economic advancement, to further support their families. This support allowed veterans to participate in a structured, trauma-informed program designed to build confidence, foster community connection, and develop valuable workforce skills while also creating positive ripple effects for their families.
Through this funding, participants gained access to an Online Part 107 Drone Training Course with integrated quizzes and assessments, providing the knowledge necessary to prepare for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification exam. Veterans were able to learn at their own pace while receiving guidance and encouragement throughout the training process. The educational component increased participants’ technical knowledge, career readiness, and confidence in pursuing new employment opportunities within the rapidly growing drone industry.
The Patriot Fund’s support also enabled veterans to participate In an In-Person Hands-On Drone Flying Class, where they received practical flight instruction and real-world operational experience. These sessions promoted teamwork, concentration, problem-solving, and stress management while helping veterans build competency in drone operation. In addition, each participant completed comprehensive interviews, allowing A Write to Heal to assess individual needs, establish personalized goals, and measure progress throughout the program.
As a result of this investment, fourteen veterans received critical support that extended beyond technical training. Participants reported increased self-confidence, greater social engagement, improved outlooks on future employment, and stronger connections with their families and communities. The Patriot Fund’s commitment helped create pathways toward healing, resilience, and economic empowerment, ensuring that veterans and their families have access to opportunities that promote long-term well-being and success.
Veterans’ Comments:
“Thank you for allowing me to take part of this amazing opportunity.”
“While studying with VDTP I have been doing recreational flying to get used to Low altitude wind conditions, and control surfaces. I have enjoyed learning how to fly Unmanned aircraft and look forward to the future of doing serious commercial flying.”
“Lisa and her team, Pam and John, are the epitome of service to others. When a dark spell came and I fell behind the timeline, they would all reach out and give support and encouragement without giving up or losing faith in me. Awesome program without a doubt.”
“Lisa Regina and the A Write to Heal team were so supportive the whole journey and I am so grateful for all of them.”
“A person like me needs more supervision and hands on training to operate and be more proficient. I am trying to learn with a cheaper model to prevent a loss or damaged one.”
“This program was a turning point for me after 20 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. It gave me the tools, certification, and confidence to want to build a veteran-owned business from the ground up. I believe every veteran should have the opportunity to experience this.”
“Thank you for the opportunity to attend the drone flying class yesterday. I truly appreciate the time, knowledge, and hands-on instruction by Billy. The course was both informative and inspiring. It is clear how much dedication is helping veterans build new skills. I am grateful to have been part of it.”
“I received much needed 1-1 training with Emily.”
“I am an FAA-certified remote pilot holding a FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and received my initial training through the Veterans Drone Training Program sponsored by A Write to Heal. Through this program, I developed hands-on experience in drone flight operations, mission planning, and safety procedures. I operate professional drone platforms such as the DJI Mavic 3 Pro for aerial imaging and data capture while maintaining strict compliance with FAA regulations. In addition to my flight experience, I bring a strong background in systems and network engineering, which allows me to approach drone operations with a focus on operational reliability, data security, and technical precision.”
“I’m just grateful to Lisa at A Write to Heal, the Veterans Drone Training Program and the Patriot Fund for this making this class a reality. From back to front the experience has been phenomenal.”
“The training was well organized and there was a great mix of classrooms and hands-on flying. It helped improve my control and confidence with the drone. I’d be interested in continuing with more advanced training focused on inspections, mapping, and software like Pix4D or Drone Deploy.”
“I really enjoyed the classroom experience and hands on training. It was great to take a break and gain some valuable experience.”