Pride, Service, and Flight: Honoring Our FCAH Aerospace Veterans

Veterans_Day 1

At FCAH Aerospace and our Family of Brands, we are proud to honor the veterans who continue to serve with dedication, leadership, and integrity—both in and out of uniform. This Veterans Day, we celebrate their stories, their sacrifices, and the values they bring to our teams every day.

Our veterans embody the principles that define excellence—discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and honor. This year, we invited them to share reflections on their time in service, what Veterans Day means to them, the lessons that continue to guide their lives, and the advice they’d offer to today’s active service members.

Their stories are more than reflections of the past—they are examples of how the strength and character built through military service continue to shape our workplace, inspire our culture, and strengthen the foundation of FCAH Aerospace and our Family of Brands.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have served. Your courage, resilience, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire us—not just today, but every day.


Alfred Davis

AVI Aviation Inflatables

Logistics  Coordinator

1. How many years did you serve, and in which branch or branches of the military?
"Marine Corps - 4 Years,"

2. What was your rank at the time of departure?
"Lance Corporal"

3. What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"A greater opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices military members make every day."

4. What lesson or value from your military experience continues to guide you in your career or daily life?
"How important structure is needed to succeed."

5. What message or advice would you like to share with today’s active service members?
"That although times will seem tough, your patience and perseverance will reward you when you need it most."

 

Christopher Cartwright

AVI Aviation Inflatables

Senior Engineer

1. How many years did you serve, and in which branch or branches of the military?
"Marine Corps - 8 Years"

2. What was your rank at the time of departure?
"Captain (O3)"

3. What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"It reminds me of the incredible and selfless men and women I served alongside."

4. What lesson or value from your military experience continues to guide you in your career or daily life?
"Always show up because people are depending on you."

5. What message or advice would you like to share with today’s active service members?
"None, they should be giving the advice; they are close to the action."

 

Brian Shipman

AVI Aviation Inflatables

Quality Inspector

1. How many years did you serve, and in which branch or branches of the military?
"US Army- 12 Years"

2. What was your rank at the time of departure?
"Staff Sergeant"

3. What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"For me, every day is Veteran’s Day. It’s the one accomplishment in my life that I’m most proud of. If I would be asked, “What did you do to give your life meaning?” I would reply with, “I served my country and defended the freedom that every American enjoys today. "

4. What lesson or value from your military experience continues to guide you in your career or daily life?
 "I was taught this one very early in my military career, “Lead by example.” 

5. What message or advice would you like to share with today’s active service members?
"Be proud of who you are, the country that you serve and stand by the choices that you make. "

 

Carl Vincent

Cobalt Aero Services

Quality Inspector

1. How many years did you serve, and in which branch or branches of the military?
"11 Years, Army National Guard"

2. What was your rank at the time of departure?
"E-5"

3. What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"It reminds me of our rich family tradition — with several family members who have proudly served."

4. What lesson or value from your military experience continues to guide you in your career or daily life?
"Structure/Discipline."

5. What message or advice would you like to share with today’s active service members?
"Serve proudly/carry your head high."

 

Rick Rivera

Cobalt Aero Services

Sales Manager

1. In which branch/branches did you serve?
"US Navy - 7 years, US Army - 4 years"
2. What was your rank at the time of departure?
"E-4"
3. What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"Remember all who have served as well as those who have given their lives."

4. What lesson or value from your military experience continues to guide you in your career or daily life?
"Adapt to change."

5. What message or advice would you like to share with today’s active service members?
"Cherish the time while you can."
Gary Holcroft

Cobalt Aero Services

AMT III

1. How many years did you serve, and in which branch or branches of the military?
"US Navy - 12.5 Years"

2. What was your rank at the time of departure?
"E-6"

3. What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"Reflection - Honored to Serve."

4. What lesson or value from your military experience continues to guide you in your career or daily life?
"Responsibility."

5. What message or advice would you like to share with today’s active service members?
"Cherish your time in and be honored by your service."

 

Harley Stalnaker

Cobalt Aero Services

VP of Quality

1. How many years did you serve, and in which branch or branches of the military?
"US Army - 2 years, US Navy - 5 years"

2. What was your rank at the time of departure?
"E-4 Petty Officer 3rd Class"

3. What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"Recognition of all those who have served."

4. What lesson or value from your military experience continues to guide you in your career or daily life?
"Discipline."

5. What message or advice would you like to share with today’s active service members?
"Stick with it."

 

John Harbison

Cobalt Aero Services

AMT III - Contractor 

1. How many years did you serve, and in which branch or branches of the military?
"US Air Force - 4 Years"

2. What was your rank at the time of departure?
"Sergeant"

3. What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"Keeping active duty members in mind."

4. What lesson or value from your military experience continues to guide you in your career or daily life?
"Perseverance."

5. What message or advice would you like to share with today’s active service members?
"We are behind you."

 

John Clark

Cobalt Aero Services

AMT III

1. How many years did you serve, and in which branch or branches of the military?
"US Navy - 4 Years"

2. What was your rank at the time of departure?
"RM2"

3. What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"A day to celebrate US Service Members."

4. What lesson or value from your military experience continues to guide you in your career or daily life?
"Showing up every day."

5. What message or advice would you like to share with today’s active service members?
"We appreciate you."

 

Larry Helton

Cobalt Aero Services

AMT III

1. How many years did you serve, and in which branch or branches of the military?
"US Army - 5 Years"

2. What was your rank at the time of departure?
"E-4 Specialist"

3. What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"Another day."

4. What lesson or value from your military experience continues to guide you in your career or daily life?
"Don't crash."

5. What message or advice would you like to share with today’s active service members?
"Keep going."

 

Lawrence Benoit

Cobalt Aero Services

AMT I

1. How many years did you serve, and in which branch or branches of the military?
"Army National Guard - 7 Years"

2. What was your rank at the time of departure?
"E-5 Sergeant"

3. What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"Remembering past generations that paved the way for today's soldiers."

4. What lesson or value from your military experience continues to guide you in your career or daily life?
"Be the change you want to see in the world."

5. What message or advice would you like to share with today’s active service members?
"There's always a light at the end of the tunnel."

 

Nikki Christian

Cobalt Aero Services

CSR Manager

1. How many years did you serve, and in which branch or branches of the military?
"US Marine Corps - 5 Years"

2. What was your rank at the time of departure?
"E-4 Corporal

3. What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"Reminds me of the honor of serving, sacrifices made with other service members, protecting freedoms, a day of pride, gratitude, and reflection."

4. What lesson or value from your military experience continues to guide you in your career or daily life?
"Being able to adapt to change quickly."

5. What message or advice would you like to share with today’s active service members?
"Cherish the camaraderie while you're in."

 

Phillip Ashley

Cobalt Aero Services

Director of Repairs

1. How many years did you serve, and in which branch or branches of the military?
"US Navy - 20 Years" 

2. What was your rank at the time of departure?
"Chief Petty Officer"

3. What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"Loyalty/Camaraderie/Teamwork/Integrity/Commitment"

4. What lesson or value from your military experience continues to guide you in your career or daily life?
"Self-discipline."

5. What message or advice would you like to share with today’s active service members?
"Steady the course."

 

Rachel Chancey

Cobalt Aero Services

Manager of Data Analytics

1. How many years did you serve, and in which branch or branches of the military?
"US Army - 3 years"

2. What was your rank at the time of departure?
"E-4"

3. What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"Veterans Day is a day of reflection and a call to honor those who have served. It is a time to remember what we so often take for granted,  that our freedoms and protections are not simply willed into being but exist because someone chose to sacrifice their comforts, their relationships, and, at times, their very lives for a greater purpose."

4. What lesson or value from your military experience continues to guide you in your career or daily life?
"I learned that true leadership isn't about authority, it's about responsibility. Those lessons continue to guide how I approach challenges at work, support my colleagues, and follow through on commitments."

5. What message or advice would you like to share with today’s active service members?
"Be accountable for your own life. The uniform gives you structure, but real strength comes from owning your actions and your path."

 

Richard

Cobalt Aero Services

AMT III

1. How many years did you serve, and in which branch or branches of the military?
"US Navy 23 years, 9 months active duty"

2. What was your rank at the time of departure?
"E-7 Chief Petty Officer"

3. What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"A time for reflection."

4. What lesson or value from your military experience continues to guide you in your career or daily life?
"Love for my country."

5. What message or advice would you like to share with today’s active service members?
"Stay true to yourself."

 

Roman Gay

Cobalt Aero Services

AMT II

1. How many years did you serve, and in which branch or branches of the military?
"US Marine Corps - 4 Years"

2. What was your rank at the time of departure?
"E-5 Sergeant"

3. What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"A reason to remember to be grateful."

4. What lesson or value from your military experience continues to guide you in your career or daily life?
"Improvise, adapt, and overcome."

5. What message or advice would you like to share with today’s active service members?
"It is what you make it."

 

Ronnie Horton

Cobalt Aero Services

AMT III - Military Lead

1. How many years did you serve, and in which branch or branches of the military?
"US Marine Corps - 5 Years"

2. What was your rank at the time of departure?
"E-5 Sergeant"

3. What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"Service."

4. What lesson or value from your military experience continues to guide you in your career or daily life?
"Discipline."

5. What message or advice would you like to share with today’s active service members?
"What Roman said - 'It is what you make it.'"

 

Thomas Benoit

Cobalt Aero Services

AMT II

1. How many years did you serve, and in which branch or branches of the military?
"US Marine Corps - 3 Years"

2. What was your rank at the time of departure?
"E-3 Lance Corporal."

3. What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"Time to reflect on those who have served."

4. What lesson or value from your military experience continues to guide you in your career or daily life?
"Persistence and determination pays off."

5. What message or advice would you like to share with today’s active service members?
"Keep the faith."

 

Tim Moran

Cobalt Aero Services

AMT III - Contractor

1. How many years did you serve, and in which branch or branches of the military?
"US Army-4 Years"

2. What was your rank at the time of departure?
"E-4"

3. What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"Freedom,"

4. What lesson or value from your military experience continues to guide you in your career or daily life?
"Teamwork/dignity/respect/ethics."

5. What message or advice would you like to share with today’s active service members?
"Get an education."

 

Josue Rivera Morales

Innodyne Systems

Logistics

1. How many years did you serve, and in which branch or branches of the military?
"US Army- 23 Years"

2. What was your rank at the time of departure?
"E6(P)"

3. What does Veterans Day mean to you? 
"A day to honor those who sacrificed everything to protect their country without hesitation."

4. What lesson or value from your military experience continues to guide you in your career or daily life?
"Simply one, LDRSHIP."

5. What message or advice would you like to share with today’s active service members?
"You signed up, you are in, strive for the best because good is not enough, learn as much as you can, be a sponge and always listen to the ones who have the experience and want to mold you to be your best,  and always always embrace the suck, meaning some days will be very hard days or seem that they make no sense but always bring a positive attitude. Live by the WARRIOR Ethos and be the best you can be."

 

Veterans Day is not only a time to honor those who served—it’s a reminder of the values that unite us: integrity, commitment, and a shared purpose to contribute to something greater than ourselves.

To our veterans—thank you for your service, your sacrifices, and the invaluable perspective you bring to our mission. We are proud to have you as part of the FCAH Aerospace family and remain committed to honoring and supporting you year-round.

We salute you today and always.



About FCAH Aerospace:

At FCAH Aerospace, we are a holding company that provides exceptional customer-driven service and niche global aviation aftermarket solutions. We deliver tailored solutions to meet your specific needs, including access to high-quality aviation parts through exchange and consignment programs, OEM & PMA manufacturing, a global distribution network, and outstanding service through our MRO, DER, repair, and teardown capabilities.