NBAA-BACE Expands Military Connect Program with New Lineup of Distinguished Speakers, Sessions
The business-aviation industry faces a growing demand for skilled pilots, technicians and operations professionals, as an experienced workforce approaches retirement and companies across the sector are competing for talented employees. To help meet that need, the 2026 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) will host transitioning military personnel to the Military Connect program on Wed., Oct. 21 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The program is sponsored by PenFed Credit Union. Military membership has been at the core of PenFed’s identity since its founding in 1935 as the War Department Federal Credit Union. Today, PenFed continues that legacy by serving military members and their families and, through the PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes, supporting service members, veterans and military families with programs and partnerships that create opportunities and help them thrive during and after their military careers.
“PenFed is proud to support Military Connect and help service members and veterans translate their leadership, discipline and technical expertise into rewarding careers,” says Scott Akers, PenFed senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “Their talents strengthen our workforce and our communities, and we are honored to work alongside NBAA to connect this community with new opportunities in business aviation.”
Building on its inaugural program launched in 2025, Military Connect offers a day of education sessions, employer networking, and career exploration to help veterans chart a path from military service into business-aviation careers.
“Business aviation has always benefited from the leadership, discipline and technical experience that veterans bring to our industry,” says NBAA senior vice president of Events and Professional Engagement Jo Damato, CAM. “Military Connect reflects our commitment to helping these men and women find fulfilling careers in business aviation and ensures our industry continues to grow with the kind of talent that has already proven itself in service to our country.”
The day’s programming begins at 10 a.m. on the all-new Horizon Stage with a kickoff featuring USAF Gen. (ret.) Lloyd “Fig” Newton. He will be joined by Daniel J. Edward, retired USAF veteran and Department of Transportation assistant secretary for aviation and international affairs. In a session moderated by NBAA regional director, Phil Derner, they will highlight the critical role military talent plays in advancing business aviation’s future, as many skills learned in military service directly apply to the industry.
The opening session also includes remarks from Nate Dietsche, director of maintenance for Netflix and a USMC veteran, as well as Nora Jacobsen, CAM, chief pilot for Liberty Mutual Insurance and a U.S. Navy veteran. They will highlight their real-world success stories, discuss transition pathways into top-tier business-aviation careers, and emphasize the immense value veterans bring to flight departments.
The Military Connect program also includes:
- an education session titled, “From Veteran-Friendly to Veteran-Ready: Building Organizations That Support Military Talent”
- the discussion “Mission-Ready for Business Aviation: A Veteran’s Guide to Career Transition”
- Military Meetup in the Career Zone where attendees can meet with companies actively hiring veterans and coaches who can help with resume writing, as well as obtain free headshots.
To learn more about Military Connect at NBAA-BACE, visit https://nbaabace.org/program/military-connect.
“From restructuring our working group to manage rapid growth, to forging key partnerships with organizations like The Honor Foundation and PenFed, our year-round efforts ensure that transitioning service members don’t just find jobs in business aviation, but build lasting, successful careers,” says Derner.
Taking place Oct. 20-22, NBAA-BACE is the world’s most powerful business-aviation event of the year, showcasing the industry’s latest innovations and services, and hosting the leaders who are shaping its future.
To learn more, visit https://nbaabace.org.