Dynepic Supports USAF Veteran Transition Under SkillBridge Program
Not only is the Dynepic team growing, we just scored with two new A M A Z I N G people as part of the DOD’s SkillBridge Program!
If you’re not familiar, SkillBridge helps match highly skilled military service members with training and development opportunities in different industries through internships during their last 180 days of service. The hands-on experience and training in a civilian work environment can be critical to ensuring a positive transition, and we’re proud to be a part of their journey!
Read on to learn more about Chris Dionne (Software Developer Intern), and Dom Lignelli (Program Management & New Business Development Intern):
Q: What were you up to before joining Dynepic?
Dom: I was active duty in the United States Air Force for almost 13 years, and spent just under four years as an Egress Technician working on ejection seats for F15 Strike Eagles in North Carolina. After that I retrained to become a Flight Engineer on the C5M Super Galaxy. Over the nine years as an engineer I flew just under 2500 hours and spent about 2 years as an instructor.
Chris: I was also in the Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller for 12 years. I have had the privilege to control every type of aircraft you could imagine. The last four years of my career was spent as an Air Traffic Control instructor for Air Education and Training Command (AETC).
Q: Describe your role with Dynepic in one sentence?
Dom: I am currently an intern learning about the inner workings of everything from software development to program management.
Chris: Over the next few months of the internship, I’ll float between various departments, allowing me to be more versatile for the team.
Q: What excites you the most about working with Dynepic?
Dom: The diversity of specific skill sets coming together to create a platform that is changing and challenging the “normal.” Also the dynamic of the team and the cohesiveness where you never feel left behind or insignificant in your role.
Chris: We’re changing the world one level at a time! Also, making meaningful changes to help others do their jobs more efficiently. I now feel that I can truly make a difference for not only the Air Force but the DoD as a whole.
Q: Tell me about the coolest thing you’re working on right now.
Dom: Right now I’m working on our first annual MOTAR Expo (more on this coming soon!). It's a huge responsibility with the amount of visibility that will come from this event, and only one of a handful of cool things I'm currently working on as I intern across the Dynepic organization.
Chris: Currently, I am familiarizing myself with various programming languages and exploring/learning frameworks for databases.
Q: Why are you interested in VR/AR technology?
Dom: I found out about VR/AR tech a few years ago. It evolved into me becoming the lead program manager for the development of one of our programs we had created for the C5M community prior to joining the Dynepic Team. It was an eye opening experience, and proved that this is the training capability of the future. The possibilities are endless and this is only the beginning for where this tech will go!
Chris: So we can fully implement the Matrix, of course.
Q: What energizes you?
Dom: Spending time with my wife and kids, going to sporting events, camping, fishing, pretty much anything that has to do with the outdoors.
Chris: The ability actually to make positive changes for our customers and the world and most of all doing what I love to do.
Q: What is one thing you’re particularly passionate about or proud of?
Dom: I am really passionate about cooking and I’m just starting to get into restoring vintage arcade machines. I’ve restored an older Air Hockey table for my kids and now I'm working on a mechanical pinball machine.
Chris: I’m proud that my hard work, determination, and passion led me to Dynepic.
Q: What was the best advice you’ve ever received?
Dom: Be humble and take a step back once in a while, you’ll see how much the view changes.
Chris: Stand up for what’s right and always face adversity head-on with your head held high.