Explore the DOD SkillBridge Program
Military Members: we are now registered with the DOD SkillBridge Program. Through this program, Active Duty Military Members can apply to internship with any registered company via permissive TDY orders for the last 180 days of their active duty. If the Service Member is a good fit, the end goal would be to offer a full-time position with the company. If you or anyone you know is separating or retiring AND is interested in joining our growing company,
Tim’s Story
Introducing our very first DOD Skillbridge intern. After a decade of service in the United States Navy (USN), Petty Officer Timothy DeMaio has been accepted into the SkillBridge program and is reporting to the work force with us, Veteran Built Homes LLC. Tim was born in Portland, CT where he mastered skills as a Pipe Welder and Steam Fitter at Local 777 for 5 years before he enlisted.
After completing Boot Camp, Tim attended Builder “A” School and reported directly to Presidential Retreat Camp David. While attached to Camp David, he earned a spot on the US Navy Marksmanship Team winning multiple High Power Long Range Rifle awards.
Tim then transferred to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Four, deploying multiple times throughout South East Asia as the battalion’s Bridge Commander and deployed with Seal Team 17 and SBT-22. After his tour with NMCB-4, Tim transferred to NSU State Department where he was posted to U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece as a Seabee Security Technical Specialist. While attached to NSU, Tim has traveled and served at US Embassies and Consulates in over 21 countries to include multiple high threat posts in the past 3 years.
Veronica Duplessy's Story
We are excited to have Veronica Join Veteran Built Homes through the Skillbridge Program. Veronica joined the Marine Corps in August of 2013 and completed the Administrative Specialist Course before advancing to the fleet. She was stationed in Twenty-nine Palms, CA for her first assignment. Her second duty station was with a MV-22 squadron, and she also supported the Base Commander during her tenure on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, in Kaneohe Bay, HI. Her final duty station was on Marine Corps Base Quantico to which she had a hand in all administrative duties for Marine Security Guards. She finished her time on active duty as the Test Control Chief for the entire Marine Corps.
She is currently in the process of transitioning into the Reserves, and her goal is to become a Construction Project Manager. She looks forward to all the experience and knowledge she will gain in participating in our Skillbridge program. We are excited to have Veronica on board and look forward to working with her!
Joe Trinidad's Story
Veteran Built Homes is proud to introduce our Skillbridge intern, Joseph Trinidad. Joseph joined the Navy in July of 2013 and was sent to Hospital Corpsman “A” School. After completing his training, he was stationed at Pearl Harbor, HI for his first assignment. He then went to Field Medical training at Camp Pendleton in California before moving on to “Green Side” with 3D MAW at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. During his time at Green Side, Joseph was deployed in 2018 and had the first combat testing for the new F-35B, as well as supporting Seal Team 3 in Iraq. His last assignment was at the Naval Medical Leader and Professional Development Command, where he was assigned to the
Periodontics Clinic. After leaving the Navy, Joseph’s goal is to become a real estate agent. He hopes that by participating in Skillbridge with Veteran Built Homes, he will gain valuable experience and learn the construction side of being a successful real estate agent. We are excited to have Joseph on board and look forward to working with him.
Maria Rodriguez's Story
We are excited to have Petty Officer Maria Rodriguez on our team! Maria comes to us originally from Houston, TX. Maria has achieved a lot in her life and has had plenty of accomplishments during her time in uniform while serving our nation. Maria worked as a medical assistant and attended college before enlisting. Maria completed Bootcamp and attended Boatswain’s Mate “A” school. She was then deployed with USS Rushmore. While deployed, Maria was part of a rescue mission where she was the first one to find and report a manmade raft constructed from bamboo, holding 65 stranded Indonesians floating in the ocean. Maria was later Transferred to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit Mobile Five in Guam. Her experience and knowledge earned her the title of Lead Coxswain for her shop. She has led multiple boat operations and trained with EOD personnel. Following her time in Guam, Maria then went on to Walter Reed Hospital, MD as a shore duty assignment. While working at Walter Reed she learned about the Skillbridge Program via her Command Career Counselor. From there she found her way to the Veteran Built Homes website and reached out to our company to apply for an internship position. Maria is in the process of learning basic construction practices across multiple trades and project management fundamentals.
Devin Mckenny's Story
Veteran Built Homes is excited to have Staff Sergeant Devan McKenney join our team through the Skillbridge Program. Devan served six years in the Air Force stationed at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. He is a 3E4X1 Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance technician in the 316th Civil Engineer Squadron. Since 2020, Devan has specialized in fire suppression systems. He was deployed to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait in 2019 and again to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar in 2021. Devan and his wife Jadyn plan on moving back home to northern Colorado in July after he finishes the internship program. There Devan plans to continue his education in construction management while pursuing a career as a project manager.
Nykyla Malinosky's Story
Veteran Built Homes would like to introduce Staff Sergeant Nykyla Malinosky She joins us through the Skillbridge Program. Nykyla joined the Air Force in November 2015. After basic training, she headed to Shepherd Air Force Base to start her training as a Cable and Antenna maintenance technician. From there she went to her first duty station in San Antonio, Texas. After spending two years in Texas she was stationed at Kapaun Air station, Germany. While stationed in Germany, Nykyla traveled all across Europe and Africa supporting Joint Force and NATO missions. Nykyla finally finished her active duty career in Tucson, Az. During her time in the military Nykyla has been working to earn her bachelor’s degree as a Technical Manager as she continues to expand and develop her project management skills and knowledge. We are thrilled to have Nykyla join our team!
Travis Young's Story
Veteran Built Homes would Like to introduce Travis Young from the Skillbridge Program.
We are excited to have him join our team! Travis Young was born to Army parents in Frankfurt Germany but grew up and calls Venice, FL home. He joined the Navy at 22 years old in an effort to see more of the world. Travis joined the Seabees so he wouldn’t have to spend months floating around in the middle of the ocean! Little did he know at the time he would be spending quite a bit of time in an endless sea of sand! Travis is married to Nicole and they have three kids together, Anthony, Alyvia, and Adriana. Travis and Nicole have had the opportunity to live in California, Virginia Beach, Sicily, Arlington, VA and Bangkok, Thailand. Travis has been deployed 10 times and have had the opportunity to see and experience many different environments and cultures throughout his career. He could not have been blessed with a more rewarding career but as is the case with everyone that serves his time is coming to an end after 21.5 years. Travis has worked with one of the Vet Built Homes owners, Joe, in the past and is excited to join the great team that he and his partner Mark have put together.
Renae Dominicka's Story
Veteran Built Homes would Like to introduce Renae Dominicka dedicated U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman with over five years of service!
Originally from Springfield, VA, Renae enlisted in the Navy in 2017 shortly after graduating high school. Her first duty station was at Naval Station Norfolk’s Branch Health Clinic, where she worked in the Women’s Health Clinic, contributing to the well-being of female sailors. She also served on the USNS Comfort during its mission to New York City at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Renae’s leadership skills were further demonstrated at her second duty station, A.T. Augusta Military Medical Center, where she served as the enlisted leader for the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). As she transitions out of the Navy this November, Renae is excited to explore new opportunities in the trades, utilizing the experience she’s learning through the SkillBridge program. Outside of her professional life, Renae enjoys video games, reading, outdoor activities like fishing, and spending quality time with her wife and their dog. She’s looking forward to beginning a new chapter focused on building a fulfilling career and enjoying a peaceful life with her family.
Ivan Chavez's Story
Veteran Built Homes would Like to introduce our newest Skillbridge program intern, Ivan Chavez!
Ivan is a dedicated Corporal in the United States Marine Corps. Ivan enlisted on January 11, 2021, in Massachusetts, and began his Military journey as a 2311 Ammunition Technician Specialist. He spent two years stationed at the Combined Arms Training Center in Camp Fuji, Japan, where he provided critical ammunition support to Marines. His role underscored the importance of teamwork, helping to strengthen partnerships with both U.S. Joint Forces and Japanese allies, ensuring readiness for contingency operations. Following his time in Japan, Ivan was assigned to The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, where he was responsible for delivering ammunition to newly commissioned or appointed officers during their training and education. After completing the Skillbridge Program, Ivan plans to return to Massachusetts and pursue his passion for carpentry by joining the local carpenters’ union. He is excited to apply the values of teamwork and discipline he gained in the Marine Corps to his new career, where he looks forward to building a future in the construction industry.
If you know of anyone who is separating or retiring AND is interested in joining a growing company, please have them contact our office manager Kelsey Lozano at kelsey@vetbuilthomes.com.
For more information on the DOD SkillBridge Program, please visit: https://skillbridge.osd.mil/