PestVets
The PestVets Council assists NPMA with creating awareness among military veterans of the pest management industry as a potential career choice, and educating the NPMA membership on how to recruit and hire military personnel.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025!
Mission:
To recruit and support military active duty, veterans and their families in the pest management industry.
Goals:
- Create awareness of pest control career opportunities in the pest management industry.
- Provide transition guidance to service members entering civilian employment in the industry.
- Recognize military veterans for their industry contributions.
- Give back to the military community and show appreciation for active military, veterans and their families.
PestVets Initiatives
- PestVets Mentorship Program
- PestVets Gives Back
- David Cooksey PestVet of the Year Award
PestVets is sponsored by
Get Involved!
The call for volunteers for 2025-2026 is now open. NPMA welcomes all members to join volunteer councils and committees.
Latest PestVets News
Honoring Industry Leaders at 2025 Legislative Day
NPMA recognized two outstanding industry professionals during its 2025 Legislative Day, held March 9-11 in Washington, D.C.
NPMA Announces Call for Nominations: 2025 David Cooksey PestVet of the Year Award
This distinguished recognition celebrates U.S. Military Veterans who demonstrate exceptional dedication to supporting fellow veterans, their families, and colleagues within the pest management industry.
Jeff Keller Named 2024 David Cooksey PestVet of the Year
Keller, who serves as Technical Services Director for Burns Pest Elimination in Phoenix, Arizona, was presented with the award at NPMA's Legislative Day on Monday, March 11, 2024.
Call for Nominations Now Open for David Cooksey PestVet of the Year
The David Cooksey PestVet of the Year Award recognizes a veteran for their outstanding contributions to the industry and to the communities they serve.
PestVets Raises Over $20,000 for Wounded Warrior Ohana
NPMA's PestVets Council brought together participants of PestWorld 2023 to build the community provided by Wounded Warrior Ohana and support wounded and disabled Veterans in Hawaii.
Brannon Swygert
Zapper Mosquito & Outdoor Pest Control
Pinehurst, NC United States
Thomas Drapeau
Freedom Pest Control Company
Merrimac, MA United States
Curtis Rand
Rose Pest Solutions
Northfield, IL United States
Trent Kucherka, BCE
Veseris
Austin, TX United States
Elizabeth Bicer
National Pest Management Association
Fairfax, VA United States
Marty L. Roberts
Rid-A-Bug Exterminating Co., Inc.
Hamptonville, NC United States
Joe Campbell
ABC Home & Commercial Services of DFW
Lewisville, TX United States
Sterling Barbour
Revolution National Pest Council Inc.
Carson, CA United States
Adam Bergstrom
B. O. G. Pest Control
Edgewater, MD United States
Matthew Blanchard
Cedar Systems
Natick, MA United States
Edward Bove
Orkin Pest Control
Rancho Cucamonga, CA United States
Charles Carney
Cook's Pest Control, Inc.
Decatur, AL United States
Allan D. Dufoe
Envu
Cary, NC United States
Jerome Hatch
Pinnacle Pest Control, Inc.
Sacramento, CA United States
Dallas Hopper
Hopper Termite & Pest, Inc.
Springdale, AR United States
Marie Horner
Arrow Exterminators
Atlanta, GA United States
Michael Ivey
Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC
High Point, NC United States
Brian Jones
SiteOne Landscape Supply
Clarksville, TN United States
Jeffrey Keller, Ace
Burns Pest Elimination
Phoenix, AZ United States
Justin Kendall, ACE
PestMaster
Ashland, VA United States
Jacob Kulzer
Ecolab
St. Paul, MN United States
Jacob Kulzer
Ecolab
St. Paul, MN United States
Holt Myers
ABC Home & Commercial Services of Austin
Austin, TX United States
David Poplin
CDS Services, Inc. dba Legion Pest Management
Murrieta, CA United States
Luke Rambo
Rambo Total Pest Control
Puyallup, WA United States
Dwight Reynolds, ACE
Rentokil Terminix
Wyomissing, PA United States
Connie Rogers
Certified Pest Control Operators Association of Georgia
Lawrenceville, GA United States
Kendra Snyder
Quest Termite & Pest Management
Hellertown, PA United States
State Unit Tips
PestVets State Units are volunteer led committees focused on engaging and supporting active-duty military, military veterans and their families that are in the pest control industry in coordination with their state pest control association. State Unit participants must be a member of both their state pest control association and NPMA.
Example activities include:
- Regular meetups to network and share experiences (in-person, by phone or online)
- Recruiting veterans and active-duty service members to the industry
- Providing career mentorship
- Raising funds for veteran-focused organizations
- Honoring Veterans in your state
Build a Core Team
- Find individuals passionate about supporting military veterans, service members and their families who can commit time and effort to help launch the group.
Conduct Research
- Assess Community Needs: Engage with potential members and stakeholders to identify gaps or areas for improvement related to the shared interest.
Promote
- List the State Unit on your state association and NPMA website.
Engage the Community
- Outreach Efforts: Organize events, workshops, or informational sessions to raise awareness about the group and its purpose.
- Build Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies to broaden the group’s reach and impact.
Plan Activities and Initiatives
- Identify Projects: Develop specific initiatives or projects that align with the group’s goals.
- Set a Timeline: Create a calendar for events, meetings, and milestones to keep members engaged and motivated.
Monitor Progress and Adapt
- Evaluate Impact: Regularly assess the effectiveness of activities and initiatives through feedback.
- Be Flexible: Adjust goals and strategies based on what is working and what isn’t, ensuring the group remains relevant and effective.
Foster Community and Sustain Engagement
- Encourage Participation: Create opportunities for members to get involved and contribute.
- Celebrate Successes: Recognize achievements and milestones to maintain motivation and strengthen community bonds.
Starting a State Unit
- Contact your state pest control association and work with them to identify members interested in starting a Unit. This could be a quick survey sent to the state membership explaining your goals and for them to indicate interest in participating.
- Schedule a kickoff meeting with interested people. Think of this as a meet and greet, learn about why people are interested and make a list of possible activities and goals for the group.
- Apply for a start-up grant. PestVets offers a limited amount of start up funding up to $500 each year for things like signage, networking expenses, logo design, printing.
State unit leaders across the US join us to share success stories and swap ideas. Calls focused on discussing State Unit activities are held the third Thursday in January, April, July and October from 3:00 PM-3:45 PM EST. Email PestVets to be added to the call. Even if you haven't held an event yet, you are welcome!
Alabama
Contact: Stephen Gates
Arizona
Contact: Jeff Keller, AZPestVets
Arkansas
Contact: Marilyn Porterfield
Colorado
Contact: Curtis Krell
Georgia
Contact: Xavier Cugnon, Arrow Exterminators & Rick Anglian, Bug Busters
New England
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Contact Dennis Neal
Washington
PestVets Companies
