At Kaohu Productions, service has always been at the heart of everything we do. For owner and founder Kaohu Detwiler, that commitment has never wavered, especially when it comes to supporting the veteran community. Now, a recent experience has inspired a new direction for the company, one centered on mentorship, opportunity, and helping others achieve their dreams of flight.

A Life-Changing Experience at RTAG 2026

In October 2026, Kaohu attended the RTAG Convention in Orlando, Florida, where he was honored to receive the $15,000 Delta Air Lines Aviation Scholarship to further his own aviation journey.

While receiving this scholarship was an incredible milestone, something even more meaningful happened that weekend.

Throughout the convention, Kaohu met countless veterans who shared their struggles with navigating the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits system, particularly when it came to obtaining approval and funding for flight training. Many had the same questions, faced similar obstacles, and simply did not know where to begin.

Although Kaohu had already established the Veteran Aviation Mentorship Program, these conversations made him realize that there was still so much more that could be done.

During the convention's opening ceremony, the president of RTAG shared a powerful message:

"Bring each other up the ladder, not the ladder before everyone else."

That message resonated deeply with Kaohu. Success should never come at the expense of others. Instead, we should be lifting one another up, sharing our knowledge, creating opportunities, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

For Kaohu, those words reinforced something he has believed throughout his military service, law enforcement career, and now his aviation journey: Knowledge should be shared, opportunities should be accessible, and mentorship should never be withheld.

Turning a Business Into a Mission

After speaking with airline recruiters, professional pilots, fellow veterans, and aviation industry leaders, Kaohu began to see a greater purpose for his company.

Kaohu Productions was originally built around creative services, including digital marketing, photography, videography, and graphic design. While those services have helped establish the company, Kaohu recognized an opportunity to use his platform for something far more meaningful.

Moving forward, Kaohu Productions will shift its primary focus toward expanding the Veteran Aviation Mentorship Program.

This transition reflects Kaohu's commitment to helping veterans successfully navigate the aviation industry, understand their educational benefits, and pursue careers as professional pilots.

Recognizing that the aviation industry can be equally overwhelming for those without military backgrounds, Kaohu has also begun mentoring non-veterans who are seeking guidance on their aviation journeys.

While Kaohu Productions will continue offering digital marketing, photography, videography, and graphic design services on a limited basis, its primary mission will now be serving the veteran aviation community through education, mentorship, advocacy, and opportunity.

Navigating VA Benefits: From Personal Struggle to Helping Others

Kaohu understands firsthand how difficult navigating the VA system can be.

When he began pursuing his dream of becoming a professional pilot, he had to navigate the VA's Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), Chapter 31 program largely on his own.

With limited guidance and no dedicated mentor to help him through the process, Kaohu spent countless hours researching requirements, understanding eligibility, communicating with the VA, and advocating for his aviation career goals.

Despite the challenges of obtaining approval for flight training through VR&E, he persevered and was ultimately approved.

That experience became the foundation for his desire to help others.

"I had to figure so much of this out on my own. If I can help another veteran avoid the confusion, frustration, and uncertainty that I experienced, then everything I went through was worth it." — Kaohu Detwiler

Today, Kaohu is offering one-on-one mentorship sessions for veterans interested in exploring VR&E benefits for flight training. These sessions are designed to help veterans better understand the process, prepare for conversations with their VA counselors, explore aviation training pathways, and make informed decisions about their futures.

Although VR&E approval is never guaranteed and each veteran's circumstances are different, Kaohu believes that access to accurate information and guidance can make a meaningful difference.

His message is simple: If becoming a pilot is your dream, do not give up simply because the process seems overwhelming. There may be a pathway forward, and you do not have to navigate it alone.

Expanding Our Reach and Building a Community

Kaohu Productions is also preparing to partner with another veteran mentorship organization to expand its reach and connect more aspiring aviators with experienced mentors.

The long-term vision is to build a supportive network where veterans can learn from those who have already navigated the process, exchange information, access resources, and find encouragement throughout their aviation training.

This is about more than helping someone obtain a pilot certificate. It is about opening doors, creating opportunities, building relationships, and helping veterans find a renewed sense of purpose after military service.

For Kaohu, this mission is deeply personal. Having served in the United States Air Force and spent years in federal law enforcement, he understands the importance of leadership, service, and looking out for those around him.

Mentorship is not about holding the ladder for a select few. It is about making sure the next person has the opportunity to climb even higher.

Join Us in This Mission

As Kaohu Productions enters this new chapter, our commitment to service remains stronger than ever.

We believe that financial barriers, complicated processes, and a lack of information should not prevent someone from pursuing a career in aviation.

Whether you are a veteran exploring your VA education benefits, an aspiring pilot searching for guidance, or an experienced aviator interested in helping others, we encourage you to connect with us.

If you are a veteran, or know a veteran who could benefit from aviation mentorship, please reach out.

Together, we can share knowledge, break down barriers, create opportunities, and help the next generation of aviators take flight.