Heath Culbertson is the Veteran Program Manager for KBR, Inc headquartered in Houston, Texas.  Culbertson assists both veterans currently serving who are about to embark on their transition to the civilian workforce as well as those who have already made the transition out of the United States military to gain employment within the industry.  Culbertson’s secondary role for KBR is Workforce Development, where he aligns the veterans’ skills and desires to establish their new career in the industrial construction industry, as well as administers the National Center for Construction Education and Research’s (NCCER) program as a Master Trainer.  Since joining KBR in October 2014, Culbertson has placed and put into craft training numerous Post 9/11 veterans throughout the Gulf Coast region.  He has accomplished this through strategic partnerships and working with key military installations.  Culbertson has also pioneered a KBR partnership with the United States Army at Fort Polk, Louisiana to deliver Pipefitting training to active duty soldiers prior to their separation.

In 1996, Culbertson enlisted in the United States Air Force where he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant.  During his time in the Air Force he held two Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSC): Aircrew Egress (2A653) which he performed for three years, followed by Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) Flight Engineer (1A171B) for 15 years.  Culbertson was part of the current Reduction in Force (RIF) that is currently underway within our military.  In August 2014, he retired under the Temporary Early Retirement Act (TERA) establish by the United States Congress.  While assigned to CSAR, Culbertson deployed a total of 14 times to Iraq, Afghanistan and other hostile environments around the globe where personnel recovery and special operations forces were needed.  During his time as a CSAR Flight Engineer he held the title of flight instructor and flight evaluator for 12 years.  He culminated his career in San Antonio, Texas where he was a formal career field instructor for 2 years, passing on his knowledge and experience to his successors, followed by 1 year as the Special Operations Forces (SOF) / CSAR Training Manager at Headquarters Air Education Training Command (HQ/AETC) Randolph AFB, Texas.

Some of Culbertson’s recognized achievements are the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor, Meritorious Service Medal, eight Air Medals for Heroism, three Aerial Achievement Medals, three AF Commendation Medals, three AF Achievement Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, AF Combat Action Medal, Flight Engineer of the Year 2004, Instructor Flight Engineer of the Year 2005, Evaluator Flight Engineer of the Year 2010, Jolly Green Association and Breeze Eastern Flight Engineer of the Year 2011.  As well, Culbertson is the recipient of the United States Air Force’s 2011 Mackay Trophy for the year’s most meritorious flight.