CPT Robert M. Cornicelli
Founder and President, Veteran Recovery Coalition
Retired Captain, US Army National Guard/US Navy Veteran
Former Executive Officer to the Director of Operations, Defense Intelligence Agency

CPT Robert M. Cornicelli is the Founder and President of the Veteran Recovery Coalition, a veteran led nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans achieve recovery, stability, and successful reintegration into civilian life.

A two time military service member, CPT Cornicelli served in both the United States Navy and the United States Army National Guard, retiring with the rank of Captain. During his military career, he also served four years at the Defense Intelligence Agency as the Executive Officer to the Director of Operations, a position typically assigned to a Lieutenant Colonel or Colonel.

While serving at the Defense Intelligence Agency, CPT Cornicelli earned the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his service and leadership. During this time, he created the Wounded Warrior program within the Defense Intelligence Agency, helping facilitate service members who were preparing to medically discharge from all five branches of the United States military into positions within the agency. In recognition of this work, he was presented a Distinguished Commander’s Coin by the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, three star Lieutenant General Michael Flynn.

Through his years of service and continued involvement with the veteran community, CPT Cornicelli saw firsthand the challenges many veterans face after returning home, including homelessness, substance dependency, unemployment, and lack of access to support systems.

Motivated by a belief that no veteran should be left behind, CPT Cornicelli founded the Veteran Recovery Coalition to build partnerships between local communities, businesses, and government agencies to support veterans in need. The organization focuses on helping veterans understand the circumstances that led them into crisis while providing practical solutions that help them rebuild their lives, including housing stability, recovery support, job training, and reintegration services.

Under his leadership, the Veteran Recovery Coalition works closely with local governments, community organizations, and private partners to create sustainable programs that serve veterans with dignity, accountability, and long term support.

CPT Cornicelli continues to advocate for veterans through community outreach, partnerships, and program development, ensuring that those who served the nation receive the support they need to rebuild their lives and move forward with strength and purpose

Military Service

United States Navy 1986 – 1994
United States Army National Guard 2005 – 2017
Executive Officer to the Director of Operations, DIA – 2014 – 2017

Awards and Decorations

Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Army Commendation Medal (Second Award)
Army Achievement Medal
Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal
National Defense Service Medal (Second Award)
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
U.S. Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
Air Assault Badge
Expert Marksmanship Badge with Automatic Rifle Bar

Deployment/Special Assignments

Counter Narco-Terrorism Task Force (Counter Drug)

November 2009 to November 2011

Domestic All-Hazard Response Team

November 2011 to August 2012

Kuwait
November 2012 to August 2013
Service in an Imminent Danger Pay Area

Veteran and Professional Affiliations

Lifetime Member, Veterans of Foreign Wars
Lifetime Member, American Legion
Member, Military Officers Association of America