CPT Robert M. Cornicelli
Founder & President, Veteran Recovery Coalition
Retired Captain, U.S. Army National Guard | U.S. Navy Veteran
CPT Robert M. Cornicelli is the Founder and President of Veteran Recovery Coalition, a veteran-led nonprofit committed to helping veterans move from crisis to stability, recovery, and meaningful reintegration into civilian life.
A two-time military service member, CPT Cornicelli served in the United States Navy from 1986 to 1994 and in the United States Army National Guard from 2005 to 2017, retiring at the rank of Captain. His military experience includes service as Executive Officer to the Director of Operations at the Defense Intelligence Agency from 2014 to 2017—a role commonly assigned to more senior officers.
While at the Defense Intelligence Agency, CPT Cornicelli received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of his leadership and service. He also created the agency’s Wounded Warrior platform, helping connect service members from all five branches who were preparing for medical discharge with employment opportunities at the agency. For this work, he received a Distinguished Commander’s Coin from then-DIA Director, three-star Lieutenant General Michael Flynn.
Through his military service and continued work in the veteran community, CPT Cornicelli saw firsthand how easily veterans can fall through the cracks after returning home. Housing instability, substance dependency, unemployment, barriers to benefits, and the challenge of rebuilding a life outside the military can leave veterans and their families without the support they need.
He founded Veteran Recovery Coalition on a simple belief: no veteran should be left behind.
Through the Veteran Rapid Response Platform and strategic partnerships with local governments, businesses, service providers, and community organizations, VRC helps veterans identify the barriers keeping them in crisis and access practical solutions. The organization’s work includes housing and stabilization support, recovery resources, employment and education pathways, benefits navigation, emergency assistance, and long-term reintegration planning.
CPT Cornicelli remains deeply committed to building a stronger, more coordinated support network for those who served. Under his leadership, Veteran Recovery Coalition works to ensure veterans are met with dignity, accountability, practical resources, and a clear path forward.
Military Service
- United States Navy, 1986–1994
- United States Army National Guard, 2005–2017
- Executive Officer to the Director of Operations, Defense Intelligence
Awards & 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
Deployments & Special Assignments
- Counter Narco-Terrorism Task Force (Counter Drug), November 2009–November 2011
- Domestic All-Hazard Response Team, November 2011–August 2012
- Kuwait, November 2012–August 2013
- Service in an Imminent Danger Pay Area
Veteran & Professional Affiliations
- Lifetime Member, Veterans of Foreign Wars
- Lifetime Member, American Legion
- Member, Military Officers Association of America
