Meet the Veterans and Experts Behind Black Knights Drones 

Raymond Allen is a distinguished Marine officer with a robust career that seamlessly transitions into the business world. After serving his country with honor, where he honed his leadership, strategic planning, aviation, and combined arms operational skills,  Ray embarked on an entrepreneurial and marketing journey.  As a business owner and working for the largest media companies in the US , he has accumulated extensive experience in manufacturing, marketing, advertising, and sales.  

His military and aviation background instilled a disciplined, mission-oriented approach to business, driving efficiency and innovation in manufacturing processes. In marketing and advertising, Ray leveraged his strategic insight to craft compelling solution based campaigns that resonated with diverse audiences. His hands-on approach in solution based sales has not only fostered strong client relationships but also achieved significant revenue growth for his clients and own ventures.

Currently, Ray is dedicated to providing cutting-edge UAV solutions for America and its democratic allies. By integrating his expertise in aviation, fire support coordination,  and business, he aims to enhance security and operational capabilities, furthering the technological edge and defense readiness of allied nations. Ray’s unique blend of military precision and business acumen sets him apart as a dynamic leader and visionary entrepreneur.

Ray’s goal is provide a reliable, technologically efficient, American produced, low cost UAV to America and its democratic allies that has civilian and military application that solve business and combat requirements.

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Edward Blake LaMar, Jr., a retired US Air Force Colonel, brings over 35 years of extensive experience in Air Operations, Aircraft Maintenance, and complex program management to the advisory board of Black Knights Commercial and Combat Drones. Renowned for his dynamic leadership and visionary approach in the field of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), he has a proven track record in both military and civilian applications.

His roles have included Operations Deputy Group Commander, Reconnaissance Squadron Commander , Senior MQ-9 Instructor Pilot, MQ-9 Site IT Manager, and other various commanding positions within the Air National Guard, demonstrating his expertise in strategic planning, program management, and operational leadership. With over 5000 flight hours, including extensive combat and instructor experience, LaMar is well-equipped to guide the future of UAS development and operations.

Some of Blake's Professional Highlights related to UAS include

- Trained Air Force aircrew on MQ-9 Reaper aircraft combat operations

- Established and managed multiple MQ-9 Launch and Recovery Element sites

- Led a 276-person MQ-9 Operations Group and managed over $200M in assets

- Founder and lead consultant for Icon Technology Consultants, specializing in aerospace and healthcare IT solutions

Blake's Education is also well suited for providing cutting edge insights into UAS development and deployment :

- B.A. in Psychology, California State University, Long Beach

- Advanced military education from Air War College, Air Command and Staff College, and Squadron Officer School

Blake remains committed to leveraging his vast experience to shape the next generation of UAS operations, embodying the principles of transparency and innovation.

Ralph McCreary currently works on UAS programs in the defense industry supporting Naval Aviation acquisition efforts for multiple UAS platforms. Ralph leverages his extensive background in a collective, innovative, and strategic approach. He contributes his expertise and leadership to advancing the most cutting-edge UAS defense technologies and solutions in support of warfighting operations and readiness.

Ralph McCreary is also a retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel with 22 years of distinguished service. He served in several aviation, fleet/headquarters and requirements billets. His Marine Corps experience includes time as a requirements/resource sponsor for new and cutting-edge testing, development, planning, and acquisition of Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) and associated deployment systems. Combined with his extensive operational experience in several F/A-18D squadrons, where he held multiple department head positions, Ralph has both a technical and tactical in-depth understanding of the needs and requirements of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and their employment from manufacturing to the battlefield.

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Thomas Innocenti, a retired Major from the United States Marine Corps, has distinguished himself both as a military officer and a leader in the US defense contract industry. With a career spanning over three decades, Innocenti's extensive experience in deployment coordination, safety management, and program development uniquely positions him to contribute to the advisory board of Black Knights Commercial and Combat Drones.

Military and Professional Background:

• United States Marine Corps: Served as a US Marine Corps Officer, holding pivotal roles such as Deployment Director and Safety Director. Successfully coordinated large-scale deployments and implemented safety measures that significantly reduced aircraft and ground mishaps.

• Proprietary Aviation Flight Training and Operations Software Development Company: Worked as a Program Manager, contributing to the development of various advanced programs.

• Major Defense Operations and Cybersecurity Company: Worked as a Program Manager, specializing in advanced processes and data analysis.

• A leader at one of Nation's Largest Aerospace Company:  Currently the Director of Business Development for Military Programs, leading the business development side for military and government contracts. Responsible for introducing new products and technologies to military markets and shaping strategic action plans based on market trends and customer feedback.

Education:

• MBA: University of California, Riverside - A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management

• MA in Management: Webster University

• BS in Mathematics: West Liberty University

Justin Orabona is a seasoned professional with a distinguished 25-year career as a Marine Corps officer. His military service is marked by a series of leadership roles, across Southeast Asia, the Middle-east, and the Adriatic theaters of operation.  His performance culminated in his position as the Commanding Officer of the largest department of the Navy Training Squadron (as a LtCol).  In this role, Orabona was responsible for overseeing the extensive training operations of a combined civilian and joint military team,  ensuring their preparedness, the effectiveness of a joint aviation training syllabus, and the safety of his squadron.  

Following his military service, Orabona transitioned to the private sector, bringing his expertise to multiple defense companies. In these roles, he has undertaken a wide range of responsibilities, utilizing his comprehensive military experience to drive success in the defense industry. His work has encompassed strategic planning, project management, business development, and team leadership, contributing to the development and deployment of critical defense systems.

His educational background and professional training further bolster his expertise, making him a valuable asset in any defense-related endeavor. Justin Orabona continues to leverage his extensive experience to contribute to national defense and security.  

Terry Wall had a distinguished nine-year aviation career in the U.S. Marine Corps as a UH-1E “Huey” helicopter pilot, including decorated service in the Republic of Vietnam. Following active duty, Wall transitioned to civilian life, where he held executive roles at Eastern Airlines, Kloster Cruise Limited (parent of Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Viking Line), and Star Clippers. During his Eastern Airlines tenure, Wall served an additional three years in the Marine Corps reserve.

Wall has been a successful advertising, marketing, and business development executive, and has recently shifted into video production, which he continues to do to this day.

At Black Knights, Wall embarked as the company’s first webmaster and plays a key role in communications and marketing for the company. He holds a degree in Economics from Ohio University and continues to expand his expertise as the company grows.