Jose Maldonado

Owner, MAL-DRONE-ADO, LLC | FAA Certified Remote Pilot | Veteran-Owned Business

I am Jose Maldonado, a proud U.S. Army Veteran, devoted husband of 34 years, father of four sons and one daughter, and grandfather to six amazing grandchildren.

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in New York, I began my military journey in 1987 as a Combat Medic, later reclassifying as an Armor Crewman. During my 23 years of honorable service, I deployed to Desert Shield/Storm in 1990 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Along the way, I wore many hats, serving as a Flight Medic on Black Hawks, Drill Sergeant, Army Recruiter, Tank Gunner, Tank Commander, and Human Resources Specialist.

In 2004, the Army brought me to Fort Knox, Kentucky, where I served as a Drill Sergeant and Armor Officer Basic Course Instructor. After retiring in 2010, I transitioned into the Federal sector, where I continue to contribute to our nation. For over 21 years, Kentucky has been my proud home.

Outside of work, I enjoy camping, hiking, woodworking, and — perhaps most of all — flying drones. After six years of recreational flying, I decided to turn that passion into a profession and founded MAL-DRONE-ADO, LLC, a Veteran-Owned aerial photography and videography business.

Today, I am a certified FAA Remote Pilot, fully insured, and dedicated to delivering high-quality aerial media to my local and surrounding communities. My mission is simple: to combine professionalism, creativity, and integrity in every project, ensuring my clients receive visuals that inspire, inform, and make an impact.