We are proud to welcome Chris Klaftenegger to the Special Operations Association of America. Chris brings extensive experience in Special Operations, global rescue, and defense innovation, as well as a lifelong commitment to healing and empowering the Veteran community.
Chris is the Chief Executive Officer of Onyx Industries, where he leads the development of advanced defense technologies, including modular aerial delivery systems, remote weapon systems, and unmanned platforms. His focus is ensuring that U.S. and allied warfighters maintain an overmatched capability against adversaries. Beyond industry, Chris serves as a Peer Ambassador with Vets Seeking Treatment Solutions (VETS), where he helps fellow veterans navigate recovery and growth through connection and shared experience. This work aligns closely with SOAA’s focus on healing invisible wounds, highlighted in our feature, “Breakthrough TBI Treatment: Healing Invisible Wounds”.
Before moving into industry in 2017, Chris built a career in global rescue and security operations. He worked as a Rescue Specialist and Paramedic with CHI in Galliano, Louisiana, conducting helicopter rescue and medical services for the offshore oil industry. He then joined Vighter Medical Group in Niger, supporting U.S. forces in Africa with rescue and recovery operations. From there, he transitioned into Mobile Medic Security for the U.S. Department of State in the Central African Republic, providing lifesaving support to the Ambassador and Embassy staff.
Chris’s civilian work builds on more than 16 years of military service in Special Operations, often working for the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM). He began as a U.S. Navy Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman (SARC) with Marine units before later serving as a U.S. Air Force Pararescueman (PJ). Across multiple global deployments, he conducted personnel recovery, combat medicine, and special reconnaissance missions. His journey began in 1996 when he earned his EMT Basic certification, sparking a passion for prehospital and point-of-injury care that has guided his career ever since. His medical journey marries well with SOAAs commitment to veteran healthcare.
SOAA’s Executive Director, Jeremy Thompson, shared this message:
“We are honored to welcome Chris to SOAA. His distinguished service as both a SARC and Pararescueman, combined with his leadership in industry and his dedication to veteran healing, bring a rare blend of frontline authenticity and visionary leadership. His voice will strengthen our efforts to elevate ground truth, support our operators, and ensure America remains secure.”
Chris shared his perspective on joining SOAA:
“I am humbled to join the Special Operations Association of America in their mission to ensure that the voices of the Special Operations community are heard. Healing, empowering, and creating connection are not just personal values; they are national imperatives. Our operators and veterans have given everything. It is our duty to give them a voice, to stand with them, and to ensure they remain stronger than those who seek to do us harm.”
