From Air Force Engineer to RV Expert | Paul Choi’s Journey

From Air Force Engineer to RV Expert | Paul Choi’s Journey

After 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, Paul Choi was ready for a new mission — one that didn’t involve deployment schedules or laboratory walls. “I realized I’d missed a lot with my family,” Paul said. “And with how crazy the world had become, my wife and I decided it was time to live life differently.”

That decision led to a new chapter: full-time RV living. But as Paul quickly learned, the quality of many modern RVs wasn’t what he expected. “We realized RV quality is not what it should be,” he said. “I wanted to understand these systems better — not just for my own rig, but to help others avoid the same frustrations.”

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Finding NRVTA Through a Fellow Veteran

The turning point came when Paul met a pastor in Bozeman, Montana — a former student of the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) in Athens, Texas. The pastor listened to Paul’s story and immediately suggested the academy.

“He said, ‘Based on what you’re trying to do with your life, you should give this place a call,’” Paul recalled. “That’s how we ended up here, and we’ve had no regrets since.”

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Learning That Connects Mind and Hands

Paul describes his experience at NRVTA as both technical and transformative. With an engineering background, he was no stranger to manuals, schematics, and procedures. But what he found at NRVTA was something deeper — an understanding of the human side of the RV service industry.

“I had an aha moment about every 45 minutes,” he said with a laugh. “Not necessarily about the academic material, but about why technicians get frustrated — and why engineers design things the way they do. It gave me insight into both worlds.”

He credits instructor Todd Henson for creating a classroom environment that adapts to each student’s learning style. “Todd has this rare ability to read the room,” Paul explained. “He tailors his instruction based on where people are mentally. That’s a skill you don’t find often.”

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Gaining Confidence and Connection

Paul’s time at NRVTA didn’t just sharpen his technical skills — it built confidence in working with people. “I always had confidence in reading manuals and solving engineering problems,” he said. “But dealing with customers is different. This program gave me the confidence to apply my technical background in a way that helps real people.”

He also found community among like-minded students from all walks of life — veterans, tradespeople, and retirees — all united by the same goal: to learn, travel, and serve others. “It’s a place filled with like-minded people,” Paul said. “Everyone here wants to build something better for themselves and the RV community.”

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About the National RV Training Academy

The National RV Training Academy is the nation’s premier hands-on school for RV technicians and inspectors. Located in Athens, Texas, the campus offers classroom and field-based learning for everyone from RV owners to professionals seeking certification.

Graduates earn credentials through the RV Technician Association of America (RVTAA) and the National RV Inspectors Association (NRVIA) — opening the door to high-demand careers in RV repair, inspection, and mobile service work.

With over 11 million RV owners across the U.S. and a nationwide shortage of trained service professionals, NRVTA graduates like Paul are filling an important need while enjoying the freedom and flexibility of self-employment.

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A New Mission: Helping Others

Paul sees his time at NRVTA as more than education — it’s a mission of empowerment. “This industry needs thousands of technicians and inspectors,” he said. “If you’re thinking about doing this, stop waiting. It’s one of the most rewarding paths out there.”

After two decades serving his country, Paul now serves fellow RVers — helping them stay safe, confident, and prepared on the open road.