Last updated: December 8, 2025
Article
From Maps to Masonry - One Service Member’s Introduction to Historic Preservation
As he prepared to leave the United States Air Force, Imagery Analyst Cameron Donk knew one thing for sure—he didn’t want to sit behind a desk anymore. That desire led him to the Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) through the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge Program. What he found was not just a new trade, but a new way to continue serving his country.
NPS
Learning the Craft, One Brick at a Time
Cameron joined HPTC’s masonry team with no prior experience in the trade. “I originally applied for a carpentry position,” he recalls, “but they didn’t have openings. They asked if I’d be interested in masonry, and I figured—why not give it a try?”
His first assignment took him to Harmony Hall, a historic site near Alexandria, Virginia. There, he learned the fundamentals of masonry: repointing chimneys, replacing bricks, and stabilizing aging structures. “The first week, I mostly observed,” he says. “Then one day, a teammate handed me six bricks and said, ‘You’re doing this.’ It took me four hours, and I had to redo a couple—but when I stepped back and saw it looked good, I felt really proud.”
From Harmony Hall, Cameron moved on to Richmond National Battlefield and Fort McHenry, each site steeped in American history. “I hadn’t thought about it at first,” he admits, “but it’s pretty amazing to know I’ve contributed to preserving places like that. Maybe one day I’ll come back with my future kids and show them the work I did.”
A New Kind of Service
While Cameron didn’t initially see his SkillBridge placement as a continuation of service, that perspective has shifted. “I didn’t feel a ‘call to serve’ when I applied,” he says, “but now I do feel like I’m part of something bigger—helping preserve the places that tell our nation’s story.”
He also found unexpected joy in the work itself. “I really enjoy repointing,” he says, referring to the process of filling mortar between bricks. “It’s repetitive in a good way—almost meditative. You get into a rhythm, and it’s satisfying to look back and see a clean, straight line.”
Mentorship, Camaraderie, and Confidence
One of the most valuable aspects of Cameron’s experience has been the people. “I thought I’d be working with other beginners, but I’m the only new one,” he says. “Luckily, I’m surrounded by people with decades of experience who are willing to teach.”
That mentorship, combined with a welcoming team culture, helped ease the transition from military to civilian life. “In the military, joining a new unit can feel isolating at first,” he explains. “But here, I felt included from day one. That really boosted my confidence.”
Looking Ahead
As his SkillBridge term nears its end, Cameron is weighing his next steps. “I’m still deciding whether to stay in masonry or go back to something closer to my military background,” he says. “Winter’s making me think about office jobs again!” he laughs. “But I’d love to work for the National Park Service again someday—maybe traveling to different parks and helping preserve them.”
Regardless of where he lands, Cameron knows he’s gained more than just technical skills. “This experience has taught me to be patient, to stay flexible, and to take pride in what I build. It’s given me a solid foundation—literally and figuratively—for whatever comes next.”
Advice for Fellow Veterans
Cameron encourages other transitioning service members to consider SkillBridge and HPTC. “Come in with a learning mindset,” he advises. “You don’t have to know everything—just be ready to listen, observe, and absorb. It’s like an apprenticeship, and it’s a great way to start something new.”