An Interview with Meredith (Benson) Doran ’02

Alumni Office (AO): Meredith, can you introduce yourself to our readers? Share your name, graduation year, college/academy, and where you are now.

Meredith Doran (MD): Absolutely! My name is Meredith Doran, though my maiden name is Benson. I graduated from Breck in 2002 and then went on to the U.S. Air Force Academy, where I graduated in 2006. Over the last 18 years, I’ve had the opportunity to live all over the U.S. and even spent a few years in England, which was an amazing experience. Now, I live in Orono, Minnesota, with my family.

AO: That’s incredible, Meredith! What inspired you to pursue the Air Force Academy and a career in the Air Force?

MD: It’s an interesting story. My dad flew helicopters in Vietnam, but I didn’t grow up in a military family. He often talked about his time in the military, and my best friend Keelia, a Breck alum, had a father who was also a helicopter pilot. I was really into soccer, and when college coaches started reaching out, the Air Force Academy called me for a visit. To be honest, I wasn’t initially excited about it. I didn’t think I’d end up at a service academy. But my dad encouraged me to check it out. I went, and it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. The academic rigor, the soccer program, and the unique military activities piqued my interest. What sold me, though, was the sense of mission and service that the Air Force Academy exemplifies. It wasn’t something I fully understood until I visited, but once I returned home after the visit, I knew it was where I wanted to be.

AO: That’s fantastic! Can you talk about how your roles evolved in the Air Force?

MD: Sure! Upon graduation, I was commissioned as a second lieutenant and chose to pursue a career in intelligence. From there, I attended technical training and was stationed at various assignments. Early on, I supported a flying unit, managing intelligence for 10 aircraft. That’s also where I met my husband, who is also an Air Force Academy graduate. As I moved from assignment to assignment, my responsibilities grew. I transitioned from being a technical expert to learning how to lead people and teams. I had the opportunity to support various missions, plan operations, analyze data, and work across multiple teams. The variety kept things exciting and gave me the chance to learn and grow both professionally and personally.

AO: You’ve clearly had a diverse range of experiences. What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned during your military service?

MD: Professionally, the biggest lesson I learned was the importance of learning your job and putting in the work. It’s crucial to ask questions, seek out people who know more than you, and constantly learn. Also, I’ve always been an optimist and learned that even when things don’t go as planned, they can still be valuable learning experiences. Another lesson is humility. There are so many talented people in the military, both officers and enlisted. I’ve learned the importance of asking questions and learning from other officers and senior non-commissioned officers. On a personal level, I’ve learned that we’re incredibly resilient—whether it’s moving to new places or adjusting to new roles. And our kids, despite the constant moves, have also become resilient. The military has taught me the value of community and building strong relationships with people who become like family, and I cherish those friendships.

AO: The military has shaped your outlook in many ways. Can you tell us a bit about what you’re doing now?

MD: After transitioning from full-time military service in 2019, I moved into the defense tech industry. I worked with Palantir Technologies and am now at Vannver Labs. I enjoy this work because, although it’s on the civilian side, we’re still delivering high-tech solutions that support people in the field, helping them do their jobs better. I travel to meet users and understand their challenges, and it’s a lot of fun to see how technology can make a real difference.

AO: That’s fascinating. Meredith, what advice would you give our current Breck students interested in a service academy or ROTC?

MD: I’d tell them to keep an open mind. If you have the opportunity, check it out and be ready to learn. It’s a unique experience that pushes you, teaches you confidence, and introduces you to people you wouldn’t meet otherwise. The education, opportunities, and community are incredible, and you’ll find that it makes you think about why we have the freedoms we do in this country. You will learn much about service and sacrifice, how that contributes to our freedoms, and how the United States interacts and often partners with allies to empower them to do what they need to do.

AO: Such powerful advice. Now, shifting gears a bit—what’s on your playlist these days?

MD: I have a bit of everything! I’m a big fan of '90s and 2000s music, so the Backstreet Boys are always a hit. I also love Morgan Wallen for some country, and I’ve been enjoying a Lil Wayne playlist recently. And I can’t forget Raffi—our two-year-old loves Down by the Bay, and it’s on repeat all day!

AO: Raffi is definitely a classic that is on repeat for parents! Meredith, last question: what’s your favorite Breck memory?

MD: Oh, there are so many! One of the things I loved most about Breck was the sense of community. I still remember the senior hallway, the benches, and the excitement of sporting events and school dances. The support we showed each other was so special. I also really valued the service component at Breck. Volunteering at places like Head Start and participating in the May Program taught me the importance of giving back to the community, which has shaped who I am today. There are the small things, too—like my mom getting mad at me for eating cereal for lunch on the not-so-great entrée days. And incredible events like Homecoming week, where everyone comes together.

Meredith is enjoying life in Orono with her husband and three children. In addition to working at a defense technology company, she serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force Reserves.