David Poplin Named PestVet of the Year

WASHINGTON — For his service to the pest management industry and the veteran community David Poplin, CEO of Legion Pest Management, was presented the David Cooksey PestVet of the Year during NPMA Legislative Day.

Poplin is a Marine Corps veteran who has built a service-disabled-veteran owned business committed to employing veterans. Through the business CDS Service Inc., doing business as Legion Pest Management, Poplin and his team hold more than 49 Department of Veterans Affairs pest management contracts across the United States.

“I am deeply honored to accept the 2026 David Cooksey PestVet of the Year Award,” Poplin said. “To stand here today representing the community of veterans who have transitioned into pest management is both humbling and energizing. This recognition is not just mine; it belongs to many people who have supported me along the way.”

Poplin left the Marine Corps in 2001. He said at the time he did not know the words “pest control,” would become his calling, as well as many of his fellow veteran brothers and sisters.

“What I did know was how to work hard, how to focus on a mission and how to rely on and be responsible for the people around me,” Poplin said. “Those same skills translate every day into protecting homes, businesses, government properties and public health. Whether it’s a late-night call about a rodent issue, training a new teammate or ensuring a client can sleep in peace, the mission mentality stays the same.”

He thanked PestVets for the creation of its pathway to support veterans and the industry by allowing both to work in tandem. Poplin also recognized Colonel David Cooksey.

“His name on this award symbolizes the commitment to excellence and the service that we all aspire to hold,” he said. “Thank you to my team at CDS Services and all my team partners across the United States. They’re the ones in the trucks, boots on the ground and in the front lines.”

Poplin said his team’s professionalism, commitment and care make it possible for him to do his work with pride. He credited his dad, a fellow veteran, who took the time to teach Poplin technical skills and business that changed his life.

“This award is also a reminder of the opportunity that we must pay forward,” Poplin said. “There are thousands of veterans with discipline, leadership, and problem-solving skills that make them excellent in pest management, but they may not know that the industry exists, or how to get started. Today, I pledge to continue mentoring, hiring and advocating for more veteran’s pathways into our industry.”

Poplin encouraged pest control employers to consider a veteran for their next opening. He is also co-owner of Revolution National Pest Council (RNPC), a pest control focused trade school and an approved Department of Defense SkillBridge Program that helps transition active duty service members into pest management careers.

“If you’re a veteran exploring careers, know that our industry values the qualities you already bring,” he said. “To my fellow nominees and many unsung veterans, doing this work everyday, thank you. This honor belongs to the community of one that is committed to public health, safety and service.”

Poplin accepted the award with gratitude and a promise to keep serving the industry, its clients and the veteran community.

Watch PCT's interview with Poplin here.