After graduating from the Air Force Academy with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, he was selected to complete pilot training. He subsequently earned a master’s degree in personnel management from Central Michigan University. Ricky Mantei continued his pursuit of higher education as a doctoral candidate at International University.
While in school, Ricky Mantei was offered a role as a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch and as a pilot instructor for the United States Air Force. He held these roles concurrently for 13 years, achieving status as one of the top 10 US brokers at Merrill Lynch. During this time, he was also reactivated by the military and deployed for a tour during Operation Desert Storm. As a pilot, he completed three dozen combat missions, earning five Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He retired from the military as a lieutenant colonel in 1997.
Ricky Mantei 