Whiteman Airman recognized as ‘Man of the Year’

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Dilia Ayala
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The Warrensburg, Mo., Chamber of Commerce recently recognized a Whiteman Airman for his extensive leadership and community involvement.

Lt. Col. Tony Monetti, 13th Bomb Squadron director of operations, was awarded the "Man of the Year" title by the Chamber, June 15.

"I am surprised and grateful for their consideration," Colonel Monetti said of the award.

Competing against three other male nominees, Colonel Monetti was selected based on his community leadership and involvement; influence; personal characteristics; and his personification of the Warrensburg "Made Fresh Daily" theme.

"Warrensburg is a community comprised of many diverse backgrounds of people, "said Tamara Long, Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center president. "We have a constant turn of people with new ideas. Tony Monetti is the epitome of the military friends and neighbors coming out of Whiteman.

"Throughout the years, his contributions have been outstanding," she said. "He has shown that you can do anything in Warrensburg, from small-business ownership to flying the B-2. Tony Monetti is truly one of ours."

Colonel Monetti's leadership and community involvement include co-founding Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Johnson County in 1998 with his wife, and in 2008 organizing the volunteer group, Lions Lake initiative, to help the Parks Department raise funds for lake restoration.

Since the inception of the Lions Lake initiative, Colonel Monetti has helped raise more than $30,000 toward its goal of $115,000, for the restoration of the lake.

The colonel is also the secretary of Connected Hearts, a group organized to help homeless children in the Warrensburg School District.

The son of Italian immigrants, Colonel Monetti said he grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y., where drugs and crime ran rampant. Despite a person's background, the colonel urges others to use their diversity to make a difference.

"I encourage others to aim higher still and to give of their God-given talents and passion to serve others and their community," he said. "My passion has evolved from not only in flying jets, but also in mentoring others. As a motivational speaker, I use the acronym FLY to remind people to always look Forward, Love life and live it to its fullest, and always say 'Yes' to new opportunities."

As Colonel Monetti and his family look to the future, they look forward to the upcoming publication of their book, "Choose to Serve," and the colonel's continued military service.

"I am grateful to return to active duty as a voluntarily recalled pilot and serve as the 13th BS director of operations," he said. "Defending America and flying jets (and not just any jet - but the B-2 Spirit) makes me happy! I am also thankful for the love and support from my God and family."