Million Dollar Challenge

"It's time for Academy graduates to step up and make a difference"

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rick Mantei ’76 fulfilled his dream of graduating from the Air Force Academy, becoming a fighter pilot and serving as an officer in the United States Air Force. His academic training and leadership development at the Academy also prepared him for a successful career as a financial advisor.

Mantei feels strongly that graduates should give back to the Academy to help prepare cadets for a lifetime of service and success.

“It’s time for Academy graduates to step up and make a difference,” he says. And he’s backing up his words with a challenge.

Mantei is committed to giving $1 million to Air Force Academy projects and programs that are shaping cadets into tomorrow’s leaders.

He is making significant headway toward his goal with nearly $500,000 in pledges and gifts to the Center for Character and Leadership Development, Wings of Blue, Air Garden and Planetarium restorations and the USAFA Endowment Fund.

Mantei is challenging Academy graduates to match his $1 million commitment—either individually or as a group—by making significant gifts or pledges through the Endowment to support Academy programs that are important to them.