Veterans Services & Resources
2025 Veteran of the Year: U.S. Air Force Veteran Janet Montoya
Selected by Past Veterans of the Years, United States Air Force Veteran Janet Montoya has been named the City of Dearborn's 2025 Veteran of the Year.
Montoya, a U.S. Air Force veteran from Hart, Michigan, served from 1987 to 1995, supporting F-4s, F-15s, and KC-10s and deploying during Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Southern Watch. The only woman in her F-15E maintenance unit, she demonstrated exceptional leadership and resilience. In Dearborn, she became the first female Commander of American Legion Post 364, driving community engagement and veteran support. A member of the VFW, 40&8 Voiture, and American Legion Auxiliary, Janet also volunteers locally.
She’s worked at AVL for over 22 years and shares her life with husband Frank and their two children.
Watch The VideoNominate a Candidate for the 2026 Dearborn Veteran of the Year
The City of Dearborn and the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council (DAWVC) are accepting nominations for the 2026 Dearborn Veteran of the Year award. The award is presented each Veterans Day, Nov. 11, to a veteran judged to have made a significant contribution to the Dearborn community and to the interests of veterans.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, Oct. 16, 2026.
Printable nomination forms can be picked up at the Dearborn Administrative Center.
Nomination forms may be submitted physically or via email to Veterans@Dearborn.gov. Completed forms can be mailed or dropped off at the Dearborn Administrative Center, 16901 Michigan Ave., attention of the Community Relations Department.
Judging criteria include the following:
• The nominee must belong to a veteran’s organization that is part of the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council (DAWVC).
• The nominee’s community service and work on behalf of veterans’ causes must be done on a volunteer basis.
• The nominee does not need to be a Dearborn resident.
The award is presented each Veterans Day, Nov. 11, to a veteran judged to have made a significant contribution to the Dearborn community and to the interests of veterans.
Veterans Calendar
See the monthly calendar of events for Dearborn Veterans.
City of Dearborn Calendar of EventsVeterans Services Information
Join the Veterans Email List
Stay connected and informed about all the latest veteran-focused events, programs, and community gatherings in Dearborn. By signing up, you’ll receive a monthly calendar straight to your inbox, highlighting ceremonies, social events, resource opportunities, and more. Don’t miss a chance to celebrate, connect, and support our veteran community.