Published Nov. 6, 2025

The City of Dearborn announced this year’s Veteran of the Year, U.S. Air Force veteran Janet Montoya, as selected by past City of Dearborn Veterans of the Years. An official ceremony with members of the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council (DAWVC) will take place Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave.

Montoya, a U.S. Air Force veteran from Hart, Michigan, comes from a family of military service, with a father and two brothers serving in active duty in WWII and Vietnam. She was recognized as Veteran of the Year for dedicating her life to service — first in uniform and now in the community. Serving from 1987 to 1995, she supported F-4s, F-15s, and KC-10s at Seymour Johnson AFB and deployed to the Persian Gulf during Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Southern Watch, where she was the only female in her F-15E maintenance unit.

Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud stated, “Janet’s longtime commitment to service and advocacy for veterans has made a difference in our community. Her initiatives and participation in local veteran and military organizations and projects have helped create a positive and supportive environment.”

After her military career, Montoya became a cornerstone of American Legion Post 364 in Dearborn, where she made history as the first female Post Commander. She’s also active with the VFW Post #1329, 40&8 Voiture #1002, and American Legion Auxiliary, leading fundraisers and volunteer efforts that support veterans and local families.

A Dearborn resident for 28 years, Montoya has worked at AVL for over two decades. She and her husband, fellow Air Force veteran Frank Montoya, have two children, Nicholas and Samantha. 

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