After receiving a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the US Air Force Academy in Colorado, he was selected to complete pilot training for the Air Force and subsequently went on to earn a master’s degree in personnel management from Central Michigan University. Ricky Mantei was pursuing a PhD at International University when he was offered an opportunity to fly F-16 planes in South Carolina.
Concurrently, he continued his service with the United States Air Force and later joined the South Carolina Air National Guard. During much of his time at Merrill Lynch, he flew F-4 Phantom and F-16 Falcon planes around the world, in addition to teaching both beginning and experienced pilots.
