Kent Montavon

COLONEL KENT MONTAVON
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Cadet Squadron: CS-05
Years of Service: 1959–1986 (27 Years)
Highest Rank: Colonel (O-6)

Kent Montavon was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Muriel and Wyman Montavon, and spent his formative years growing up in Gary, Indiana. Deeply disciplined from a young age, he graduated from the Onarga Military Academy before spending two years studying at Purdue University. When the call came for a bold new experiment in military aviation education, Kent was appointed to the historic first class of the United States Air Force Academy. Arriving at the temporary campus at Lowry Air Force Base, he entered as a member of Cadet Squadron 5, forever marking his place in Air Force history.

A DECORATED FLYING CAREER

Following graduation, Kent immediately entered pilot training, transitioning into the Strategic Air Command (SAC). He initially flew heavy bombers and quickly specialized in piloting large tankers and reconnaissance aircraft. His early career took him from the 17th Bomb Wing at Wright-Patterson AFB to the remote skies of Alaska with the 4157th Strategic Wing at Eielson AFB.

In 1968, Kent was deployed to the war in Vietnam, serving as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) with the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron (TASS) at Củ Chi. Flying "low and slow" over hostile territory, he braved heavy anti-aircraft risk to spot enemy troop movements and coordinate air support for American ground forces. His bravery in Southeast Asia earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross and an incredible 12 Air Medals.

LEADERSHIP AND GLOBAL DIPLOMACY

Upon returning from the combat theater, Kent’s career balanced operational leadership with high-level military diplomacy. He returned to his roots at the Academy from 1966 to 1968, and again from 1978 to 1980, shaping the next generation of leadership as an Air Officer Commanding (AOC) and later as Deputy Commandant.

A profound turning point in Kent's trajectory was his selection for the prestigious State Department Executive Seminar on National and International Affairs. This intensive immersion into global statecraft primed him for strategic roles, including commanding the 922nd Strategic Squadron (later the 922nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Flight) in Hellenikon, Greece, supporting critical reconnaissance operations throughout Europe. His masterful grasp of international relations ultimately led him to the Pentagon, where he served a vital tour as the Director of NATO Policy within the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). He retired from active duty in 1986 after 27 years of dedicated service.

POST-MILITARY CAREER AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
Transitioning to civilian life, Kent spent over a decade as a high-level corporate client executive and consultant for DGA International in Washington, D.C., bridging the gap between defense policy and the aerospace industry.

When he finally stepped away from industry work, Kent poured his boundless energy into his community. He became a passionate, long-term volunteer at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., sharing his love for aviation history with thousands of visitors. He was also a deeply active member of the historic Christ Church in Alexandria, Virginia, serving faithfully as a volunteer manager and administrator.

FAMILY AND LEGACY

Kent married his first love, Diane Jordan, on the very day he graduated from the Academy in 1959. Together they shared decades of military life until her passing in 1997. Kent later found love and companionship again, marrying Fredda Sparks. His legacy lives on through his children—Laurie, Kurt, and Tiffany—as well as nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Kent K.

Colonel Kent Montavon passed away peacefully on December 21, 2024, in Washington, D.C. He leaves behind an indelible mark on the Long Blue Line and will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

MILITARY ASSIGNMENTS

Years Duty / Role Location / Unit
1959–1960 Student Pilot, Undergraduate Pilot Training Various Training Bases
1960–1964 Strategic Bomber / Tanker Pilot 17th Bomb Wing, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
1964–1966 Strategic Tanker Pilot 4157th Strategic Wing, Eielson AFB, AK
1966–1968 Air Officer Commanding (AOC) US Air Force Academy, CO
1968–1969 Forward Air Controller (FAC) / Pilot 19th TASS, Củ Chi, South Vietnam
1969–1971 Tactical Airlift Pilot 322nd Tactical Airlift Wing, Rhein-Main AB, West Germany
1971–1973 Plans & Programs Officer (P&PO) Headquarters USAFE, Ramstein AB, West Germany
1973–1977 Air Force Policy & Plans Officer Headquarters USAF, The Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
1977–1978 Student, Senior Service School State Department Executive Seminar on National & Intl. Affairs
1978–1980 Deputy Commandant US Air Force Academy, CO
1980–1982 Squadron Commander 922nd Strategic Squadron, Hellenikon AB, Greece
1982–1985 Director of NATO Policy Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), The Pentagon

CIVILIAN & VOLUNTEER HISTORY

Years Role Organization / Location
1985–1996 Aerospace Industry Consultant / Client Executive DGA International, Washington, D.C.
1997–1999 Church Manager & Administrator Christ Church, Alexandria, VA
Retirement Educational Volunteer National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C.

EDUCATION

• Onarga Military Academy – High School Diploma
• Purdue University – Undergraduate Studies (2 Years)
• United States Air Force Academy – BS, Engineering Science (Class of 1959)
• State Department Executive Seminar on National and International Affairs – Strategic Policy Studies (1978)

MEDALS AND AWARDS

• Defense Superior Service Medal (1)
• Distinguished Flying Cross (1)
• Airman's Medal (1)
• Bronze Star Medal (1)
• Meritorious Service Medal (1)
• Air Medal (12)
• Air Force Commendation Medal (2)
• Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (Multiple oak leaf clusters)