Toney Coleman, who retired as director of Fayetteville Regional Airport at the start of 2024 after 30 years as a city employee, was honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine at Monday’s Fayetteville City Council meeting.
Granted since 1963, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine is North Carolina's highest award in recognition of state service bestowed by the Office of the Governor.
Coleman served as the airport director from 2020 until his retirement at the end of last year. Prior to becoming the airport director, Coleman served as the deputy airport director beginning in 1993. Coleman has previously been honored with various professional awards, most recently receiving the 2022 Willard G. Plentl Aviation Professional of the Year Award from the North Carolina Airports Association.
Coleman holds a bachelor’s degree from Winston-Salem State University, a master’s degree in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a doctoral degree in aeronautical science and management from Northcentral University.
The former airport director expressed appreciation for receiving the award at Monday’s council meeting. In his acceptance speech, he referenced Romans 8:31, a verse from the Bible about assurance and comfort found in God's love.
“Every time I have something like this happen to me, I know the answer,” Coleman said. “If God be for us, who can be against us? Thank you very much for all you've done. I appreciate you. I appreciate all of you.”
He is also a veteran with 25 years of service in the U.S. Army as both an active-duty and reserve officer. State Sen. Val Applewhite (D - Dist. 19), who presented him with the award Monday, said Coleman had received two bronze stars for his time in the army.
“During his military service, he was awarded many awards to include a meritorious service medal,” Applewhite said. “For those of you who are civilians, that's kind of a big deal, to be awarded those two bronze stars for distinguished combat operations in Desert Storm and Iraqi freedom.”
During Coleman’s tenure, the Fayetteville airport has undergone a sea change, including multi-million dollar renovations and add-ons in the past few years. Applewhite made reference to the improvements when she presented Coleman with the award Monday.
“Over the 30 years that Toney has been part of the leadership team at the Fayetteville Regional Airport, the facility has been completely renovated with over $30 million of upgrades,” Applewhite said. “I think that deserves a round of applause.”
Applewhite also acknowledged Coleman’s own abilities and lifelong interest in flying, describing his airport management and aeronautical skills as an “awesome combination.”
“One thing that I found interesting is that not only does he manage an airport, did you know that he has a pilot's license?” Applewhite said. “He can manage a facility and land the planes, too.”
Council Member D.J. Haire, describing Coleman as his friend and golf partner, congratulated him for the award.
“You have served our community well,” Haire said. “Whenever you moved in from deputy to the chairmanship or the manager of the airport, we didn't miss a beat. If anything, we went further.”
Contact Evey Weisblat at cityviewnc.com or 216-527-3608.
To keep CityView Today going and to grow our impact even more, we're asking our committed readers to consider becoming a member.
