Ramon Diaz, Jr.’ sons Jake, 12 (left) and Nicholas, 14, put the new rank of silver oak leaf clusters on the Lieutenant Colonel during his promotion ceremony on Sunday. (Submitted photo)
WESTFIELD – Ramon “Ray” Diaz was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel at Barnes Air National Guard Base in a ceremony on Sunday, officiated by Wing commander Colonel James Keefe. Also present were Diaz’ wife, Maria and sons Jake, 12 and Nicholas, 14, who applied the new rank of silver oak leaf clusters on their father.
“She deserves it more than I do,” Diaz said of his wife, Maria.
Diaz has over 31 years of military service. He enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in April of 1985 as a Private E-1 where he was a gunner for an 81 MM Mortar team.
Subsequently, he transferred to the Massachusetts Air National Guard in February of 1990 and then to the Air Force Reserve at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida while he completed his degree in Computer Science at Florida International University. While assigned to the 70th Aerial Port Squadron, he participated in relief efforts for Hurricane Andrew.
Diaz transferred back to the Massachusetts Air National Guard in 1994 where he was a plans and programs manager until he was commissioned in 2001. Since commissioning, Lieutenant Colonel Diaz has held positions as a Logistics Readiness Officer, Deputy Commander, Services Flight Commander and Fatality Search and Recovery Team Commander for FEMA Region 1. During that time he has participated in logistical operations to support deployments to Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.
In 2014, Diaz was deployed to the Middle East where he served as the deputy commander for the Force Support Squadron in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
In August, Lieutenant Colonel Diaz was assigned as the Military Equal Opportunity Officer at the 104th Fighter Wing.
In addition to his service, Diaz was re-elected to the Westfield School Committee in November 2015 and serves as the vice chair. He is a systems architect at MassMutual.
When asked how he manages his job, duties, and service to the city, Diaz responded, “I have the burning desire to serve, and that’s how you do it, family, community, military. But you can’t do it without the support at home.”
