Strength through diversity

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Emerson Nuñez
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Today's Air Force is filled by a wide spectrum of diversity.

Throughout the service, Airmen with different cultural, geographical and religious backgrounds contribute to ensure the Air Force continues to be the best Air Force in the world.

"Airmen from different cultures and backgrounds offer perspectives and solutions to challenges that may otherwise be overlooked," said Gen. Frank Gorenc, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander.

A prime example of the Air Force's diverse strength is Staff Sgt. Daniel Diaz, 48th Security Forces Squadron training instructor, who has been nominated for the 2014 League of United Latin American Citizens Excellence in Military Service Award.

This award highlights members of the Department of Defense who have supported the DoD mission and/or overseas contingency operations, or whose attributes best epitomized the qualities and core values of their respective DoD Component.

Diaz was nominated for leading and instructing 240 personnel during a 12-hour expeditionary combat skills course, covering seven critical deployment events. He also created and executed a plan that used newly-constructed obstacles for the Shoot, Move, Communicate course to train non-security forces personnel from the 48th Fighter Wing on team movements, reaction to indirect fire, and target engagement. This initiative saved the Air Force $200,000.

Diaz said his background helped him accomplish his tasks, and he's happy the Air Force recognizes the skill set he has and uses him appropriately to ensure mission success.

"I was surprised on how much I've had to use Spanish in the Air Force," Diaz said. "I've had to use Spanish in a few deployments in order to help the mission. I also used my translational skills heavily when I was sent to Haiti after the hurricane in 2012."

Diaz exemplifies the importance of diversity in the service and shows the range of knowledge and skills that can be gained with a diverse force.