KABUL, Afghanistan - Name: Master Sgt. Jose L. Diaz
Duty Title: CJ6 (Communications) Sergeant Major
Unit: III Corps, Charley Company
Home Station: Fort Hood
Age: 39
Hometown: Evans, GA.
Joined the military: Sept. 13, 1994
Basic Training Location: Fort Jackson
MOS: 25W Telecommunications Operations Chief
Education: High School Diploma, 2 years of College
Marital Status: Married
Children: Alexander 9, Aaliah 2
Activities/Hobbies: Working out, spending time with family
Favorite movie: Scarface
Favorite TV show: Son's of Anarchy
Favorite band: ACDC/ Nirvana
Favorite thing about the military: You get to see things that no ordinary person can.
What I've learned being a soldier: I have learned to bloom where you are planted. It does not really matter where you find yourself. All you must do is make the very best of where you are. Do not ever expect things to be perfect, but work toward perfection and ‘Be All That You Can Be!’
What inspires you to be a soldier: My father and my grandfather. (Both were soldiers and retired)
How many times have you been deployed and what years/locations? 3 times, Jan. 2004 - Jan. 2005 Iraq, Oct. 2006 – Jan. 2008 Afghanistan and my present deployment to Afghanistan.
What's this deployment been like for you? All deployments are different. All deployments have different challenges; from not having armored vehicles, ECM, missing equipment to perform your job, no shade in 100+ temperatures, no air conditioning, no facilities, no place to purchase basic items. The list can go on. This deployment has been mentally challenging.
What do you enjoy most about your deployment and the mission you're supporting? I enjoy the fact that I have gotten a chance to work alongside several services from different countries. I believe the mission is for a good cause. I have witnessed the Afghan National Army Signal Corps train on signal equipment and I have also witnessed them defend their country and take the fight to the terrorists. It is a good feeling to know that we are part of something greater than ourselves.
What do you miss most about Fort Hood and your family?
I miss my family the most. I miss being able to hold my daughter and walk with her and hold her little hand. I miss being able to watch WWE with my son. I miss being able to spend time with my wife; going to the movies, restaurants and shopping. Last but not least, I miss driving my car. Even if it is just to be stuck in Fort Hood traffic.