Hispanic Heritage Month Profile: Chief Master Sgt. Ramon Colon-Lopez Published Oct. 17, 2014 By Tech. Sgt. Toby Caldwell 92nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Chief Master Sgt. Ramon Colon-Lopez, U.S. Air Forces Central Command command chief, was one of the first six and the first Hispanic Airmen to receive the Air Force Combat Action Medal. He is also features in the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force's "Warrior Airmen" exhibit. Birthplace: Ponce, Puerto Rico Why he joined: "To get some discipline and structure in my life. At the time I was a college student and I did not feel I had a purpose. The military provided me with everything I was missing and I am grateful for it." Air Force career: He first enlisted as a transportation specialist and later retrained into pararescue. Colon-Lopez's career includes: special tactics element leader, a superintendent of training and chief enlisted manager of the Pararescue/Combat Rescue Officer School, then later becoming its commandant. He was also the first group superintendent of the 724th Special Tactics Group as well as the senior enlisted advisor for the 24th Special Tactics Squadron. Fairchild connection: Colon-Lopez served as the command chief with the 92nd Air Refueling Wing Commander, Col. Brian McDaniel, at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. He also went through pararescue indoctrination training with Lt. Col. James Dorn, the 92nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander. Accomplishments and accolades: Colon-Lopez was awarded two Bronze Stars including one with Valor. Airmen may have noticed his name since he is featured in 2013's Professional Development Guide. He was also lauded by name by President Barrack Obama during an address in Puerto Rico. Advice from the chief: "I have always demanded the very best of every Airman because that is the only acceptable way to serve in today's environment. As we shift our mindset and culture to one that demands honesty, candor, and discipline in order to gauge performance, the Air Force will need those brave leaders and warriors who will be willing to do those deeds that few dare do; without fear of failure. But that confidence is not learned overnight. It takes constant practice to be the best and seek perfection and therefore is must be our habit."
