FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- During Faustino L. Diaz's childhood, discipline was paramount. Diaz, who was the oldest child of two Soldiers, grew up in a Staten Island, N.Y. home founded on standards. He had many rules implemented by his parents, which he would follow because he knew no other way.
More than 20 years later, Diaz employs the same standards and discipline into his daily life as a Soldier. A private first class, with a mere nine months of service, he can envision himself at his retirement from the Army in 20 years.
Before morning formation and physical training, Diaz can be found at the pull-up bars in the company area. He stretches himself out and does his upper body routine of dips, muscle-ups and pull-ups. He does this routine to help warm himself up for the scheduled physical fitness session with the unit and to encourage and motivate others to improve their personal fitness.
"If I push myself as hard as I can go I win. I try to tell people that, 'don't worry about what I do, do the best that you can. At the end of the day you will be proud of yourself because you can do anything when you put your mind to it,'" said Diaz.
Not only does Diaz excel in physical training, but his superiors and peers have taken notice to his dedication in the work place.
"He embodies all that we teach our Soldiers today," said Maj. Vinita E. Hambrick, the deputy of the Postal Operations Division, 14th Human Resource Sustainment Center, 1st Theater Sustainment Command. "I wish I could clone this Soldier, because of his overall professional demeanor. He is who others should emulate, from physical fitness to work ethics."
Diaz may wear the rank of a junior Soldier, but exemplifies so much more.
"His demeanor shows he is a more experienced Soldier," said Master Sgt. Tony Daniels, postal operations division noncommissioned officer in charge, 14th Human Resources Command Section. "The level of his responsibility and maturity shows he will be a great leader to someone, maybe my grandkids. He will be an outstanding noncommissioned officer or commissioned officer."
Diaz is an extremely humble Soldier who tends to search inward for the opportunity to continue to raise the bar and raise his own standards and expectations.
"I am in the Army now and I am expected to do things to standard," he said. "My goal is to do the best that I can do. That is my motivation. It is a competition with me."
He not only grew up in a military Family, but he grew up observing and learning from his family's behaviors.
"My mother never let her being a woman stop her. If she can break through barriers then 'Why can't I?' I shouldn't have any excuses," said Diaz.
Diaz's father is currently serving at Fort Drum, N.Y. and plans to retire next year. Diaz's mother separated from the Army after achieving the rank of staff sergeant and 10 years of service. She continues to serve veterans at her local Veteran's Administration hospital where she organizes outings for the veterans and educates them on their benefits.
For this younger Soldier, the sky is not the limit when there are footsteps on the moon.
"In 27 years I have had some great Soldiers," said Daniels. "In the short time I have known him he is someone who is going to reach the highest level in the Army. You see Soldiers, they come and go, but you can pick out the ones you will see later on."
Diaz's current plans are to continue to work on his civilian education and to keep raising the standard for himself.
"To see the motivation to self-develop and self-improve is absolutely what the Army needs," said Hambrick. "Pfc. Diaz does not wait to be told what to do. He listens, thinks and executes. I see that there is no challenge that he feels he cannot accomplish."
Diaz pays homage to those who brought him to the Army and the leaders who continue to help him shape his future.
"What I get from my parents is that hard work pays off," he said. "Stay disciplined in all aspects of life and you will stay on track. I just want to make them proud."
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