KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, NM. -- For A1C Diego Gonzalez, the fascination with airplanes started early. As a child growing up in Costa Rica, some of his favorite moments were the trips his father took him on to the airport! There, he’d watch planes taking off and landing with wonder. Sometimes he would get to see his favorite, military aircraft like the C-130 and C-5 would appear on the runway.
Years later, that childhood passion would guide him on an unexpected path—from Costa Rica to the United States, and ultimately, to the U.S. Air Force.
Before joining the military, Gonzalez built a successful civilian career. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Latin University and followed it with a master’s in organizational psychology. He then spent 20 years working in corporate, 11 of those years in Amazon management roles, where his work often brought him to the United States. During those trips, he made a habit of attending airshows, drawn again and again to the power and precision of military aviation.
In 2023, after relocating to the Washington, D.C. area for work, he received his U.S. green card. That milestone gave him something he hadn’t had before: the chance to serve.
Initially, the age limit for enlisting posed a barrier. He began considering other branches instead with a higher age limit. But shortly after, the Air Force raised its enlistment age which reignited his hopes to be an Airman. The enlistment process, however, wasn’t without setbacks. Medical documentation from Costa Rica had to be translated, and miscommunications during processing nearly ended his application.
“I was told no at first,” he said. “But I knew it was just a misunderstanding, and I wasn’t ready to give up.”
His persistence paid off and he got cleared to enlist. Although he first aimed to work in the mental health career field, long wait times led him to pivot toward personnel. In September 2024, he graduated from Basic Military Training and moved on to tech school at Keesler Air Force Base. In January 2025, he reported to Kirtland AFB, where he now serves as a personnelist in the 58th Operational Support Squadron. He is expected to transition to Detachment 2 later this year.
Starting over in a new career, especially one so different from the civilian world, was a major life change. Back in Costa Rica, where there is no standing military, the idea of joining the armed forces was unfamiliar to many. Even within his family, reactions were mixed. His wife always stood by his side, though, and supported him knowing he wanted to give back to the country that gave them a new home.
The transition hasn’t been without its challenges. Gonzalez had to adapt from being a leader in the private sector to learning the basics of being a follower in the military.
Some of his proudest memories so far include seeing himself in uniform for the first time and graduating from basic training, especially when he saw his wife again and she tapped him out during the ceremony.
“That was a powerful moment,” he recalled. “It made all the hard work worth it.”
Now living in the U.S. with his wife and their two dogs, Gonzalez is focused on the future. He plans to serve a full 20-year career and is considering applying for Officer Training School. He’s interested in roles such as contracting or operations analysis which are positions where his civilian experience could serve the Air Force well.
Airman Gonzalez’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and gratitude. From a boy watching jets with his father to a proud member of the 58th Special Operations Wing, he represents the many ways dreams can take flight—when paired with determination and a sense of service.