In high school, the path to the future can often seem uncertain. For Spc. Kacie Diaz, a member of the Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Infantry Division “Red Bulls,” inspiration to serve in the military came from within her family and the need for a structured plan after graduation.

Diaz was influenced by relatives who served in the National Guard, Marines, and Navy, to discover what the military has to offer.

“I didn’t have a strict plan for after high school, and coming up on my junior year I realized I needed one, especially if I wanted to pay for college in the future,” Diaz shared. “The National Guard offered that. It also provided an opportunity to explore the medical field, a chance I wouldn’t have had for free in the civilian world.”

By the end of her junior year of high school, Diaz made the decision to enlist. She joined the Minnesota National Guard on August 13, 2021. Today, she is serving on her first deployment as a combat medic, more than 6,000 miles from home. Balancing service with the reality of being away from home while peers start their college journeys presents its challenges, but also unique experiences.

“Being away from home at my age is difficult at times, but I also get to see a different side of the world in a way most people don’t,” added Diaz. “That perspective change has been what helps the most during this deployment and remembering the reason I joined.”

Reflecting on her service, Diaz highlights the friendships she’s made and the opportunities she has had that she wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else.

“My favorite part about serving is meeting my lifelong battle buddies,” said Diaz. “They have helped me get through the hard times with each journey the military takes me on.”

Serving in the military has given her the opportunity to grow as a service member and an individual. She says she is most proud of how brave and capable she has become since starting this journey.

“I get the opportunity to grow in every situation I am put in,” added Diaz.

At home, Diaz works as a gymnastics coach, where she has taken the opportunity to make an impact on young people.

Looking ahead, Diaz is driven by ambition to achieve two primary goals. She hopes to advance to the noncommissioned officer corps and serve as a leader for others. She also wants to continue to hone her medical skills to support others when they need her most.

As she continues her service, Diaz remains committed to personal growth and professional development, and she is passionate about inspiring the next generation of service members.

Story by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh