Dominic Diaz of Miami Lakes graduated in May from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Diaz, 19, is a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, where he played long snapper on the varsity football team that won the 2023 Class 3M state championship.
He is a second generation Cuban-American and the son of Pedro and Lisette Diaz, town residents since 2001. He has a sister, Isabella Diaz, 22, a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a degree in public relations, her mother said.
During the military’s 10-month prep school program, Diaz received training in leadership, physical and academic skills and character development while playing for the Husky’s football team.
He served in a leadership role as a black rope and silver rope element leader for Charlie Squadron, his mother said.
Diaz won nominations to the United States Air Force Academy from U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Miami and U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Doral, according to the family.
He will return to Colorado Springs on June 26 for boot camp as a member of the Demon Squad and plans to play on the Falcons’ D1 football team as a recruited athlete.
As a cadet, he may study business management and after graduation, will be commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force.