[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E644]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING DIANA COLON AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR 
                           LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 30, 2026

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Diana Colon as a Distinguished 
Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Diana Colon is a 
service-oriented law enforcement ally who humbly serves her hometown of 
Orlando, Florida, as a board member of the Gay Officers Action League 
of Central Florida.
  Colon knew in her heart that she wanted to serve her country and 
enrolled in the Air Force JROTC program to prepare for a military 
career. As a junior cadet, she was a member of the Drill and Sabre 
Teams and contributed countless volunteer hours at nursing homes and 
community events. In 1989, Colon enlisted in the U,S. Army and entered 
with the rank of PFC, a rank credited to her for three years of service 
in JROTC. While serving, she worked as a track vehicle repairer during 
Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. With tank repairs required 
around the clock, Colon managed a demanding workload.
  After the conflict, she retired from the Army to focus on family and 
a civilian career. As a civilian, Colon applied her skills as an auto 
mechanic, office manager, and small business owner. Colon sustained her 
internal desire to serve while the owner of Dos Lokas Mexi-Rican Foods, 
providing for the homeless in the Parramore area of Orlando.
  She maintains her connection with the armed services through a 
variety of VA community groups as a poet, painter, photographer, and 
lyricist. She is a member of the American Legion and the VA Choir.
  Since 2024, Colon has been a member of GOALcfl as an ally to the 
LGBTQI+ community. As a volunteer and recording secretary, Colon 
continues to serve by representing the organization at community 
partner events, hosting food drives as an honorary chef, recruiting 
volunteers, organizing social events, and overall promoting positive 
relationships with the LGBTQI+ community in Central Florida.
  She is beloved by her community for her tireless advocacy and 
selfless contributions, traits that are synonymous with her genuine 
identity.

                          ____________________