First Sergeant Edward Diaz enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and graduated from recruit training in September 2006. He subsequently completed Marine Combat Training and the Marine Field Artillery Fire Control Course. In February 2007, Private First Class Diaz reported to Rocket Battery F, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, where he served as a Fire Direction Control Marine.
Shortly after checking in, he received orders to deploy with the Marine Corps' first High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Battery in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this deployment, he served as an Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) Operator, providing continuous fire support to the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force and Regimental Combat Team II.In March 2008, then-Lance Corporal Diaz accepted temporary active-duty orders to support Marine Corps Systems Command as part of the HIMARS New Equipment Training Team at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. There, he served as an assistant HIMARS Fire Direction Instructor, helping to train and field both 5th Battalion, 11th Marines, and 2nd Battalion, 14th Marines. Later that year, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, playing a key role in transitioning a HIMARS Battery from Iraq to
Afghanistan.
In August 2009, Lance Corporal Diaz returned to Rocket Battery F, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marines, continuing in his role as an AFATDS Operator. As he advanced in rank, he took on greater leadership responsibilities, serving as Assistant Operations Chief upon promotion to Sergeant, and later as Operations Chief following his promotion to Staff Sergeant.
In March 2018, Staff Sergeant Diaz deployed once again to Afghanistan in support of Operation Resolute Support, serving as both the HIMARS Operations Chief and Platoon Sergeant. His leadership and technical proficiency were instrumental in the safe and accurate firing of 55 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets in support of the Afghan National Army --a performance personally recognized by Brigadier General Watson.
From 2019 through 2022, Gunnery Sergeant Diaz continued to support Marine Corps Systems Command, assisting with the fielding of a HIMARS battalion within 10th Marine Regiment. In September 2023, he reported to Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marines, where he served as the Sensors Chief. In this role, he successfully led the fielding of a communications upgrade across the entire HIMARS fleet.
In May 2025, First Sergeant Diaz reported to Military Police Company A, 4th Law Enforcement Battalion, where he currently serves in a senior enlisted leadership role.
First Sergeant Diaz's personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a Combat “C” device, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 1 gold star, and the Honorable Saint Barbara Medal.