BRADLEY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, East Granby, Conn. -- Master Sgt. Raymond Rosado is no stranger to the ever-changing climate and challenges of the Air National Guard. Rosado, who is currently the non-commissioned officer in charge (NCOIC) of the 103rd Airlift Wing’s Operations Support Squadron (OSS), is in his 25th year of service in the Air National Guard working as an Air Crew Flight Equipment Specialist. He began his Guard career in September 1992, enlisting in the Puerto Rico Air National Guard, then transferred to the Connecticut Air National Guard three years ago. He was inspired to enlist when Iraq invaded Kuwait during the Gulf War.
“I wanted to do something,” Rosado said. “I wasn’t doing anything at home, and wanted to be involved.”
Rosado’s tenacious involvement throughout his time in the Connecticut Air National Guard has led him to being named the winner for this year’s state Excellence in Diversity Award. This award is presented to one unit and one individual in the Connecticut National Guard for outstanding contributions in the areas of diversity and inclusion. The winner of the state award is then forwarded to the National Guard Bureau to be considered for the national award.
“Rosado is one of the most sincere, genuine and caring people I have ever come across,” said Chief Master Sgt. Steven Seaha, the 103rd Operations Group Chief who put Rosado in for the award.
“He doesn’t follow the Air Force core values, he exudes them,” Seaha said.
Rosado has made several contributions to the tenets of diversity, continually distinguishing himself in various ways such as identifying and addressing diversity and equal opportunity related concerns with operations group leadership and ensuring OSS Airmen are aware of and participate in the annual tribute to the Hispanic Veterans celebration. However, it is Rosado’s enthusiasm to mentor and enhance the personal career development of his Airmen that stands out.
“Every Thursday night, Rosado holds an evening of dinner and conversation with his Airmen,” said Seaha. “Not only does this provide a morale boost, the dinner also results in improved Airmen team-building and presents an exceptional opportunity for an enhanced mentorship session.”
“There really is no time Rosado does not make himself available to his Airmen,” continued Seaha. “He is available 100 percent of the time to his Airmen…he’s had Airmen contact him at two, three o’clock in the morning and he always answers. He’s always there, no matter what the problem is, he genuinely wants to help and will do anything he can to provide it.”
Expanding beyond the confines of his military duties, Rosado is also involved in community outreach and teaches local Hispanics at his church about being a community leader and small business owner.
“Rosado still owns a small business in Puerto Rico. Using this experience, he provides advice and counsel to members within his community. His efforts within this area have had a significant impact in the development of youth in his community,” said Seaha.
“Winning the Diversity award makes me proud,” said Rosado. “Just knowing that what I am doing is helping others, especially for my Airmen; they are our future military leaders.”