Floor SpeechNeutral2026-06-30

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

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Context

On 2026-06-30, Representative Darren Soto (D-FL-9) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING DIANA COLON AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH" in the House.

Full Text

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

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026) [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. ____________________

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HONORING DIANA COLON AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026) [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. ____________________