Ramón Colón-López

SEAC Ramón Colón-López is a distinguished U.S. Air Force veteran who served with honor and distinction for 33 years. In December 2019, he was appointed as the fourth Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC)—the most senior enlisted service member in the United States Armed Forces. He retired from active duty in November 2023.

Prior to his appointment as SEAC, Colón-López served as a Pararescueman (PJ) for over two decades, including 10 years within the elite Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). There, he served as a Special Tactics Team Leader, Advanced Force Operations Team Leader, and as the Senior Enlisted Advisor for both the 24th Special Tactics Squadron and the 724th Special Tactics Group. His post-special operations leadership spanned strategic assignments in the United States, Japan, Qatar, Germany, and other locations around the world.

During his decorated combat career, Colón-López earned two Bronze Star Medals with Valor, the Combat Action Medal as its inaugural recipient, and numerous other commendations. He became the first enlisted member of the U.S. Armed Forces to be awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the nation’s highest non-combat military award, recognizing his exceptional leadership and contributions to national security.

His additional awards and decorations include: Defense Superior Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Numerous campaign medals, service ribbons, and qualification badges. 

Following his military retirement, Colón-López continues to serve as a member of the Military Board of Advisors for First Command and as a freelance strategic consultant. In 2023, he was honored in his hometown of Guánica, Puerto Rico, with the naming of “Carretera SEAC Ramón Colón-López” on Highway 1116. On October 24, 2023, he became the inaugural recipient of the Eurípides Rubio Medal, awarded by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for his valorous service and decorated combat career.

He was also an inaugural inductee into the Puerto Rico Veterans Hall of Fame, and his story of service is featured at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

SEAC Colón-López holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland. He resides in North Carolina with his wife, Janet.