A diverse 30-year Air Force career, Gen Diehl flew airlift and air refueling aircraft globally culminating over 4000 flying hours; commanding two major Air Force Mobility Wings – MacDill AFB in Tampa, FL & McChord AFB in Tacoma, WA; serving multiple tours as a Budget Programmer and Planner on the Air Staff and the Joint Staff and in the headquarters of Air Mobility Command and Pacific Air Forces.
He culminated his career as Deputy Director Plans and Programming for US Central Command after Sept 11th, responsible for building and maintaining military-to-military bilateral relationships with 22 countries in the command’s area of responsibility. Equally, he was responsible for the building and sustainment of more than 70 Coalition nations supporting the United States in fighting the global war on terrorism – the largest Coalition of Nations in history.
Upon retirement, Gen Diehl dedicated himself toward building on his military experience and international relationships toward his vision of enhancing a stronger, deeper national security community across Tampa Bay and Florida. A hallmark is the use of his international ‘relationships’ to build commercial business both for companies abroad and the expansion of business in Tampa Bay.
Even more, Gen Diehl is an ardent champion supporting our Wounded Heroes injured while serving in operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Tireless, he has dedicated himself to a myriad of events & programs aimed at the betterment of the quality of life for our Wounded and their families.
Currently, Gen Diehl serves on the Board of Trustees for Hillsborough Community College; the Florida Defense Support Task Force supporting the State of Florida; Hillsborough Community Aviation Authority (Tampa Int’l Airport Board); Florida Healthcare Commission (Appointed by Governor) as well as other Boards in Washington, DC, and Tampa.
A graduate of the US Air Force Academy, he also attended Harvard & John Hopkins University for military/international security studies.
Gen Diehl is married and has three sons & daughters-in-law and five beautiful grandchildren.