Recognizing the service of Metro veterans

ByElaine Porterfield, King County Metro
A photo of several dozen Metro employees standing at attention under three flag poles.

By Ernest Kandilige,
Metro Deputy General Manager

As Veterans Day (Nov. 11) approaches, I want to take a moment to recognize and thank all of Metro’s military service members, past and present, for their service and sacrifice. Your continued commitment to public service strengthens our community.

A photo of the U.S., Washington state and POW-MIA flags against a blue sky

On Monday, Nov. 10, we held a ceremonial flag raising at one of our facilities honor the courage and dedication of veterans and their families. In addition to this ceremony, we’re also continuing our annual tradition of highlighting Metro colleagues who have served in the military. This year, I’m pleased to share the stories of four veterans —Nicholas Warren, Ruy Diaz, Scott Peterson and William Herbert—whose experiences remind us of the many ways veterans continue to lead, serve and inspire across our organization. Read more below.

 

Nicholas Warren

Transit Facilities Electrician, Rail Division

Nicholas Warren served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2003 to 2007, completing two tours at Al Asad, Iraq, as a KC-130 avionics electrician. Military service runs deep in his family—both his father and grandfather were electricians, union members and veterans. Today, Nicholas continues that tradition as a Transit Facilities Electrician at Metro and a proud IBEW Local 77 member for nearly 20 years.

Nicholas’s decision to join the Marines was deeply personal. “I was a junior in high school on 9/11, watching the attacks unfold with my classmates,” he said. “At that moment, we all knew we were going to get into the fight—it was just a matter of when.” What began as a call to serve his country became a defining experience. “There’s a lot I miss about the Marines,” he shared. “The friends you meet along the way, the brotherhood—and the Marine Corps Birthday Ball, which is especially meaningful this year as the Corps turns 250.”

The Marines, he said, gave him focus, discipline, and a sense of purpose. “At 18, I wasn’t ready for college or the workforce. The military gave me direction—it made me understand what it means to work hard, lead others and stand firm in my beliefs.” Those lessons carry into his leadership role at Metro, where he leads crews and continues to live by the values of teamwork and accountability.

Nicholas joined Metro nearly four years ago, drawn by the stability and sense of camaraderie he found among fellow veterans. “All of my coworkers who’ve served are some of the strongest and smartest people I’ve ever worked with,” he said. “They adapt to anything this job throws at us.” Outside of work, Nicholas enjoys spending time with his wife, Jennifer, and their two sons, Cyrus and Gramm. “They make me a better man,” he said. “Semper Fidelis, and Happy 250th Birthday to the Marine Corps.”

Ruy Diaz
Project/Program Manager, Finances and Administration Division

Ruy Diaz served 22 years in the U.S. Army in aviation maintenance and operations. Today, he continues his mission of public service at Metro, leading enterprise asset management initiatives that strengthen the reliability, safety and sustainability of Metro’s fleet and facilities.

Ruy was inspired to serve by “a sense of duty to something greater than myself—and the opportunity to be part of a team defined by purpose, integrity and resilience.” He says what he enjoyed most about military life was “the camaraderie and trust built through shared challenges. There’s nothing quite like leading a group of people who are fully committed to the same mission.”

His military experience shaped his leadership style and approach to challenges. “It taught me accountability, adaptability and leading with empathy,” he said. “Those lessons carry directly into my work at Metro, where collaboration and continuous improvement are essential.”

After retiring from the Army, Ruy wanted to continue serving the public. “My military experience instilled in me a focus on reliability, data-driven decision-making and operational readiness—all of which support Metro’s commitment to keeping our system running safely and efficiently,” he said.

Outside of Metro, Ruy stays connected to the veteran community through the Night Stalker Association – West, where he serves as Board President. “Giving back keeps me grounded and reminds me why service—whether in uniform or as a public servant—matters,” he said.

Scott Peterson

IT Project Manager, Finance & Administration Division

Scott Peterson served in the U.S. Army from 1993 to 2001 as a paratrooper and communications specialist supporting Special Forces teams. Rising to the rank of sergeant, he worked with some of the Army’s most mission-focused units, including the 501st Military Intelligence Brigade, the 3rd Battalion–1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), and the 1st Battalion–10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). His assignments took him from the busy streets of Seoul to the forests of Fort Lewis and the hills of Stuttgart, Germany.

Scott originally joined the Army with plans to go into law enforcement but discovered an unexpected passion for technology—one that shaped the rest of his career. “What I loved most about military life was the sense of purpose and teamwork,” he said. “Every day brought a new challenge, and I was surrounded by people who were committed to getting the job done.”

Serving alongside Special Forces teams taught Scott the importance of being precise, adaptable and dependable. “Communications may not have been the flashiest part of the mission, but it was absolutely critical—and I took pride in making sure it never failed,” he said. Those lessons continue to guide him today in his work as an IT Project Manager.

After starting at King County Information Technology (KCIT) as a temporary employee, Scott transitioned into a career service role with Metro and never looked back. “I love being part of the Metro team and plan to retire here,” he shared. “My military experience plays a role every day—it’s in how I stay organized, communicate clearly and keep the mission in mind.”

William Herbert

Human Resources Analyst, Employee Services Division

William Herbert served 19 years in the U.S. military, with dual-service experience in both the Navy and Air Force. His deployments included Special Operations assignments in Kosovo (1998–1999) and multiple operations in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2001–2013.

William’s journey into military service began as a path to a better life. “Growing up in Brownsville-Brooklyn, the military was an escape,” he said. “But when I became an officer in the Air Force, it became something bigger than myself.” Over time, his sense of purpose deepened. “Service is one of the highest forms of gratitude you can give for the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy,” he reflected.

What William valued most about military life was the brotherhood and shared mission. “When you deploy, there’s a bond that forms when you stand shoulder to shoulder with people from all walks of life who depend on you as much as you depend on them,” he said. “That kind of trust and accountability doesn’t fade—it stays with you long after you take off the uniform.”

After retiring from the military, William sought a new way to serve and was encouraged by friends and mentors to join King County. He began his County career at the Department of Natural Resources and Parks and now serves on a special duty assignment with Metro’s Employee Services Division through the end of 2025. “Metro’s work keeps communities connected and represents equity and access in motion—values that align deeply with mine,” he said.

His military experience continues to shape how he leads and collaborates. “In the military, success isn’t about the individual—it’s about the mission and the people who make it possible,” he said. “That’s how I approach my work at Metro: every role and every person contributes to something bigger than ourselves.”

Thank you, Nicholas, Ruy, Scott, and William, for sharing your story with us and for your service. And to all our veterans, military members and their families, we appreciate all you do. If you are looking for ways to recognize and support veterans, below are a few suggestions:

 

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