Francisco J. Collazo

Collazo was born in the city of Utuado, Puerto Rico and grew up in his father's farm. He received his primary education in his hometown. In 1946, he dropped out of high school and joined the United States Army. He continued his education while serving in the military and retired from the Army after 30 years of service with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. Among his military decorations was the Meritorious Service Medal and the Bronze Star Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster for his service during the Vietnam War. Mr. Collazo is a service-connected disabled veteran.[2]

Collazo attended the University of Texas in Austin, Texas where he earned a bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. He later earned a master of Computer Systems Engineering from the Southeastern Institute of Technology.[2]

Collazo and his wife, whom he married in 1955, moved to Huntsville, Alabama. In 1980, they founded COLSA Corporation in the garage of their home. The principal idea behind the foundation of the new company was to provide systems analysis and engineering in support of air defense systems material development. By 1983, the company had 20 employees.[2] That same year, the Government awarded COLSA its first prime contract.[3]

The company moved from Collazo's garage to South Memorial Parkway in Huntsville and later to Sparkman Drive. The company is currently located in Cummings Research Park.[2]

In 1997, COLSA was awarded the Cogswell Award for Excellence in Security Operations.

In 2003, COLSA acquired Huntsville-based Pace and Waite, Inc., and Digital Wizards, Inc. Among COLSA's clients are NASA, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy, the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Missile Defense Agency.[3]

Under Collazo's leadership the company grew and continued to expand. The company has regional offices in Washington, DC; Orlando, Florida; Shalimar, Florida; San Diego, California, Colorado Springs, Colorado and Sierra Vista, Arizona.[3]

On January 2, 1996, Collazo incorporated Collazo Enterprises the primary holding company that owns all stock in COLSA Corporation, COLSA International, FJC Growth Capital, and FCA Properties.[3]

In 2000, Collazo Enterprises, Inc. established the Francisco J. Collazo (COLSA) Scholarship at the University of Alabama. The scholarship is awarded to full-time students majoring in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or Technology and is based on academic merit, leadership potential, and contributions to school and community.[4]

Collazo retired from the Army in 1976 and lives together with his wife has three children and seven grandchildren, continues to reside in Huntsville.[2] He continues to be the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of COLSA Corporation.[5]

In May 2003, he was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Science from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.[3] On October 25, 2012, COLSA Corp. was recognized by Hispanic Business Magazine as being one of the top 100 Hispanic Businesses in the United States.[1]

Among Collazo 's decorations are the following:

	Bronze Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster
	Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
	Army Commendation Medal
	National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star
	Vietnam Service Medal with four service stars
	Vietnam Campaign Medal

• List of Puerto Ricans