MSG Santiago graduated from Bayamon High School in Puerto Rico.  Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the VOLAR Army.  During his first seven years, he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division.  While at Fort Bragg he played on the Post Volleyball Team, Post softball Team, and played on the All-Army Team.  He attended LRRP (Long range Recon Patrol) School and the Leadership Academy.  MSG Santiago then volunteered to go to Germany.  He was one of the first soldiers to convert to the new MOS of 13F, fire Support specialist.  MSG Santiago was then tasked by Brigade S3 and the Brigade FIrST Chief to incorporate a Fire Support Program for the tankers in the brigade.  His next assignment was at Fort sill, OK for 6 months as an instructor for the Staff and Faculty Battalion.  There he instructed new lieutenants in how to call in fire.  His next assignment was at Fort Chaffee, AR as an interpreter for the Cuban Resettlement Program.  He then received an invitation from the Army welcoming him to the Drill Sergeant Academy.  After spending two unforgettable years at Fort Knox, he received another welcome letter.  This time he was off to the Recruiting Command.  Eleven years later he decided to retire and accept a more relaxing job as a JROTC instructor; or so he thought! 
     MSG Santiago completed his bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Technology in June 2002.  While working for his Master’s Degree, he taught briefly at International College.  MSG Santiago is married to his high school sweetheart, Myrna Melendez.  They have a son, Laureano and a daughter, Renee, who is married and has given them two wonderful grandchildren, Elisa and Patrick.  MSG Santiago retired in October 1993 and has taught JROTC in Maryland, and on both the east and west coast of Florida.