Memorial Day celebration is not the unofficial beginning of summer and grilling season, this day is to celebrate and remember those who gave their lives so all of us could enjoy the summer and grilling peacefully. To celebrate this important day Hola America decided to share the story of Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Monica Santiago.
Officer Santiago was born in Moline, but raised on the well known Hero Street. She might have not been related to the 8 heroes from the street, but still her decision to join the Navy was deeply influenced by her childhood on Hero Street. Officer Santiago remembers that she grew up listening stories about the struggles of Mexican immigrants. Those immigrants did not just go to war to get citizenship, but also, they joined the military because they wanted to defend the great life this country had offered to them.
“To be raised on Hero Street was a humbling experience,” Officer Santiago remembers.
Officer Santiago also shared that there was always a celebration among residents of Hero Street to make sure that no one forgets the fallen hero.
“The families of Hero Street are Proud of their heritage, sacrifices, and traditions,” she explained. Senior Chief Petty Officer Monica Santiago believes that growing up on Hero Street she was encouraged by many to join the military and that is why since a young age she knew she would.
Before joining the Navy she worked at Rock Island Arsenal and daily she saw Navy recruiters on the street. Several times they asked her if she was interested to join and her interest was growing after each time she talked to them.
“Eventually, I went to their office to discuss the requirements and my ability to join. Next thing I knew, I was signing papers,” she shared.
17 and half years passed since that day. Officer Santiago got a chance to travel all over the world with the Navy. Now she is a Senior Chief Petty Officer who specializes in Logistics/Supply and she is Senior Enlisted Leader the Pacific Command Unit to the Navy reserves at the Rock Island Arsenal.
On top of being in the Navy for so many years on May 6, 2015 Officer Santiago had re-enlisted to the Navy for four more years and she had her re-enlistment ceremony on the street where she grew up.
“Re-enlisting on Hero Street was very special to me. Being raise on the street and given an opportunity to have the ceremony was perfect,” Officer Santiago said.
Her mother was present during the ceremony to support and continue encouraging to her daughter. Rear Admiral Michael Franken performed the enlistment.
“My parents are very proud of me and my services to our country. I am just honored to continue to serve,” Officer Santiago said.
She spent almost two decades in the military, but she still wanted to continue to serve her country. In honor of all those people like Petty Officer Santiago this Memorial Day take a few minutes away from your grill and, even if just in your thoughts, remember and thank those who gave their lives for everyone of us to enjoy the freedoms.
“We live in a free land because of those who have fought and died to ensure it. No one joins the military to die for our country, but for so many, that’s the cost paid. It is our duty to respect and honor their legacy and ensure they are Never Forgotten,” Senior Chief Petty Officer Santiago said.
Hola America respectfully salutes all the people who currently serve in the military and remembers those who lost their lives defending ours.
Photos by Todd Mizener courtesy of The Dispatch
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