Student Spotlight: Hannibal Santiago

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Student Spotlight: Hannibal Santiago"

Cynthia Simpson
6 years ago
Views:

Margaret Oswald Maggie is one of 39 SOWF students who are starting their freshman year in college. She will be attending Purdue.

Eleven consecutive years of the highest four star rating.

full potential, Special Operations Warrior Foundation holds an annual college planning conference at the of Tampa.

Continued on page 3 Student Spotlight: Hannibal Santiago I never thought I would get a chance to go to school for something like this, but SOWF is

1 Margaret Oswald Maggie is one of 39 SOWF students who are starting their freshman year in college. She will be attending Purdue. Maggie is the daughter of Cmdr. Peter Oswald El Salvador in 2002, while in command of Naval Special Warfare Unit Four. Eleven consecutive years of the highest four star rating. Caring for the Families of Fallen Special Operations Forces Since 1980 SOWF Hosts College Planning Conference Committed to helping students reach their full potential, Special Operations Warrior Foundation holds an annual college planning conference at the of Tampa. This year s Operation EPIC (Educational Planning & Informational Conference) class consisted of 24 high school students from around the country. Continued on page 3 Student Spotlight: Hannibal Santiago I never thought I would get a chance to go to school for something like this, but SOWF is making my dreams become a reality. I am starting my freshman year at Marquette and pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering. My dream is to use my degree to impact the medical field. - Hannibal Hannibal Santiago is a recent high school graduate. His father, Sgt. Anibal Santiago lost his life in Afghanistan in 2010, the 75th Ranger Regiment.

Thank You... We deeply appreciate your continued moral and financial support to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the brave Americans we serve.

Just as exciting, 39 sons and daughters of fallen Special Operations heroes will begin their freshman year at colleges across the country.

2 Thank You... We deeply appreciate your continued moral and financial support to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the brave Americans we serve. Your generous donations made it possible this year for 21 students to celebrate an amazing milestone in their lives - graduating from college. Just as exciting, 39 sons and daughters of fallen Special Operations heroes will begin their freshman year at colleges across the country. Also, because of you, 37 severely wounded and hospitalized Special Operators received a financial stipend to ensure their loved ones could be bedside. Thanks to you, our Special Operations personnel know that their sacrifices are not forgotten. Special Operators live and work in a dangerous world. This year alone, 26 warriors have lost their lives leaving behind 43 children. Earlier this year, a Special Operations soldier was killed in Afghanistan leaving behind five children ages 5,13,15,17 and 20. Another Special Operator died in October 2016 and his daughter was born five months later. When she is ready for college in 2035, our Foundation will be there to ensure she receives the college education that her fallen father would have wanted. Our freshman class joins another 131 upper classmen, for a total of 171 students in college. There are another 700 children in our programs who are not yet college age to whom we have promised a college education. Your continued support ensures that our Foundation will be there for the brave men and women of our Special Operations community. They know that when tragedy strikes Special Operations Warrior Foundation has their backs. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve. Joseph Maguire Vice Admiral, USN, Ret. President/CEO Monthly Donations Make an Impact $10 a month pays for supplies needed for a college semester. $42 a month buys text books for a college semester. $25 a month provides three high school graduates with a printer to take to college. $83 a month pays for transportation fees for one college semester. If you are interested in becoming a monthly donor, please visit our website at specialops.org and set up a recurring gift via our donate button. Amounts are based on a 12 month period. 2 SPECIAL OPERATIONS WARRIOR FOUNDATION

Topics included writing a college admissions essay, types of colleges, admissions interviews, importance of internships, and how to select a major. I learned so much in this short week.

3 Operation EPIC (continued from front cover) Additionally, four SOWF college graduates volunteered to guide and mentor the students. The four-day college planning conference featured acclaimed guest speakers and experts in the college admissions process. Topics included writing a college admissions essay, types of colleges, admissions interviews, importance of internships, and how to select a major. I learned so much in this short week. I ve learned about the college admissions process and how to have a more successful future. While most of the students had never met, they all share a common bond of losing a parent who served in Special Operations. Being able to meet kids like me, and bond with them, is such a blessing. Sydnie Lubbers Sydnie is the daughter of Command Sgt. Maj. William Lubbers who lost his life in 2012 while serving with the 3rd Special. Sydnie receives a certificate of completion from Vice Adm. (ret) Joseph Maguire, President & CEO, Special Operations Warrior Foundation This has been a tremendous opportunity, to not only learn skills that will help me down the life path that I want, but also to make friends that will last a life-time. While life threw us a curveball, this is a chance to grab life by the horns and make it what we want. Donnie Archuleta Donnie is the son of 1st Lt. Tamara Archuleta who lost her life in Afghanistan in 2003, the 41st Rescue Squadron. Donnie receives a certificate of completion from Vice Adm. (ret) Joseph Maguire, President & CEO, Special Operations Warrior Foundation Special Thanks... Operation EPIC was possible because of the generosity of many supporters. Dorm rooms and meals for the students were donated by the of Tampa, and local companies support Operation EPIC through tours and presentations, including Regions Bank, Raymond James Financial, and Laser Spine Institute. Motivational speaker and former Army Ranger, Keni Thomas, spoke to the students about resiliency and decision-making. 3 SPECIAL OPERATIONS WARRIOR FOUNDATION

Meet the 2017 College Freshman Because of your generosity, college dreams are a reality. Donaciano Archuleta, of New Mexico Son of 1st Lt.

California in 2000, while assigned to Naval Special Warfare Group 1 Anthony Brock, Fayetteville Technical Community College Son of Master Sgt.

Army Special Operations Command Nicholas Cutino, Savannah Technical Coll

Gaetano Cutino who lost his life in North Carolina in 1999, while assigned to US Army Special Operations Command Sebrina Enos, California State Daughter of Staff Sgt.

Richard Ferguson Iraq in 2004, while deployed with 10th Special Peyton Fester, Purdue Son of Maj.

Gregory Fritz who lost his life in Puerto Rico in 2002, while assigned to 15th Special Operations Squadron Rylie Gavulic, Auburn Daughter of Master Sgt.

while deployed with 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment Hannah Gressett, Northwest Florida State College Daughter of Tech. Sgt.

1st Class Mark Gulezian 2014, while deployed with 3rd Special Forrest Haydon, of Chicago and Carmela Haydon, McGill Son and daughter of Capt.

4 Meet the 2017 College Freshman Because of your generosity, college dreams are a reality. Donaciano Archuleta, of New Mexico Son of 1st Lt. Tamara Archuleta who lost her life in Afghanistan 2003, while deployed with 41st Rescue Squadron Holden Bearden, North Texas Central Son of Petty Officer Michael Bearden California in 2000, while assigned to Naval Special Warfare Group 1 Anthony Brock, Fayetteville Technical Community College Son of Master Sgt. Anthony Brock who lost his life in NC in 2010, while assigned to 7th Special Mitchell Cole Son of Chief Warrant Officer, Gerald Cole Virginia in 2016, while assigned to US Army Special Operations Command Nicholas Cutino, Savannah Technical College Son of Lt. Col. Gaetano Cutino who lost his life in North Carolina in 1999, while assigned to US Army Special Operations Command Sebrina Enos, California State Daughter of Staff Sgt. Darrel Enos who lost his life in Afghanistan in 2012, 3rd Marine Raider Battalion Jordan Ferguson, Metropolitan State of Denver Son of Master Sgt. Richard Ferguson Iraq in 2004, while deployed with 10th Special Peyton Fester, Purdue Son of Maj. Gregory Fester who lost his life in Iraq in 2005, while deployed with 490th Civil Affairs Battalion Lauren Fritz, Sonoma State Daughter of Maj. Gregory Fritz who lost his life in Puerto Rico in 2002, while assigned to 15th Special Operations Squadron Rylie Gavulic, Auburn Daughter of Master Sgt. Joshua Gavulic Arizona in 2014, while assigned to 17th Special Tactics Squadron Lauren Gibbons, Auburn Daughter of Chief Warrant Officer Thomas Gibbons Afghanistan in 2003, while deployed with 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment Hannah Gressett, Northwest Florida State College Daughter of Tech. Sgt. David Gressett who lost his life in Florida in 2004, while assigned to 16th Special Operations Squadron Amira Gulezian Daughter of Sgt. 1st Class Mark Gulezian 2014, while deployed with 3rd Special Forrest Haydon, of Chicago and Carmela Haydon, McGill Son and daughter of Capt. Joseph Haydon who lost his life in Nigeria in 2005, while assigned to US Army Special Operations Command Jaina Houston, of Colorado Boulder Daughter of Chief Petty Officer Kevin Houston Afghanistan in 2011, Naval Special Warfare Development Group Sabrina Iijima-Steagald, of Arizona Daughter of Tech. Sgt. Jefferson Steagald who lost his life in North Carolina in 1999, while assigned to 21st Special Tactics Squadron Riley Kisling, Ozark Technical Community College Son of Staff Sgt. Daniel Kisling who lost his life in Afghanistan in 2003, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment Kyle Klomstad, Fairmont State Son of Sgt. 1st Class Lance Vogeler Afghanistan in 2010, 75th Ranger Regiment 5 SPECIAL OPERATIONS WARRIOR FOUNDATION (more students inside)

Kassandra Kocan, Appalachian State Daughter of Lt. Col.

Michelle Lane, Texas A&M Daughter of Sgt.

Brigade Alison Loftis, of North Carolina at Wilmington Daughter of Lt. Col.

Command 2017 SOWF College Freshmen 4 SPECIAL OPERATIONS WARRIOR FOUNDATION Octavia Osborne, Johnson

Mark de Alencar who lost his life Afghanistan in 2017, while deployed with 7th Special Margaret

Peter Oswald El Salvador in 2002, while in command of Naval Special Warfare Unit Four Lauren Owens,

Barth Owens the Philippines in 2002, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment Summer Padgett, Auburn

Timothy Padgett Afghanistan in 2007, while deployed with 7th Special Lorenz Parayno, South Western

assigned to Naval Special Warfare Center Elizabeth Ponder, Auburn Daughter of Master Sgt.

Operations Aviation Regiment Tristyn Redd, Texas A&M Son of Chief Warrant Officer Steven Redd who lost

Russell, Texas State 1st Class Michael Russell Afghanistan in 2005, 160th Special Operations Aviation

5 Kassandra Kocan, Appalachian State Daughter of Lt. Col. Keith Kocan who lost his life in Florida in 2006, while assigned to US Special Operations Command Michelle Lane, Texas A&M Daughter of Sgt. 1st Class Mitchell Lane who lost his life in Afghanistan in 2003, 3rd Special Cole Lilley, California of Pennylsvania Son of Master Sgt. Arthur Lilley Afghanistan in 2007, while deployed with 7th Special Gabriel Lindenau, Central Washington Son of Maj. Robert Lindenau who lost his life in Afghanistan in 2008, while deployed with 95th Civil Affairs Brigade Alison Loftis, of North Carolina at Wilmington Daughter of Lt. Col. John Loftis Afghanistan in 2012, while deployed with 866th Air Expeditionary Squadron Dylan McClure, of Maryland Son of Master Sgt. Sean McClure who lost his life in Alabama in 2015, while assigned to 7th Special Connor Odell, of California, Davis Son of Sgt. Major Robert Odell who lost his life in Iraq in 2004, while deployed with US Army Special Operations Command 2017 SOWF College Freshmen 4 SPECIAL OPERATIONS WARRIOR FOUNDATION Octavia Osborne, Johnson and Wales Daughter of Staff Sgt. Mark de Alencar who lost his life Afghanistan in 2017, while deployed with 7th Special Margaret Oswald, Purdue Daughter of Cmdr. Peter Oswald El Salvador in 2002, while in command of Naval Special Warfare Unit Four Lauren Owens, Lipscomb Daughter of Capt. Barth Owens the Philippines in 2002, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment Summer Padgett, Auburn Daughter of Sgt. Timothy Padgett Afghanistan in 2007, while deployed with 7th Special Lorenz Parayno, South Western College Son of Chief Petty Officer Florencio Parayno who lost his life in California in 2013, while assigned to Naval Special Warfare Center Elizabeth Ponder, Auburn Daughter of Master Sgt. James Trey Ponder who lost his life in Afghanistan in 2005, while deployed with 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment Tristyn Redd, Texas A&M Son of Chief Warrant Officer Steven Redd who lost his life in Georgia in 2011, while assigned to 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment Lauren Russell, Texas State Daughter of Sgt. 1st Class Michael Russell Afghanistan in 2005, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment Hannibal Santiago, Marquette Son of Sgt. Anibal Santiago who lost his life in Afghanistan in 2010, 75th Ranger Regiment Taryn Speer, of North Carolina at Wilmington Daughter of Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Speer who lost his life in Afghanistan in 2002, while deployed with US Army Special Operations Command David Stack, Germanna Community College Son of Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Stack Iraq in 2004, while deployed with 5th Special William Stevenson, Fayetteville Technical Community College Son of Maj. Terry Stevenson who lost his life in North Carolina in 2014, while assigned to 95th Civil Affairs Brigade Samantha Tycz, Niagara Daughter of Sgt. 1st Class Peter Tycz who lost his life in Afghanistan in 2002, 3rd Special Noel Vose, BAU International Berlin - of Applied Sciences Daughter of Chief Warrant Officer Douglas Vose Afghanistan in 2009, 10th Special

Special Operations Warrior Foundation PO Box 89367 Tampa, FL

specialops.org Thank you so much for your support of SOWF.

opportunity to go to college and be successful in ways we could

Conner Odell Attending of California, Davis What s Inside:

6 Special Operations Warrior Foundation PO Box Tampa, FL Phone: Thank you so much for your support of SOWF. Because of your generosity, my siblings and I now have the opportunity to go to college and be successful in ways we could not have otherwise dreamed of. Conner Odell Attending of California, Davis What s Inside: Graduate Spotlight: Hannibal Santiago Message From Our CEO 2017 SOWF College Freshman Monthly Donations Impact Operation EPIC

Annual Report.

Annual Report. 2016 Annual Report Hannibal Santiago is one of the Foundation s college scholarship recipients. Hannibal s father, Army Sgt. Anibal Santiago, lost his life in 2010 in Afghanistan while assigned to the