Warriors of Camp Southern Ground

Jorge Santiago

Jorge is a Warrior Week and Puerto Rico National Guard veteran whose 32 years of service included four deployments. This is his story.

I grew up in the Bronx and moved to Puerto Rico at 14. I joined the Puerto Rico National Guard in 1993 at 18. In 1997, I left for Active-Duty Army Germany where I deployed twice (Bosnia and Kosovo). I returned to the Puerto Rico National Guard in 2000 and deployed again in 2003 (Baghdad) and 2006 (Iraq). After 14 months, I returned to the Active Guard and Reserve program where I served until retirement 2024.

In total, I served for 32 years, including 23 Active-Duty. I deployed four times with four different uniforms in four different countries and lost very good friends.

My military transition in retirement was a little rough due to working and knowing only military stuff for 32 years. I lost my focus and identity. Through Warrior Week, I figured out who I am, my identity and interest in life came back, and I was able to focus on what I want and where I am going.

Now my loving wife of 28 years are enjoying life, traveling and visiting my military sons, wherever they are. We travel with no worries and no rush to return. I also enjoy and get great satisfaction from volunteering with different veteran service organizations like Team Rubicon and Adaptive Adventures.