Photo By Staff Sgt. Gary Hawkins | U.S. Army Cpl. Gabriel Santos, with the 390th Transportation Corps Seaport...... read more read more
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FORT McCOY, Wis. - For most families across the world, being in the military is considered an honor. For some, pride and honor can run very deep for family members that are the first to join the military, especially on the small United States Island Territory of Puerto Rico.
Seemingly quiet, and with a soft Puerto Rican accent, the tall, slender young soldier said that the military has become his life’s mission because of his passion, he has become a well-known soldier in his unit and community. He may be the quiet type, but says during the combative event at the 2013 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy, he will become very fast.
Cpl. Jabriel Santos, a member of the 390th Transportation Corps Seaport Operations in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, is the first member of his family to join the military and says they are very proud of his accomplishments.
“I wont say I’m changing the family tradition, but we have nothing like that in our family history,” said Santos. “ My military job has improved the family and given great pride to our name back home.”
Pride and accomplishment for his family have been a top priority for Santos since he decided to join the military. His unit also noticed the strong dedication to completing tasks and that is why he feels he is competing this year in the BWC.
“My unit recognized my hard work and dedication to my job. I was very proud of myself when they asked me to compete in the best warrior competition for them,” said Santos. “Cargo specialist don’t do a lot of tough Army stuff and I wanted to experience more things the Army had to offer so I was glad to accept the challenge and compete with other soldiers.”
Accepting challenges is nothing new for Santos. He has become very active in many sports that help keep him in shape. Some of the specialized training he has may give him an edge during the combative challenge this year.
“I enjoy practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which is a type of Japanese martial art that helps a smaller, weaker person understand how to defend against a bigger, stronger person,” said Santos. “ I take it very seriously and am looking forward to the combative competition in a few days to see if what I have learned will help me.”
Not all of Santos life is sports and working at the seaport in Ceiba. Other interests keep him busy in the community, which he says, allow him to be in touch with his friends.
“I volunteered this year at a church-sponsored marathon where they ran or walked 15 miles,” said Santos. “Since I had the military background, I was asked to help in the first aid section and help keep people hydrated, and to watch for those people who needed water and food.”
Staying in the military is one of Santos’ main goals while going to college and working on his civilian objectives.
“I want to go be a member of the active Army and eventually try and be an Army Ranger or Special Forces,” said Santos “Getting my degree in Criminal Psychology will help me in many different areas and keep me a job for later in the military or as a civilian.”
His family and friends have helped him stay grounded and focused on his future goals. Even though he has experienced many different levels of military life thus far, he continues to request more involvement wherever he can. He feels this competition is just another step in what could be a very long and rewarding career that will benefit him as well as the Army Reserve.
| Date Taken: | 06.24.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 06.24.2013 18:36 |
| Story ID: | 109190 |
| Location: | FORT MCCOY, WI, US |
| Hometown: | CEIBA, PR |
| Web Views: | 693 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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