Photo By Lance Cpl. Kevin Lopez Herrera | U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Luis A. Santiago, a recruiter with Recruiting Substation...... read more read more
SAN JUAN, PR– Individuals who are seen as examples in their community are often given the title “role model." To some, their role models could be celebrities, musicians, or professional athletes; others want to emulate their parents, teachers, or local heroes. Service members in the armed forces pledge to protect our nation from enemies both foreign and domestic, and the Marines are who Yarimar Santiago see as role models, not only because of their elite status or that they are first called to a fight, but also because her brother is one.
Pvt. Yarimar Santiago is a native of Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico, along with her elder brothers, Luis Angel and Luis Miguel. They have always kept a close bond, despite living in separate households due to their parents’ divorce. Both brothers have been role models for her since her childhood, but one brother’s decision to enlist in the Marine Corps inspired her goals and aspirations.
Staff Sgt. Luis A. Santiago enlisted from Recruiting Substation Ponce at the age of 21. His original military occupational specialty was a food service specialist. Through the span of five years, he served in his MOS at the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and at Marine Corps Air Station New River, Jacksonville, North Carolina. Luis A. Santiago volunteered for recruiting duty with the hopes of returning to Puerto Rico and sharing his Marine Corps experience with the next generation. After completing the Basic Recruiting Course, Luis A. Santiago became a recruiter for Recruiting Substation San Juan, Recruiting Station Fort Lauderdale.
Yarimar began showing an interest in joining the armed forces during her senior year at the Escuela Superior Ramón José Dávila in Coamo, Puerto Rico. She began exploring the options each military branch offered to see which one would be of most benefit to her physical and professional development. When she began researching the Marines, she got to know her brother through his Marine side. His story, experiences, and professional demeanor led her to make the ultimate decision in enlisting in the Marine Corps.
“I have always admired his way of being, how he is with other people and how dedicated he is to his work, always giving his one hundred percent. I wanted to follow his example,” said Yarimar Santiago. “My brother was always with me since day one. There is nothing better than the feeling that someone has the best intentions for you and know that the decisions you are taking will be the best for your future.”
“I guided my sister since her initial interest in joining the armed forces to the moment she was ready to start the process for enlistment,” said Luis A. Santiago. He goes on to explain the impact he makes as a recruiter in his own town. "Being part of the individual’s [enlistment] process has been a tremendous experience for me. From preparing them mentally and physically, to the swear-in and departure, to recruit training--all of this, to see them return as a basically trained Marine.”
Yarimar Santiago enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on May 20, 2022. She departed to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island to begin her recruit training on July 20, 2022.
“I was very afraid those first few days, but I kept firm knowing that I could complete the training,” Yarimar said. “There were difficult moments, as expected, but my brother and my family were always on my mind.”
Because of Yarimar’s preparation in the Delayed Entry Program, she managed to prevail with the challenging physical demands of recruit training. Fear began taking over the day of the endurance and confidence courses as she was recovering from an injury a week prior. Her nerves wanted to take over, but after completing every obstacle, this quickly became the highlight of her recruit training experience.
Yarimar expressed that hiking challenged her limits. The first hikes were bearable, but as they became more complex, in both distance traversed and weight carried, she had to dig deep to maintain focus on her goal. Looking to the brothers and sisters beside her and remembering her reasons for joining helped her push past the “I can’t do it” mentality.
While the Crucible was shortened for safety reasons due to the approach of Hurricane Ian, Yarimar said this 36-hour training event was challenging and demanding, but rewarding and a good learning experience overall.
“That morning, when I received my Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, quickly became one of the most important days of my life,” Yarimar said. “It was impossible for me not to feel proud of myself for having accomplished it. I am thankful for my fellow Marines and the support of my family that allowed me to get where I am.”
The days building up to her graduation and the anticipation of seeing her family and showing them what she had become dragged on and ate at her. No amount of distractions could calm her emotions and excitement.
On Family Day, Bravo and November Company were positioned at the Peatross Parade Deck to conduct warm-up exercises in preparation for the motivational run. This early morning run is a milestone for the soon-to-be-Marines, and they are accompanied by their drill instructors and commanding officers. During this run, Yarimar got a glimpse of her family in the crowd for the first time since starting recruit training. Soon after, the graduating companies were given liberty, and Yarimar finally had the opportunity to meet with her family face-to-face. Tears flowed more intensely with every embrace.
“Seeing how Yarimar changed from a regular young woman to a persistent woman with the leadership and character of a Marine has been totally impressive,” Luis A. Santiago said. “We are all extremely proud of Yarimar.”
Yarimar Santiago graduated from November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, MCRD Parris Island, on October 14, 2022. She returned to Puerto Rico for her 10-day leave block, where she spent time with family and participated in the Command Recruiting Program.
For all her life, Yarimar has had powerful role models to guide her. Now, as a new Marine, Yarimar hopes to be a role model to others like her brother was to her. “Joining the Marine Corps has been the best decision I have ever made. I feel that if I had stayed here (Puerto Rico), I would not have the same opportunities that are offered by the Marine Corps,” Yarimar said. “I love telling other people about the Marine Corps, everything that it has and everything that it can offer, and knowing that I am surrounded by good people makes me super happy.”
If you seek a challenge in a professional environment, and be part of a legacy, talk to your local Marine Corps recruiter, or visit https://rmi.marines.com/6MCD.
| Date Taken: | 10.21.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 11.22.2022 16:40 |
| Story ID: | 432593 |
| Location: | SAN JUAN, PR |
| Hometown: | JUANA DIAZ, PR |
| Web Views: | 45 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Becoming your role models, by LCpl Kevin Lopez Herrera, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
