[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 73 (Friday, May 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E933]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING GUNNERY SERGEANT VINCENT C. SANTIAGO FOR HIS PROMOTION TO 
            FIRST SERGEANT IN THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Ms. BORDALLO. This citation is presented to Gunnery Sergeant Vincent 
C. Santiago, a native of Merizo, Guam, for his promotion to the rank of 
First Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps.
  Gunnery Sergeant Santiago is the son of Joseph and Mary Santiago of 
Merizo, Guam. He is married to the former Selma D. Reyes, daughter of 
Peter and Josephine Reyes, also from Merizo. Vincent and Selma have 
three children, Vincent Jr., PeterJoe, and Serresa.
  Sergeant Santiago entered the United States Marine Corps in September 
1989, graduating from boot camp in San Diego, California, with a 
meritorious promotion to the rank of Private First Class. After 
completing his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) training at the 
School of Infantry as a 0341 Mortar man, he was assigned to Marine 
Barracks Guam as a Marine Security Guard where he was promoted to the 
rank of Lance Corporal in August 1990. Seven months later, in March 
1991, he was meritoriously promoted to Corporal, eventually receiving 
orders to 3rd Battalion 5th Marines at Camp Pendleton, California.
  In 1993, Gunnery Sergeant Santiago moved to Maintenance Management, 
where he became the Battalion's Maintenance Management Chief and was 
promoted to the rank of Sergeant. After completing Drill Instructor 
School at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, he 
was assigned to Company ``A'', 1st Recruit Training Battalion.
  Among his many accomplishments, Gunnery Sergeant Santiago has 
received the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy/Marine 
Corps Achievement Medal in lieu of third award and the Marine Corps 
Good Conduct Medal in lieu of fourth award. In addition, Gunnery 
Sergeant Santiago was also Marine of the Quarter in March 1991 while 
stationed at Marine Barracks, Guam, and selected as Drill Instructor of 
the Quarter for the 1st Recruit Training Battalion in March 1996. He is 
also certified in the Marine Corp Martial Arts Program as an Instructor 
Trainer, 1st Degree Black Belt.
  Gunnery Sergeant Santiago is the Drill Master at the United States 
Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He will receive his promotion to 
First Sergeant on June 1, 2004, upon completion of his current tour of 
duty. He will then report to the 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine 
Division at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, for duty as Company First Sergeant 
where I am confident he will continue to serve with honor and 
distinction.
  Gunnery Sergeant Santiago's career reflects the courage and 
determination of the Chamorro people. We are very proud of our native 
son. On behalf of the people of Guam, I want to congratulate Gunnery 
Sergeant Santiago and his family on his accomplishments, and extend our 
gratitude for his service to our island and our country.

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