In 1983, Master Sergeant (retired) Joe Santiago left his home in New York City, NY to join the US Army. Joe was excited when he left NYC to see the world and live the life of a soldier. In 2008, Joe would be medically retired from the Army due to his Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) he suffered while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).
In March 2003, Joe was a weapon’s inspector attached to 3/7 Cavalry, 3rd Infantry Division as part of the initial invasion force of Iraq. While elements of his unit were crossing into Iraq, Joe’s position was receiving sporadic gunfire from the enemy. Joe’s fighting position was on top of a 20-foot tank trap, in an over-watch position. While under enemy fire, Joe attempted to advance his position forward. Consequently, he fell into the tank trap dislocating his hip and impacting his head. From the adrenaline of the moment, he pressed on with his advancing unit into Iraq. Several days had passed when Joe started to get headaches, experiencing forgetfulness, and his head felt as if it was going to “explode”. Unknown to Joe at the time, but when he fell into the tank trap, he suffered a herniated brain.
Several months had passed after the injury, Joe decided to try and “suck it up and drive on”. His headaches and forgetfulness had been recurring more frequently. His hip injury was becoming more of a nuisance and now he started developing partial blindness in his left eye. His “warrior ethos” was going to help him through these injuries. June 2003, his unit came under attack near Karbala, Iraq. Joe attempted to dismount his vehicle to assume a fighting position. He soon found out that he was unable to dismount due to his legs and arms being temporarily paralyzed. Joe attempted to take cover within the vehicle. Joe would be MEDEVAC out of theatre to Landstuhl, Germany and eventually to Walter Reed. Joe would undergo more then 9 surgeries on his brain and several other surgeries for his spine and hip.
Joe Santiago would be awarded 100% disability rating from the VA for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, TBI, and injuries to his spine and hip. Joe has difficulty remembering his daily routine. His daily week consists of taking care of his three daughters, (20,18,16), attending his VAMC appointments, and conducting research on TBI on how to help other warriors. Some of his weekly VAMC appointments consist of cognitive therapy, PTSD support groups, and occupational therapy. Joe uses a VAMC issued personal digital assistant (PDA) equipped with GPS to help him remember things, such as where he parked his car, what appointments he has for the day, reminders for what medications to take, and what groceries to buy. Joe uses a VAMC issued software called, “Dragon - Naturally Speaking” to assist him with writing emails, documents, and “googling” on his computer. With this software, it enables him to speak into a microphone while the software dictates for him. Joe uses a cane to assist him with his walking due to his spinal and hip injuries. Joe also uses the Westwood TBI Clubhouse for his cognitive therapy in Fredericksburg, VA. The Westwood TBI Clubhouse is a partner of the VWWP. Joe is also a member of the VWWP Fredericksburg combat support group.
Despite his injures, Joe continues to strive as an advocate for TBI awareness. He spoke on Capitol Hill on several occasions. Joe spoke at a congressional hearing on TBI awareness and services. Joe most recently was requested to speak at the DC VAMC on a Veterans Panel to raise TBI awareness for staff and clinicians. Despite his injuries endured in combat, Joe continues to “soldier on” and help other warriors. Joe currently resides in Stafford, Virginia with his three daughters.