In and out of the Army, retired Plant City Green Beret Chief Warrant Officer Jose Santiago is a hero.
Santiago and his family have been selected by the prestigious national non-profit Building Homes for Heroes to have a new home given to them. Local construction firm PulteGroup will build the home.
Santiago joined the Army in 1993 because he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father and brothers, who had served in World War II, Vietnam, and the Gulf War. Special Forces, Ranger, and Airborne qualified, he earned three Bronze Stars, the Army Commendation Medal for Valor, and numerous other decorations for service.
During his career Santiago suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was rolled over by a vehicle. He was also hurt numerous other times in parachute jumps and suffers from PTSD.
In selecting Santiago, Building Homes for Heroes CEO, founder, and New York business executive Andy Pujol said, “Having served nearly 30 years and rising to become a member of our elite Special Forces, Jose Santiago’s dedication to his country and his family is truly inspiring. We are honored to give back to Jose and so many other deserving veterans through partnerships with patriotic companies and builders like PulteGroup.”
Post-military, he is the legal guardian of his disabled sister and the sole caretaker for his elderly mother, who has a heart condition. His son and daughter also live with him.
For more than a decade, PulteGroup has partnered with non-profits in its Build to Honor program to build mortgage-free homes for injured veterans.
Founded after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Building Homes for Heroes provides new homes for veterans and first responders. The organization is on track to gift its 400th home this fall to a selected honoree.
Building Homes for Heroes and PulteGroup broke ground for Santiago’s new home last Thursday.