|
Staff Sergeant Michael Santiago
SSG Santiago is a native of Yauco, Puerto Rico. He enlisted in 2011 as a Military Police Officer and went to One Station Unit Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Upon completing OSUT, SSG Santiago was assigned to the 544th MP Company in Ponce, Puerto Rico. In 2015-2016, SSG Santiago deployed to Honduras as an MP providing site security in Soto Cano Air Base. In 2016, SSG Santiago transferred to the Alaska National Guard as a full time AGR soldier with A Company, 49th Missile Defense Battalion at Fort Greely, Alaska. During his initial tour, he served in many capacities within Alpha Company: Team Member, Team Leader, Platoon Armorer, Entry Control NCOIC, and Sergeant of the Guard for all security operations. At the end of his three year AGR tour, he extended for six additional years in the AKARNG and with the 49th Missile Defense Battalion. In 2020, SSG Santiago transitioned from A Company to 49th HHB to work in the Fire Direction Center (FDC) as a Communications Operator. Here, he has maintained dual certification status as a Weapons and Communications Operator. SSG Santiago’s prior assignments include: Weapons Operator HHB 49th Missile Defense Battalion, Communications Operator, HHB 49th Missile Defense Battalion, Team Leader, A Company 49th Missile Defense Battalion, Team Member 544th Military Police Company. His military education/courses include: Intro to Space, Avenger Crew Member Course, Advance Leader Course, Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) Qualification Course, Basic Leader Course, Military Police, Combat Life Saver Course, License Instructor/License Examiner Course. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. He is currently working towards his Baccalaureate Degree in General Studies. His awards and decorations include: Basic Space Badge, Driver and Mechanic badge with Driver-Wheeled Vehicles, Army Good Conduct Medal, PR English Proficiency Ribbon, 2 Army Commendation Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Noncommissioned Officers Proficiency Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/M Device, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon, and Army Service Ribbon.
Click here to view all the awardees from the 2022 Alaska Missile Defender of the Year Award Ceremony.
| 
