Army Ranger Sergeant Anibal Santiago

Sergeant Anibal Santiago, 37, of Belvidere, Illinois, was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, based at Fort Benning, Georgia. He died on July 18, 2010, at Bagram, Afghanistan, from injuries sustained the previous day in a high-altitude fall while conducting combat operations over mountainous terrain in Khowst Province. He received immediate medical treatment and was evacuated but succumbed to his injuries.

Born August 26, 1972, in Puerto Rico, SGT Santiago served in the U.S. Navy from 1991 to 1995 before becoming a police officer in Rockford, Illinois. He also earned a liberal arts degree from Elgin Community College. In October 2007, he enlisted in the Army, completed infantry and airborne training, and qualified as an Army Ranger. He served as a sniper and sniper team leader with the 75th Ranger Regiment. He was on his third deployment.

SGT Santiago was remembered as a dependable leader, skilled sniper, and dedicated family man. His service as a sailor, police officer, and Ranger reflected a lifelong commitment to protecting others.

SGT Santiago was survived by his wife and three children.