Comments on: A sad chapter closes

By: Brad Stratton

Brad Stratton — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 13:51:46 +0000

I will be flying my flag outside my home at half mast tomorrow im memory of a fellow CPO that has touch the hearts of so many. Chief Santiago you will always be remembered for your courage and bravery through troubled seas.

By: Patsy Hernandez

Patsy Hernandez — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 00:26:41 +0000

Cookie & Chico, I am barely finding out about your son Diego. I am so sorry to hear of his battle with cancer. It amazes me to no end to hear of your strength and courage as you helped him with this illness. Know that my prayers are with you all and that even though I have not seen you all in about 12 years, … you remain in my heart and in my memory of my four years in Jacksonville. How I wish I could’ve met your little sailor! If he is anything at all like your 3 girls…. well, what a doll!
Take care my sweet friends and God bless you as the one year mark is coming close.
Patsy Hernandez

ps: Cookie, it’s me, Patsy (I used to be Murillo, do you remember me?)Anyway, love you girl!

By: Keelhauler

Keelhauler — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 02:39:05 +0000

I found your website by accident but I thank Almighty God for coming across it. My heart goes out to HMC Santiago and his family. I shared this page with my Chief who I know will pour it out acroos the entire Chief’s Mess. I believe this story should be shared by as many as possible. May young Chief santiago Rest in eternal peace with the Holy Father on high!!!

By: Cookie Santiago

Cookie Santiago — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 04:45:19 +0000

PS Just wanted to mention that Diego was only five…but the article written about the visit with MCPON Scott said he was seven. He certainly was wise beyond his years.

By: Cookie Santiago

Cookie Santiago — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 04:43:52 +0000

I’d like to share part of SECNAV Winters’ talking points in his speech at the Chief Pinning Ceremony in Washington on Sept. 15:

By: Cookie Santiago

Cookie Santiago — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 04:43:52 +0000

I’d like to share part of SECNAV Winters’ talking points in his speech at the Chief Pinning Ceremony in Washington on Sept. 15:

• I leave you with four worthy goals that I urge you to strive for as you continue your careers as Chief Petty Officers in the United States Navy

• May you be Sailors of commitment like Master Chief Carl Brashear, recently deceased Navy diver and hero, and portrayed in the recent movie, “Men of Honor”

• May you be Sailors of faith like 7 year-old Diego Santiago, a child who recently died of lung cancer whose one wish in life was to be a Navy chief so could be, in his words, “just like my dad.” He was made an honorary chief last March before his illness took him last month

• May you be Sailors of courage like Chief Darga, EOD specialist and hero, killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq on August 22nd. Chief Darga was on his fourth Middle East tour when he was killed

• And may you be Sailors of honor like the countless Navy chiefs in the fleet today whose character serves as an example to those younger Sailors who follow in their footsteps

• Thank you, every one of you, for your service and your patriotism

As the mother of Chief Diego Santiago, I find comfort and encouragement in knowing that he is still recognized as one of the Navy’s finest! He’d be so pleased.