Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Orange County) and the California State Assembly honored Santiago Bravo of the United States Army as Veteran of the Year for Assembly District 65. Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva recognized the Orange County veteran for his service in the United States Army, and his many commitments to the nation. After the tragedy of the 9/11/2001 terrorist attacks in New York, Santiago Bravo joined the U.S. Army in an effort to serve and support our country.
“I am honored to be the 65th Assembly District Veteran of the Year for our communities, our service members, and this great nation,” said Bravo.
“Santiago Bravo served with honor and distinction, and continues to go above and beyond with his dedication to serving the people of our Orange County community, and this great nation,” said Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva. “Through his involvement in various local organizations, he has committed his life to helping others. This is why he deserves to be honored, and this is why I am happy to have him as a valued community resource, and as a friend.”
Bravo served in the U.S. Army from 2003-2007, and earned the following honors: National Defense Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Iraqi Campaign Ribbon, and Presidential Unit Citation. During his service, he took part in the Global War on Terrorism—being deployed on two separate occasions. While deployed with the 4th Infantry Division, his Battalion took part in Operation Red Dawn, which led to the capture if Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. After leaving the military, Bravo created the nonprofit “The Sgt. Bravo Foundation.” The foundation is committed to fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and traumatic brain injuries through activities such as Veteran’s Barbeques, Fishing for Therapy, and Soup for Troops. He is a member of American Legion Post 291 in Newport Beach.
