MARI GERONIMO

Specialist, U.S. Army
Bachelor’s Degree in Health Information Technology at California College

While conducting a deployment training, Mari was hit in the head by a large steel pipe causing a severe concussion. She did not want her injury to hold her back, so she deployed to Iraq later that same month. During that deployment — just two days after President Obama announced the death of Osama Bin Laden — Mari was diagnosed with severe post-traumatic stress disorder.

Mari earned her bachelor’s degree in health information technology at California College. Like a lot of wounded veterans, she is hoping to serve her community.

Mari has two sons who are also part of her motivation to pursue her dreams.

Santiago’s goal is to leverage his military experience and education into a leadership role for the veteran community. He continues to serve his nation in the Army Reserves as a Senior Instructor in the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy helping train the Army’s next generation of leaders. He also volunteers for several veteran service organizations and is a devoted husband and father of three children.