My name is Roberto Santiago. I was born in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, raised in NY city. I’ve been a soldier in the US military since May 2002. I am kind of a huge nerd, of D&D, Star Wars and almost anything fantasy related. I love going to movies and watching movies, will watch almost anything if it is recommended, or not recommended.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married to Michelle Cruz-Santiago, and we have to young children, Mariana E Santiago, 3 and Roberto J Santiago, 2.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been a UH60 Blackhawk Mechanic for the US ARMY since May 2002, and I have loved every minute of it. The people I have met and the friends I have made in the military is one of the best parts of the job.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
The wife and I really enjoy going to Sammy’s Pancake House, it’s a sweet little diner style restaurant with great service and friendly faces, and the food is great.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
12-14 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Jonathan and Ronnie Woods, does a couple count? My wife and I met them through Small Groups in our church and we have become close friends with them and their family.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
France and Germany, I am a huge WWII History buff, and would love to see as much of that area as possible.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Does it have to be one? The first three Lord of the Rings, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, to name a few. As for TV, Band of Brothers and Game of Thrones of course.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Love each other, and accept the fact that we are all different, and then love those differences, because that is how God made us.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To see the Holy lands and walk the path Jesus and the Apostles walked.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
The Rolling Stones.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Enchantment Alley.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Tom Hanks, he is one of my favorite actors, and I think it would be a great conversation, and I would take him to Sammy’s of course.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The parks, I love taking my kids out and running and playing with them.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see my little family growing and thriving in Champaign and maybe I have a job that doesn’t keep me away as much.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
If I have watched a movie I can probably recall it at a moments notice, and know random facts about it for no good reason.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The wilds of Alaska.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
May because I love the spring, 4th of July because I love grilling, and October 31st because I loved getting dressed up for Halloween.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Honda vehicles, they are easy to work om and are reliable. I once owned a Honda accord that I drove down from Fairbanks AK.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife and kids.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
The smell of my mother’s ox tail stew is something that will ALWAYS make my mouth water.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Love, and Security.
