LCPL Andrew M. Santilli

In 2007 He deployed to the Al Anbar province of Iraq in a town called Al Rahwa. It was his first deployment and fresh out of A.I.T. (Advanced Infantry Training). He deployed with 7th Marines 3rd LAR Bn. Apache Co. 3rd Plt. His Platoon ran security patrols on the north end of the bridge, and the northwest side of the City. They had been in the city for about 3 and a half months before he was injured and Med Evacted from the city to the Military Hospital in Landstool, Germany. They were running a security patrol through the city at night time, just like they did every night. Things were a little more hectic because it was the Muslim Holiday of Rammadon. His Fireteam took sniper Fire from an unknown location. The shots were impacting within two feet of where they were set up and had no cover when A RPK machine gun open up on them. He dove over a wall that was thought to be only four feet high, when he realized it was a 10 Foot Drop on the other side. He landed on my arm with full combat load of about 300 plus lbs and severed every tendon and muscle in his arm and shoulder. He has had multiple reconstructive surgeries to repair his arm. He was never able to return to Active Duty due to his Injuries.

Sgt. Timothy Kathol

Sgt. Timothy Kathol (US Army - retired) served in two tours in Iraq as a reconnaissance scout and a gunner on a Humvee - 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armor Division. Sgt Kathol also received his 1st MEF (Marine Expeditionary Force) Patch – (orders attached below).

He was injured multiple times: he was knocked unconscious, suffered a concussion and bruising when a small IED exploded next to his truck; he was hit by two-more IED’s suffering a concussion each time, but not rendered unconscious.

In June of 2004, he was hit by a VBED -Vehicle Borne Explosive Devise (car bomb) - while on patrol in Sadr City, Iraq - one of the most dangerous and volatile regions in all of Iraq at the time - his vehicle had not been up-armored. Tim was thrown to the back of the jeep and suffered severe trauma to his lower back. He received minimal care while in theater and continued to serve until April of 2005. Tim is able to walk and move normally, but not without considerable pain and discomfort.

Tim was diagnosed with a TBI and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and was medically discharged from the Army.