Image courtesy: FacebookWhen friends and fellow troops visited Sgt. Jason Santora's Facebook page, they'd see a biography section pop up that revealed a lot in just a few short sentences. "I'm currently in the Army living in Georgia, but I'm a New Yorker at heart," it begins.
Sgt. Santora never lost his New York roots while training at Georgia's Fort Benning or deploying to Afghanistan and Iraq twice. He grew up in Farmingville, a popular Long Island suburb with a heavy Italian-American presence. While he didn't enjoy the winters ("I hate the cold," he wrote on his profile), Santora could often be seen jogging or lifting weights, as physical fitness was an important part of his life.
According to the Pentagon, Santora, 25, was killed in combat on Friday in Afghanistan's Logar province, alongside Sgt. Ronald Kubik, 21. The Unknown Soldiers will write more about Sgt. Kubik's life on Friday. Both soldiers were part of the Army's elite raid force, the 75th Ranger Regiment, which conducts dangerous special operations missions.
The Sachem Patch, which relays community news and tracks alumni of the local school district, obtained a quote from Sachem Superintendent James Nolan about Santora, who was already regarded as a hometown hero.
"I truly cannot think of anything worse than the tragic loss of a young life. It's just not supposed to be that way. I know that I can speak for the entire Sachem family when I say that Jason and his family are certainly in our thoughts and prayers. Jason is a true hero because he gave his life to help make the lives of others better."
Chris Vaccaro's article said the highly decorated Ranger was a mortar platoon ammunition bearer and rifle team leader. He is survived by his dad, mom, sister, and uncle, who all live at various spots on Long Island. Several family members traveled to Dover, Delaware, to see their loved one's flag-draped casket return home on Sunday.
Sgt. Jason Santora's Facebook biography ended with a polite offer.
"Anything else you want to know, just ask."
We wish we could. Rest in peace, brave soldier.
Sgt. Santora and Sgt. Kubik , Lead from the front. It is they, the fire team leaders who perished. Notice that even though they gave their lives, their Troops survived the day and engagement. Their sacrifice for thier men first, showed Why they were NCO's and how they were the Elite, the Best of the Best. We cannot continue to lose such promising contributors to our society and nation. Bless them Both.
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