Boston Mayor Marty Walsh yesterday appointed Robert Santiago commissioner of veterans’ services for the city. Santiago, who has served as deputy commissioner since 2016, becomes the city’s first Puerto Rican, gay person to helm the department.
“I am proud to name Robert as the next Commissioner of Veterans’ Services, taking on an important role by making sure veterans in our city are well-supported and know that their service to our country will always be appreciated,” Walsh said in a statement issued with yesterday’s announcement. “Robert has proudly served our nation, and has shown through his work over the last three years that his commitment to serving our veterans in Boston is unwavering.”
Reports the Boston Globe:
Santiago was in the military for 20 years, during which he served on four warships and went on tours of duty in Belgium, Puerto Rico, Panama, and Japan. He was apart of Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Eastern Exit, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.
His last duty was on the USS Constitution before he retired in 2008, the mayor’s office said.
Santiago is on the executive board of the Massachusetts Veterans Services Officer Association. He is also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion, as well as a member of the leadership team for Boston’s Home of the Brave, an initiative to end veteran homelessness. He currently lives in Jamaica Plain with his husband, Robert Torres.
“I am grateful to Mayor Walsh for this opportunity to serve the veterans of Boston,” Santiago said in a statement. “I remain dedicated to promoting the Mayor’s agenda to serving all veterans no matter the zip code, status, or orientation.”
