Walking in Memory of Reuben Paul Santos, Iraq War Veteran

Out Of The Darkness Community Walk
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Lake Merced, San Francisco

The Veterans Media Center of San Francsico honors
the memory of Reuben Paul “Chip” Santos, Iraq War Veteran.

Video: Ellison Horne Veterans Media Center of San Francisco*

“Reuben was Warm Springs/Yakima/Filipino/White and a member of the Warm Springs Tribe of Oregon. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area, Reuben was a creative writing major at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM. His intelligence, political and literary insight, wit, humor, love of nature and computer games speak of his paradoxical personality. A decorated Army veteran for service from 2000-2003 includes a National Defense Medal for service in Iraq. Reuben lived with dignity and integrity and struggled to survive war yet sadly succumbed to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder on October 16, 2009 at the age of 27.”

A portion of Reuben’s obituary:

“Reuben Paul “Chip” Santos…Decorated Army veteran 2000-2008, NATO medals for service in Kosovo, Kuwait, Jordan; National Defense Medal for service in Iraq. Gone too soon, the cherished son of Ruben and Paula, and Grandson of Lena Santos. Loving brother of Donovan, Brandon, Ian and Kierin Santos. Brother- in-law of Makani and proud uncle of Sedona Santos. Adored nephew and admired cousin to so many. He will be missed dearly by Waci, Chloe, Mike, Issac, Jasmine and a multitude of others. Member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, a creative writing major at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, Published Writer 2008, screenwriter of “Game of Champions” 2008, actor in other IAIA films. His intelligence, political and literary insight, wit, humor, love of nature and computer games speak of his paradoxical personality. His beautiful smile and hugs have touched us deeply and he will remain in our hearts forever.”

Reuben and Santos family video by Ian Santos Out of the Darkness Out of the Darkness Community Walks benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the leading national notprofit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide. To learn more about AFSP’s mission, research and programs visit http://www.afsp.org

Veterans Crisis Line In 2011, the National Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline was renamed the Veterans Crisis Line to encourage Veterans and their families and friends to make the call. People who know a Veteran best may be the first to recognize emotional distress and reach out for support when issues reach a crisis point—and well before a Veteran is at risk of suicide.

To make sure all Veterans and their loved ones are aware of the Veterans Crisis Line the Veterans Administrationis coordinating with communities and partners nationwide to let Veterans and their loved ones know that support is available whenever, if ever, they need it.

* Video produced by: Ellison Horne co-founder and Project Coordinator, Veterans Media Center of San Francisco (VMCSF). A project of the American Legion, Post 315 and Veterans For Peace, Chap. 69