Marine Cpl. Dave Michael M. Santos’ body will be flown from Dover, Delaware next week and is scheduled to arrive on Guam at 1 a.m. local time, according to the late corporal’s auntie, Rep. Teresita A. Santos, Ind.-Rota.
From Guam, the remains will be brought to Rota where CNMI government officials are expected to join the families and relatives in a Mass.
Cpl. Santos, who was awarded with National Defense service and global war on terrorism medals, was stabbed by a fellow U.S. servicemember. The case is under investigation.
Rep. Santos has introduced a House Commemorative Resolution conveying condolence and sympathy to the family of the late corporal who was 21 when he passed away.
It was his second deployment to Afghanistan since he joined the U.S. military in 2007. His first deployment was in 2008 as member of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
“Cpl. Santos’ courage, determination and undying will to fight for the freedom of his country and its people will forever be remembered by the people of the CNMI, most especially the people of his beloved home, Rota,” the resolution stated.
The Marine will always be remembered by his family, colleagues, friends and acquaintances as “a hard-working man, a dedicated member of the armed forces and, most importantly, a great person,” the resolution added.
