Iván Castro
Captain Iván Castro[1] (born 1967)[2] is a U.S. Army officer who did not leave the Special Forces after becoming blind. He is one of three blind officers who currently serve in the U.S. Army and the only blind officer in the United States Army Special Forces.[3] Castro believes in helping wounded fighters return to a normal life, and has talked to Congress about this. He takes part in marathons and other races.
| Iván Castro | |
|---|---|
 Captain Iván Castro | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1988-present |
| Rank |  - Captain |
| Unit | Special forces |
| Battles/wars | Operations Desert Storm and others |
| Awards | Purple Heart Meritorious Service Medal Army Commendation Medal |
Early years change
Castro was born in Hoboken, New Jersey. His parents were from Puerto Rico.[2] In 1979, when he was 12 years old, he moved to Puerto Rico with his mother.[2][4] After finishing military training, Castro went to university in Puerto Rico. While he was a student he went to many sports running competitions. After four years of university, Castro joined the US Army. He later trained to become an officer.[5] He was blinded during combat in Iraq; while serving in 2006.
Marathons change
Castro is still active as a sportsman even after recovering from debilitating injuries during his army service. He previously trained with Major Phil Young, who was his leader in the United States Army Special Forces. The audiences often encourage Castro for his determination.[6] He now trains with Lieutenant Colonel Fred Dummar, who is his Battalion Commander. Together Castro and Dummar have completed several marathons.
Awards change
Castro has earned many awards. Some of them are as follows:
- Medals and Awards
Purple Heart
Meritorious Service Medal
Joint Services Commendation Medal
Army Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Army Good Conduct Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Southwest Asia Service Medal
Kosovo Campaign Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
Non-Commissioned Officer Development Ribbon
Army Service Ribbon
NATO Medal
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabian)
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)
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Presidential Unit Citation
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Meritorious Unit Citation
Valorous Unit Citation
- Badges
Combat Infantryman Badge with Star
Expert Infantryman Badge
Master parachutist badge
Pathfinder Badge
Air Assault Badge
Military Freefall Parachutist Badge
Drill Sergeant Identification Badge
- Foreign badges
German Parachutist Badge- Dutch Parachutist Badge
- Columbian Jumpmaster Badge
- Tabs
Special Forces Tab
Ranger tab
Army Special Forces
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References change
- ↑ "Soldado ciego Hispano sirve en unidad de elite de EEUU" (in Spanish). Puerto Rico: Terra Puerto Rico. July 2, 2010. Retrieved November 4, 2010.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Nordlinger, Jay (2009-02-09). "Captain Extraordinary". 61 (2). National Review: 16–17.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ↑ "Special Forces Soldier, Blinded in Battle, Determined to Keep Serving". Fox News. Associated Press. June 30, 2008. Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ Zoroya, Gregg (November 13, 2007). "Blinded by war: Injuries send troops into darkness". USA Today. Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ Brackett, Charmain Z. "Hispanic Heritage Program". The Signal. Fort Gordon, Georgia. Archived from the original on January 23, 2013. Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ "Welcome Home — CPT Ivan Castro". Patriot Guard Riders. September 2008. Archived from the original on April 15, 2013. Retrieved December 3, 2008.