Santiago Cisneros III - another type of victim of War

Santiago Cisneros III, age 32, died on March 4, 2013, in Portland, Oregon. 

He was shot and killed by Police Officers on a rooftop parking lot in northeast Portland. He had confronted the officers with a shotgun and had fired at them. 

He died at a hospital in Portland. No Police officers were injured in the incident. 

Santiago was an Army combat veteran who had served in Iraq. 

He stated in a public interview in 2009 that he was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and depression. He said that he had tried to commit suicide 8 months after leaving Iraq. He had received some treatment from the Veterans Administration. 

He said: "I fought a war back there in Iraq. I didn't know I was going to have to fight a war back here in the United States within myself." 

Santiago grew up in Idaho, had attended community colleges in Portland and Seattle, and most recently worked as a legal intern at a Seattle law firm. He joined the military after high school despite the objections of his parents. 

Saint Bernadette of
Lourdes, who said
"I am ground like a grain
of wheat", pray for
Santiago who was
also ground down.

His family stated that Santiago is an American war hero and veteran who served his country with pride. He is a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend. He is loved by many and he loved many.

Friends describe him as a caring young man and guitar player who loved music in high school. He was concerned about other people's feelings.

It has been reported that Santiago called his mother shortly before the shootout on the parking structure roof and said something like "I've got to go to a better place." 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has been around forever. Men committed suicide during and after the Civil War. Men in World War I, who had PTSD were called "shell shocked". Men in World War II, who had PTSD were said to have "Battle Fatigue". Whatever you call it, it is the same - a grinding depression that can eat you away, piece by piece.

Santiago may have had other issues affecting his mental health.  Going to a War Zone didn't help. 

Santiago is survived by many loving friends and relatives.  He will be forever missed. 

God help all soldiers who suffer as a result of doing their duty.  Amen. 

Let us pray that Santiago is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.