Army Reservist Sam Santiago '16 creates tribute video for veterans

‌"Thank you for your service."

It's a phrase veterans and members of the military hear often. But Samantha Santiago '16 wants to know: When people say it, what do they really mean?

Santiago is a sociology major and dance and Hispanic studies double minor. She is also a military police officer in the Army Reserves, and the only currently serving member of the military among Connecticut College’s student body.

"I'll be walking across campus or in the dining hall in my uniform, and people will thank me for my service. I never know quite how to respond—'You're welcome' doesn’t seem to fit," Santiago said. "I started wondering what people were really thanking me for."

Santiago gave students, staff and faculty the opportunity to honor those who have served by recording them in a special video message that she hopes to share with the USO and Veterans Administration. 

"I wanted the campus community to really consider the sacrifices made every day and what it means for their lives today," Santiago said. "I wanted to go past the standard 'Thank you for your service.'"