Faith, Integrity, and Patriotism:
The Inspiring Journey of Carmen Nizzi Santiago
Carmen Nizzi Santiago’s journey from a small housing development in rural Iowa to a distinguished military career is a testament to the power of faith, hard work, and dedication. As a first generation Italian-American, Carmen’s story is deeply rooted in the values instilled by her working-class parents and the spiritual guidance she received from The Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi.
Carmen grew up in the Granger Homesteads. It was a 1930s New Deal Subsistence Homestead project, created to provide part-time workers low-cost homes and three to five acres of land to raise food and enable them–initially almost entirely coal miners–to improve their standard of living. After WWII, her father left coal mining to build tires at the Des Moines Firestone plant, while her mother remained a devoted homemaker. The close-knit community and strong work ethic of her parents left a lasting impression on Carmen, shaping her into the person she would become.
Franciscan Spirit in Rural Iowa
The spiritual foundation of Carmen’s early life was closely tied to Assumption Catholic Church in Granger, Iowa. Although she never met Monsignor Luigi Gino Ligutti, long-time executive director of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference, his influence permeated the community as he was the one who drove development of the Granger Homesteads and was a long-time pastor of Assumption Catholic Church. Carmen attended the parish school, where she first encountered our Sisters. Their dedication to education and spirituality profoundly impacted her, guiding her values and aspirations.
After graduating from Assumption High School in 1966, Carmen joined The Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi as a postulant and novice. However, after three years, she realized she was not ready to take her vows and decided to leave. She continued her education at Cardinal Stritch University, earning a bachelor's degree in history with minors in secondary education and Spanish in 1971.
Expanding the Role and Impact of Women
Carmen’s desire to make a meaningful impact led her to a remarkable career in the U.S. Army. When she first joined, women were only allowed to serve in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) or medical-related jobs. Two years later, the Army began a five-year process that allowed women to enter college ROTC programs and the military academies, integrated women into many other Army jobs, and abolished the WAC. Carmen was among the first lieutenants to transfer from the WAC to the Quartermaster Corps, and played a pivotal role in expanding the logistics capacity of the WAC Training Center to support the Army’s planned increase of women from 12, 000 to 55,000 within 10 years. Carmen retired as a lieutenant colonel after a distinguished 21-year career, marked by numerous leadership and service opportunities and honors, including a Legion of Merit, numerous Meritorious Service, Army Commendation, and National Defense Service medals, and West Germany’s Cross of Honor (Silver).
Carmen met her husband, Juan Santiago, while both were stationed in Japan. Born in Puerto Rico, Juan served 22 years in the Army, including five in Vietnam primarily as an infantryman and Huey door gunner. He retired as a sergeant first class, having earned many honors, including two Purple Hearts.
Honoring the Women Who Inspired Her Path In 1999, after retiring and battling breast cancer, Carmen reconnected with the values instilled in her by the Sisters. This period reflection led her to become a generous supporter of the Sisters. “I am grateful for what they have done for me, and I am showing my appreciation in a way that I hope will benefit them now,” Carmen explained.
Today, Carmen and Juan (who will celebrate their 49th wedding anniversary in December 2024) volunteer to support future military leaders and stay active in their community in Florida.
Carmen’s life is a testament to the enduring power of faith, service, and gratitude. Her generous support of the Sisters reflects the profound impact they had on her life—a life dedicated to service and unwavering commitment to the values she holds dear.