A Soldier's Heart, A Servant's Mission

My Heart is for Veterans

Hi, I'm Juan Santos - Army Veteran, community servant, and passionate advocate for those who have served our country.  My heart is for Veterans because I am one.

I was born and raised in Gardena, California, and in 2003, I made one of the most important decisions of my life - I enlisted in the United States Army.  I had no idea at the time just how much that decision would shape who I am today.

During my five and a half years in the Army, I was deployed to Kuwait and Iraq.  I faced life-or-death situations that tested every part of me - physically, mentally, and emotionally.  One moment that will forever stay with me was helping deliver life-saving treatment to a young Iraqi boy. That experience reminded me that service isn't just about defending freedom - it's about protecting life, dignity, and hope, even in the hardest places.

After the fall of Saddam Hussein, I worked closely with local forces to help train the new Iraqi Army.  It wasn't just military work - it was about rebuilding, creating stability, and investing in people's futures.

But my own future took an unexpected turn.  Due to injuries and a life-altering condition, I made the difficult decision to separate from the Army in 2008.  I could have walked away from a life of service right then and there - but serving others is in my DNA.

When I came home, I immediately began volunteering with the American Red Cross at the Long Beach VA Hospital.  I spent years supporting Veterans, listening to their stories, and helping them navigate life after service.  I realized quickly how many Veterans feel lost or overlooked once the uniform comes off - and I knew that I wanted to be an integral part of powerful change in their lives.

Today, I have the honor of serving as the President of the Riverside Chapter of the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP).  Our mission is simple - serve Veterans and their families by educating them, connecting them to resources, and helping them achieve homeownership and financial security.

Our chapter is new and I'm incredibly proud of what we're building.  Alongside a passionate team of fellow chapter leaders, we're committed to making a real impact in the lives of Veterans throughout Riverside, Long Beach, Gardena, Chino Hills, and beyond.

My service didn't end when I hung up my uniform - it just evolved.

Helping Veterans isn't just my job - it's my purpose. And I'm just getting started.

Because Everyone Deserves a Place to Call Home

Serving Those Who Served – One Home at a Time

For a Veteran, home isn't just four walls and a roof.  It's peace after the storm, comfort after the chaos, and proof that after everything you've sacrificed, you finally have a place that gives back.  The cost of your service isn't measured only in the time spent defending your country.  It's measured in the moments missed, in the memories put on hold and in the sacrifices made far from those you love.  And after all the sacrifices are through, there's no greater feeling than just coming home.

When I bought my first home, it wasn't a mansion or some big flashy purchase.  It was a modest home, but it meant everything to me.  After all I had lived through - deployments, injuries, uncertainty - holding those keys in my hand felt like victory.  It felt like I had finally found peace.

That feeling stuck with me and became the roadmap for my journey into real estate.  Today, I'm proud to be a Realtor with Coldwell Banker, helping Veterans, first-time homebuyers and families experience the same pride of ownership.  And I'm not here to just open doors, but to walk alongside you every step of the way.

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