
Iván Castro facts for kids
Iván Castro | |
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![]() Captain Iván Castro
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Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/branch | ![]() |
Years of service | 1988-present |
Rank | ![]() |
Unit | Special forces |
Battles/wars | Operations Desert Storm and others |
Awards | Purple Heart Meritorious Service Medal Army Commendation Medal |
Captain Iván Castro (born 1967) 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. 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.
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Early years
Castro was born in Hoboken, New Jersey. His parents were from Puerto Rico. In 1979, when he was 12 years old, he moved to Puerto Rico with his mother. After finishing military training, Castro went to university in Puerto Rico. While he was a student he went to lots of sports running competitions. After four years of university, Castro joined the US Army. He later trained to become an officer. He was blinded in combat in Iraq in 2006.
Marathons
Castro is still active as a sportsman. He used to train with Major Phil Young, who was his leader in the Special Forces, and has done lots of races. The audiences often encourage him for his determination. He now trains with LT. Colonel Fred Dummar, who is his Battalion Commander. Together they have completed several marathons.
Awards
Castro has received lots of awards. Some of them are:
- 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)
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
- Tabs
Images for kids
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Dr. Jill Biden joins U.S. Army Capt. Iván Castro (right) and his guide Richard Kirby (left), 2014
