Master Gunnery Sergeant Santana was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and enlisted in the Marine Corps in January of 2002. He graduated from 3d Recruit Training Battalion, MCRD, Parris Island, SC on 5 April 2002, as a Private. Following recruit training Private Santana attended Marine Combat Training aboard Camp Geiger, NC where he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Private First Class. Following Marine Combat training, PFC Santana reported to Marine Corps Combat Service Support School and was trained as a 3381 Food Service Specialist.
In June 2002 PFC Santana checked into 3dd Force Service Support Group, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Service Company, Okinawa, Japan for duty as a Food Service Specialist. While at 3d FSSG, PFC Santana was deployed to Operation Cobra Gold, Sámi Sang, Thailand where he served as ssistant head chef and was promoted to Lance Corporal.
In July 2003, LCpl Santana was assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 in Jacksonville, NC. In February 2004 LCpl Santana was individually augmented to Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 in Beaufort, SC, where he deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom. While stationed at Camp Ala Asad, LCpl Santana was promoted to the rank of Corporal. In January 2006 Santana was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to Headquarters and Service Battalion, Quantico, VA where he served as Quality Assurance Evaluator and Property Manager for all food service equipment.
In January 2008, Sgt Santana reported to the Basic Recruiter Course, Recruiter's School, MCRD, San Diego, CA. Upon graduation, Sgt Santana was ordered to Recruiting Station Orlando, FL where he served as an 8411-canvassing recruiter in Recruiting Sub-Station Altamonte Springs, FL.
In October 2009 while serving as a canvassing recruiter, Sgt Santana was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant and took over as Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of RSS Clearwater, FL. While serving as SNCOIC in RSS Clearwater, his unit was recognized as station of the year, and he was selected to become an 8412 Career Recruiter. In August 2011 Staff Sergeant Santana was transferred to RSS Temple Terrace where he served as SNCOIC of the largest populated area in RS Orlando until he received orders to become the Senior MEPS Liaison in Tampa, FL in October 2010. In April 2013 SSgt Santana was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant.
In May 2014, GySgt Santana was transferred to Recruiting Station Nashville, TN to be the Operation Chief. During his tenure he assisted with contracting 1,110 and shipping 889 future Marines. In April 2016, GySgt Santana was transferred to the Recruiting Instructor shop as an Assistant Recruiting Instructor. During this time he assisted the RI with recruiters and Station Commanders evaluation and station visits. In April 2014, GySgt Santana was transferred back to the operations section to help with continuity during section turnover. In September 2017, GySgt Santana was promoted to Master Sergeant.
In July 2018, MSgt Santana was transferred to Recruiting Station Charlotte, NC as the Operation Chief to help stand-up a new Recruiting Station. In May 2019, MSgt Santana was transfer to the RI shop as an Assistant Recruiting Instructor. During this time, he assisted the Recruiting Instructor with recruiters and Station Commanders Evaluation and station visits. In December 2021, MSgt Santana was promoted to Master Gunnery Sergeant. During his tenure as the Recruiting Instructor of RS Charlotte, he assisted with the contracting of 2,334 and shipping of 2,331 future Marines. RS Charlotte was also recognized as Station of the year for FY20 & FY21 from across the 6th Marine Corps District.
In July 2022, MGySgt Santana was transferred to Recruiting Station Cleveland to be the Recruiting Instructor, where he is currently serving.
Master Gunnery Sergeant Santana’s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with (1) gold star, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with (1) gold star, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and various unit awards.