Bloom Grad Graduates from Navy Boot Camp

Chicago Heights native Santiago Guzman Jr. is beginning to embark on his lifelong dream to have a career in the military.

For four years, Guzman was part of the JROTC program at Bloom High School. By the time he got to senior year, he had risen to the rank of Commanding Officer and was responsible for over 150 cadets. 

Now, two years later, Guzman has hit another milestone after graduating from Navy bootcamp on Jan. 17.

“Both his father (and I) are extremely proud and honored to have our son serve our country,” Guzman’s mother, Juanita Balderas said. “We always knew this is what he wanted to do … we love and miss him, but his whole family us extremely proud!”

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