Iván Castro

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.

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 many sports running competitions. After four years of university, Castro joined the US Army. He later trained to become an officer. He was blinded during combat in Iraq; while serving in 2006.

 Marathons 
Castro is still active as a sportsman even after recovering from debilitating injuries during his army service. He previously trained with Major Phil Young, who was his leader in the United States Army Special Forces. The audiences often encourage Castro for his determination. He now trains with Lieutenant Colonel Fred Dummar, who is his Battalion Commander. Together Castro and Dummar have completed several marathons.

 Awards 
Castro has earned many awards. Some of them are as follows:
Medals and Awards
 60px  Purple Heart
 60px  Meritorious Service Medal
 60px  Joint Services Commendation Medal
 60px  Army Commendation Medal
 60px  Army Achievement Medal
 60px  Army Good Conduct Ribbon
 60px  National Defense Service Medal
 60px  Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
 60px  Southwest Asia Service Medal
 60px  Kosovo Campaign Medal
 60px  Afghanistan Campaign Medal
 60px  Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
 60px  Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
 60px  Army Overseas Service Ribbon
 60px  Non-Commissioned Officer Development Ribbon
 60px  Army Service Ribbon
 60px  NATO Medal
 60px (soldier)|60px  Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabian)
 60px  Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)

 60px|  Presidential Unit Citation
 60px  Joint Meritorious Unit Award
 60px  Meritorious Unit Citation
 60px  Valorous Unit Citation

Badges
 80px  Combat Infantryman Badge with Star
 80px  Expert Infantryman Badge
 60px  Master parachutist badge
 60px  Pathfinder Badge
 60px  Air Assault Badge
 60px  Military Freefall Parachutist Badge
 60px  Drill Sergeant Identification Badge
Foreign badges
 80px  German Parachutist Badge
 Dutch Parachutist Badge
 Columbian Jumpmaster Badge
Tabs
 100px  Special Forces Tab
 100px  Ranger tab
 100px Army Special Forces

References

Category:1967 births
Category:Living people
Category:Military people from New Jersey
Category:Purple Heart recipients
Category:People from Hoboken, New Jersey
Category:Blind people