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Young cancer patient gets wish to be like his Navy chief father

...In January, his doctors gave him three weeks to live, his mother said.His family — mom, dad and sisters Brandi, Ali and Samara — plus others have worked to make as many of Diego’s wishes come true as they can.

Becoming a chief petty officer was the ultimate, Jesus Santiago, said.

“This is his wish come true,” he said after the ceremony.

“He’s always wanted to emulate me, and he has finally gotten his wish.

That means more to me than his weight in gold.”Chief Hospital Corpsman Charles Clements, a coworker of Santiago’s and the man who organized Thursday’s event, had never met Diego until the pinning ceremony.

Before it could happen, Clements had to get the permission of Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Perry D.

Scott.

“I knew that Diego has grown up thinking he is in the Navy all of his life,” Clements said.

“Becoming a chief was just the next step.

To my knowledge it’s never been done before.

There have been honorary chiefs, but they have all been adults.”Meeting hurdlesClements calls Diego and his parents to the front.

His mother and father stand by their son’s side as Clements begins.“Today Chief Select Santiago is joining a proud and strong, 113-year-old tradition of chief petty officer leadership in our Navy,” Clements says.

“We are proud to welcome him to our ranks.” Jesus and Cookie Santiago take turns pinning the golden anchors on the lape...