I am Navy Medicine: Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Carloconrado Limos

Photo By Douglas Stutz | Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Carloconrado Limos poses for a photo with the 14th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Steven Giordano (Photo courtesy of HM2 Limos).  

BREMERTON , WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES

05.24.2017

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Gretchen Albrecht 

Naval Hospital Bremerton/Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Bremerton

(As part of an ongoing series showcasing Naval Hospital Bremerton Navy Medicine doctors, nurses, hospital corpsmen and support staff and in conjunction with May being Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month recognition…)

Growing up in the Philippines, my grandfather, uncles and cousins all served in the Philippine military. Their professionalism, determination and selflessness inspired me to get to where I stand today.

When I immigrated to the United States I learned about the opportunities and benefits that the military had to offer. After graduating from West Milford High School in N.J., I decided I wanted be part of this great association so at the age of 22, I enlisted in the United States Navy as a hospital corpsman.

My first duty station was in Iwakuni, Japan, where I worked as the lead emergency medical technician. Part of my responsibilities was to instruct and aid in certifying other hospital corpsmen and Marines. Active duty corpsmen are the first responders to mend and care for all military, dependents, allied forces and civilians for the Marine Corp Air Station. Furthermore, as the assistant leading petty officer for the Family Medicine Clinic I enjoyed influencing my Sailors and being a part of their lives. It was an amazing opportunity to help maximize their talents and goals while ensuring the Navy’s mission was met to the highest standards.

Since working as a hospital corpsman became my passion, I decided to specialize as an advanced radiographer where I received follow on orders to Naval Hospital Bremerton.

From there I was sent as an Individual Augmentee to work as an advanced radiographer at the NATO Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, one of the busiest trauma centers in the world.

We performed countless numbers of x-ray examinations, emergency computed tomography scans, and assisted in numerous operating room cases which are all vital to the survivability of trauma and emergency casualties. While in country, I also worked as the radiation safety petty officer and trained all staff in proper self-protection as well as the basic knowledge of ionizing radiation. I also created a plan and tracker that improved emergency portable x-ray procedures and decreased the time by 67 percent.

I returned from Afghanistan in April and am currently performing x-rays, computed tomography and assisting in procedures at Naval Hospital Bremerton where we supports various ships, submarines, unit Sailors and their families.

I have started conducting radiology specific lessons to technologists to help improve their skills ensuring we are providing only the best care for our patients. Readiness is a major factor in ensuring mission success so I took up the responsibility of the watchbill coordinator for all assistant command fitness leaders at the same time serving as a team leader. We work together to ensure our shipmates are physically fit when called upon to serve.

With the help of the Navy I am currently enrolled in Vincennes University where I am working towards an associate’s degree in general studies which will open more opportunities up to me and enable me to continue contributing to the Navy’s success.

Nearly six years ago, without personal knowledge about the United States military, I took up a great challenge and became a United States Sailor.

I am humbled and honored that I could be a part of this great team where service members around the globe can synergize and complete shared missions and goals. The missed birthdays, holidays, graduations, and time can be hard, but I know that the sacrifices made are worth it knowing we took a pledge to defend and support the Constitution of the United States and to keep our families safe by bringing the battles away from home.

I am proud to serve.

I am Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Carloconrado Limos, and I am Navy Medicine.

Note – According to Chief of Naval Personnel, there are 24,743 Asian American and Pacific Islander Sailors currently serving in the Navy, including eight admirals, 659 master chief and senior chief petty officers and 318 officers. These Sailors represent more than 56 ethnic groups, speaking over 100 languages from Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Asian American and Pacific Islanders represent 11.7 percent of the Navy civilian workforce and 3.2 percent of Senior Executive Service members.

• Date Taken: 05.24.2017
• Date Posted: 05.24.2017 13:22
• Story ID: 235092
• Location: BREMERTON , WASHINGTON, US