Pinoy in US Navy among nominees for Naval Medical Forces Pacific 2021 award

A Filipino serving in the US Navy became one of the nominees for the Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP) 2021 award.

Petty Officer 1st Class Sonny Pau Soriano who works as a hospital corpsman at NMRTC Bremerton was among the 13 finalists nominated for the award out of the 548 class petty officer billets across the 13 different NMFP commands, according to the Navy Office of Community Outreach of the US Navy.

His fellow finalists represented NMFP commands located from Maryland to Okinawa, Japan.

Soriano, who admitted to having no military background, joined the US Navy 10 years ago, according to a blog post of the Navy Office of Community Outreach.

He recalled that in his first job as a medical representative for a pharmaceutical company in the Philippines, he was able to connect with patients and doctors through breakthrough medications and serve the community.

“Those opportunities started my passion to help people. Once I got to the United States, I made my ultimate goal to be able to serve a greater purpose for my family and the community,” Soriano said, stressing that his favorite part of his job as a corpsman is the ability to help people.

“Although ancillary services do not directly treat patients, the opportunity to listen to their stories, empathize with them and treat them with dignity and respect makes them feel good of who they are and helps them with their situation,” he added.

NMFP announced the 2022 NMFP Senior Sailor of the Year during a ceremony at the Naval Base San Diego on April 13.

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class David Lay, with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Pearl Harbor, was named as this year’s winner.

For Soriano, he said there are many opportunities for sailors like him to earn recognition in their command.

He said serving in the Navy means he is part of a team that is taking on new importance in the United States’ focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances, and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

"The Navy contributes to national defense by protecting our national interests, the country and the people through our unique capabilities on land, sea and air,” Soriano said.

“Serving in the Navy for me means protecting the nation, the community and the people [I] love,” he added.

Growing up in San Jose, Soriano graduated high school in 1999. Today, he relies upon skills and values similar to those found in San Jose to succeed in the military.

"Being in my hometown during my time in the Navy helped me be more resilient and able to adapt to situations that are not always favorable for me and my family," he said. “These lessons pushed me to work harder, dream bigger and believe that there is nothing impossible if you put in the work.”

Soriano then thanked his officers and peers for the guidance and inspiration they gave him. He also expressed gratitude to the junior sailors he works with and takes on challenges with him. —Giselle Ombay/KG, GMA News