By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Petty Officer 1st Class Jerahmeel Guillermo, a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is playing a critical role in supporting the U.S. Navy’s efforts to maintain a healthy and ready fighting force in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic.
As a logistics specialist working at Naval Health Clinic Annapolis, Maryland, Guillermo supports the Hospital Corps in the health of sailors in the Annapolis area, and by extension, the readiness of the Navy’s operational ships and submarines on which they serve.
“The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic brought an invisible enemy to our shores and changed the way we operate as a Navy,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “The fight against this virus is a tough one, but our sailors are tougher. We must harden our Navy by continuing to focus on the health and safety of our forces and our families. The health and safety of our sailors and their families is, and must continue to be, our number one priority.”
Guillermo is a 2012 Southeast High School graduate. According to Guillermo, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Oklahoma City.
“Growing up, I was taught to always see the bigger picture and to do the right thing,” Guillermo said. “Life sometimes calls you to see pass yourself, to be selfless.”
The U.S. Navy Hospital Corps is the most decorated career field in the Navy. Corpsmen have earned 22 Medals of Honor, 179 Navy Crosses, 959 Silver Stars and more than 1,600 Bronze Stars. 20 ships have been named in honor of corpsmen.
In its century of service, the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps has supported millions of sailors and Marines in wartime and peace around the world. As the years have progressed, technological innovations are transforming medical training for the next generation of hospital corpsmen, according to Navy officials.
“The Navy Hospital Corps is a proud and sacrificial group of individuals,” Guillermo said. “They consistently put others before themselves. Though I am not a corpsman, their legacy has definitely help shaped me today.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Guillermo as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition that dates back centuries. Their efforts, especially during this time of challenge brought on by the Coronavirus, will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who provide the Navy the nation needs.
“As a logistics specialist, I am ensuring that medical and dental has the supplies needed to treat patients and protect the providers,” Guillermo added. “It is humbling to know that my actions provides “oxygen” to the operation.”
