GROTON, Conn. - Petty Officer 1st Class Louis Roque, a native of Pueblo, Colorado, is playing a critical role in the U.S. Navy’s efforts to maintain a healthy and ready fighting force in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic.
As a hospital corpsman working at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit Groton, Connecticut, Roque’s skills are vital to maintaining the health of the sailors in the Groton 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.”
As part of the Navy medicine team, Roque protects sailors and their families, many of whom deploy around the world supporting national interests here at home.
“Knowing that this is a challenge that has never been faced before by the Hospital Corps is inspiring,” Roque said. “Despite the frustrations, the uncertainty and the hardships created by this pandemic, it's encouraging to know that all around the world in every continent there's a hospital corpsman taking on the challenges of Coronavirus.”
Roque is a 2005 Pueblo West High School graduate. According to Roque, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pueblo.
“Growing up in my hometown I learned the importance of hard-work and dedication, with an emphasis on family,” Roque said. “Having these values established in my upbringing has not only helped me with my military career thus far, but also helped me remember why every single thing that we do during this global pandemic is vital. The hard work and dedication of the care we deliver to our patients and to ourselves, helps keep our military family and our own families strong and pushing forward.”
U.S. Navy Medicine is the most decorated career field in the Navy. Navy Hospital Corpsmen have earned 22 Medals of Honor, 179 Navy Crosses, 959 Silver Stars and more than 1,600 Bronze Stars. Twenty 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 legacy and rich history of the Hospital Corps instills the willingness in me to push forward because what we do now will one day be added to that very same rich history,” Roque said.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Roque, 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.
“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.”
As part of the Navy medicine team, Roque protects sailors and their families, many of whom deploy around the world supporting national interests here at home.
“Knowing that this is a challenge that has never been faced before by the Hospital Corps is inspiring,” Roque said. “Despite the frustrations, the uncertainty and the hardships created by this pandemic, it's encouraging to know that all around the world in every continent there's a hospital corpsman taking on the challenges of Coronavirus.”
Roque is a 2005 Pueblo West High School graduate. According to Roque, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pueblo.
“Growing up in my hometown I learned the importance of hard-work and dedication, with an emphasis on family,” Roque said. “Having these values established in my upbringing has not only helped me with my military career thus far, but also helped me remember why every single thing that we do during this global pandemic is vital. The hard work and dedication of the care we deliver to our patients and to ourselves, helps keep our military family and our own families strong and pushing forward.”
U.S. Navy Medicine is the most decorated career field in the Navy. Navy Hospital Corpsmen have earned 22 Medals of Honor, 179 Navy Crosses, 959 Silver Stars and more than 1,600 Bronze Stars. Twenty 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 legacy and rich history of the Hospital Corps instills the willingness in me to push forward because what we do now will one day be added to that very same rich history,” Roque said.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Roque, 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.