By Megan Lemly, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. — Erdoo Kuhwa, a native of Houston, Texas, was recently meritoriously advanced to petty officer third class while serving with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Bethesda. Additionally, Kuhwa was recognized as Sailor of the Quarter.
The Meritorious Advancement Program is used to recognize and promote the most dedicated sailors. Sailor of the Quarter recognizes sailors who demonstrate sustained superior performance, leadership and professionalism.
"These recognitions affirm that my dedication, hard work and integrity are noticed and valued," Kuhwa said. "They serve as motivation to continue leading by example, supporting fellow sailors, growing personally and professionally, and making my leadership proud."
Kuhwa received these awards based on consistent performance as a general duty corpsman, leadership roles in the Junior Enlisted Association, and for contributing to command collaterals with the Medical Evaluation Treatment Team and NMRTC Color Guard.
Kuhwa graduated from ECWA Secondary School in Nigeria in 2007. Additionally, Kuhwa graduated from the University of Houston-Clear Lake in 2017.
Kuhwa has served in the Navy for two years.
"As the first immigrant in my family, I joined the Navy seeking camaraderie and a sense of belonging," Kuhwa said. "I also heard the Navy was like a family, and I wanted to be a part of that. Additionally, I wanted to challenge myself, gain experiences that would strengthen my discipline and leadership, and serve this great nation that has given me so many opportunities for a better life."
Today, Kuhwa serves as a hospital corpsman.
"Even though the routine can be familiar, no two days are ever the same," Kuhwa said. "As a hospital corpsman, the best part is being able to make patients feel seen, heard and genuinely cared for. That's what makes the work meaningful every day."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found during Kuhwa's upbringing.
"Growing up, resilience and faith were instilled in me early on," Kuhwa said. "No matter where I am or what's happening around me, I remember who I am, where I came from, and the person I am striving to become."
NMRTC Bethesda’s mission is to maximize warfighter performance through optimized medical readiness tailored to operational requirements, enhance the readiness of the medical force to sustain expeditionary medical capability, and train and develop the Navy Medicine Force.
According to Navy officials, NMRTC’s mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high-quality healthcare services, and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research.
Navy Medicine — represented by more than 44,000 highly trained military and civilian healthcare professionals — provides enduring expeditionary medical support to the warfighter on, below and above the sea, and ashore.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
“America is a maritime nation, and for 250 years, America’s warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom,” Navy officials said.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on secure undersea fiber optic cables, Navy leaders emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the fabric of America.
Kuhwa serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
"It's a wonderful feeling knowing that my little, everyday contributions are part of something bigger than me and make a difference in the Navy's mission," Kuhwa added. "Serving also means embodying our values of honor, courage and commitment daily, while holding myself to the highest standards of integrity and accountability as I continue striving to become the best version of myself.
"I joined the Navy in my 30s- later than most, but I didn't let that hold me back. I trained my body and mind to be ready to meet and exceed every challenge head-on. I hope my journey can inspire others who think it's too late to start something new; it's never too late to rise to the occasion."