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    “I am a Fighter”

    SAN DIEGO , CA, UNITED STATES

    02.05.2018

    Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Travis Alston 

    Navy Region Southwest

    “This battle has been very challenging but I am very thankful for unit leadership and Shipmates for rallying behind since my diagnoses and for assisting with the process of getting my mother here from the Philippines, to be with me. It has made this fight easier but we still have a long way to go.”
    Heart-felt words from Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Fortunato Villaflore Guinto, when asked what inspires him to not surrender to his fight with terminal liver cancer.
    Guinto, a Vallejo, California native, originally from Bulacan, Philippines, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in April 14, 2010.
    “I was inspired by two of my brothers who joined the U.S. Army, said Guinto. “I chose the U.S. Navy Reserves to ensure myself that the military was for me. I decided to remain in the Reserves instead of active duty because I enjoy working at the Department of Veterans Affairs, which allowed me to get the best of both worlds.”
    After graduating from Recruit training Command Great Lakes, he attended Hospital Corpsman "A" School in Great Lakes, Illinois. Upon completion, he was selected to attend Field Marine Force Training (FMF) to earn the NEC 8404, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He graduated from the course in January 2011.
    “Completing FMF course was one of my biggest accomplishments,” said Guinto. “I really enjoyed the course. It was challenging to balance learning more about my rating while caring for Marines in the field. All of us were challenged, physical and mentally, the moment we reported to the course.”
    After completing FMF school he reported to Expeditionary Medical Facility Detachment Tango but due to his FMF qualification, was transferred to 4th Dental Company, 4th Dental Battalion, in Marietta, Georgia. He conducted 115 days of Annual Training in support of three offsite missions and conducts his required drill weekends at NOSC Sacramento, where he provides dental support to the 450 Sailors and off-site support to U.S. Marines in various locations.
    “Petty Officer Guinto is a very intelligent and driven Sailor,” said Senior Chief Cunha, NOSC Sacramento Command Senior Enlisted Leader. “No matter the challenge, to include the one he is currently facing, he always has a positive outlook and has decided he will be successful.”
    This hard-charger Sailors career was abruptly halted when he received news that he was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer November 2017.
    “The moment the NOSC heard about his illness, we began working with the San Diego Wounded Warrior Safe Harbor foundation and his assigned Reserve unit,” said Cunha. “His one request was for his mother to be at his bedside, so we took that tasking on. His mother was approved for an expedited VISA with the support of the local Congressman. His mother is now with him at Martinez Outpatient Clinic.”
    Cunha added, the command visits him several days a week. Several level of leadership has visited him from his Reserve Unit, as far away as Atlanta, Georgia. On January 11, NOSC and Unit leaders presented him with his first Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two command coins and NOSC ball cap.
    “It has been hard for all who have assisted him during this difficult time. It has brought a very close command, even closer; to make sure our Shipmate is taken care of no matter the need or request.”
    Although he is facing challenging odds, HM3 refuses to let this disease defeat him.
    “I am a fighter and I know I have more life to live,” said Guinto. “At first, I was fighting because I was waiting for my mother to arrive from the Philippines and now she is here. Now I am fighting to stay with her. There is so much more that I want to experience in live and in the Navy and I’m determined to do it.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 02.05.2018
    Date Posted: 02.05.2018 12:52
    Story ID: 264701
    Location: SAN DIEGO , CA, US

    Web Views: 117
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN