Photo By Capt. Christopher Booker | U.S. Army Sgt. Victor Lwekamwa, a medic with the 108th Area Support Medical Company,...... read more read more
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FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. — On paper, U.S. Army Sgt. Victor Lwekamwa’s story may look like a patchwork of careers, continents and challenges, but stitched together it forms a powerful narrative of perseverance, patriotism and purpose.
Born and raised in Tanzania, he learned his native languages swahili and english simultaneously. Lwekamwa moved to the United States at 20 with a soccer scholarship, a dream and a deep-rooted desire to one day wear the U.S. Army uniform.
Now 40 years young, a licensed practical nurse of 14 years and a squad leader with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s 108th Medical Company Area Support, 213th Regional Support Group, Lwekamwa is proof that no dream is ever too late to chase.
“I must make it, this is my passion,” Lwekamwa said, just days after flying back to Pennsylvania from his new home in Beaverton, Oregon to report for annual training. “I will be here.”
His determination is nothing new. He first considered joining the Army during the height of the Iraq War but felt he did not meet the physical standards. Still, the calling never left him. He finally enlisted at 35, older than most recruits, but armed with the life experience and commitment of a man who knew why he wanted to serve.
“Growing up, I was raised with the mindset that a man protects his family and serves his country,” Lwekamwa explained. “Joining the military was always about honor and giving back to the country that gave me a new life.”
The first in his family to serve in the military, Lwekamwa wears that distinction proudly. His 10-year-old son is already eager to follow in his father’s footsteps, a testament to the legacy he is building both in uniform and at home.
Home is a full and active household. Lwekamwa and his wife, his high school sweetheart, have been together for 21 years. Together they’re raising five children, three of whom are under the age of three. One of those children is adopted, a reflection of the values of compassion and service that define his life. Despite the challenge of balancing military duty with family life, Lwekamwa credits his wife and a strong support network for helping him stay focused.
“We’re on the same page,” Lwekamwa said. “My family supports me 100 percent. That allows me to give my all to the mission.”
His commitment to others doesn’t stop at home. As a squad leader in the 108th MCAS, he aims to inspire his Soldiers to see their own potential.
“I want our Soldiers to know and believe they are capable of doing the job, and doing it at a very high level,” Lwekamwa said. “Mistakes are okay, we are here for them.”
That empathy, mixed with a strong leadership presence, is part of what makes Lwekamwa a unique asset to his unit. He’s observed differences between units and commands during his time in service and is actively focused on improving his current team's cohesion and performance.
In January, he joined the 108th MCAS, bringing with him not just experience but an eagerness to lead and learn. Though he recently moved across the country, he remains loyal to his duty. He is currently working to transfer to the Oregon National Guard, with just six months left on his Pennsylvania contract.
Outside of uniform, Lwekamwa is anything but ordinary. He describes himself as “a very funny guy,” who loves to surround himself with people. He’s an avid traveler, visiting places like Peru, Colombia, Puerto Rico and of course returning often to his homeland of Tanzania. His adventurous spirit and global perspective add even more depth to his already colorful story.
His journey has included a tour on the soccer field, a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Kutztown University and a career in nursing. However, it’s service that has always been the end goal. Now he’s thinking about the future, not for himself but for his children. Through the Military Family Education Program, he plans to pass on his National Guard education benefits to them.
“That’s what it’s about,” Lwekamwa said. “We open doors for the next generation.”
From a hopeful 20-year-old immigrant with a soccer scholarship to a respected Army squad leader and father of five, Sgt. Victor Lwekamwa is living proof that no matter where your story begins, the will to serve can carry you anywhere.
| Date Taken: | 07.18.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.19.2025 10:58 |
| Story ID: | 543226 |
| Location: | FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Hometown: | DAR ES SALAAM, TZ |
| Hometown: | BEAVERTON, OREGON, US |
| Hometown: | READING, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 178 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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