MILLINGTON, Tenn. — U.S. Navy Hospitalman Ryan Dhel Elamparo, from Olongapo City, Philippines, was recently selected as the 2025 Blue Jacket of the Year in support of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Camp Pendleton.
Blue Jacket of the Year is an award given to an enlisted sailor who demonstrates sustained superior performance, leadership and professionalism.
“This is my first board, and I won, which really means a lot to me,” Elamparo said. “I would never have gotten this award without the guidance and help of my leadership and family, and hopefully, I will have a chance to pass it down to one of my junior sailors.”
Elamparo is a 2021 graduate of St. Columban High School in Olongapo City, Philippines. The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are like those found in Olongapo City.
“Back in Olongapo, we have a saying, ‘Bawal ang tamad sa Olongapo,’ which means ‘No lazy people allowed in Olongapo,’” Elamparo said. “That mindset has stayed with me throughout my Navy career, because there is no room for laziness when you are on duty and serving the country. It reminds me to take pride in my work, stay disciplined and always give my best in everything I do.”
Elamparo joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy as an immigrant to give back to the country that gave me opportunity, stability and a better future,” said Elamparo. “Serving allows me to show my gratitude through service.”
Today, Elamparo serves as a hospital corpsman at NMRTC Camp Pendleton, which carries out its mission to maximize warfighter performance and enhance the readiness of the medical force. — Ensign Han Fiori-Puyu, Navy Office of Community Outreach
