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By Mikee Natinga Norico

Lloyd Davis Carpena, a CPU alumnus and batch 2020 BS Social Work graduate, proudly serves as a Logistics Specialist (LSSN) in the US Navy.

In a remarkable testament to determination and service, 34-year-old Lloyd Davis Carpena, a proud alumnus of ����ר�� (CPU), has achieved a significant milestone—serving as a Logistics Specialist (LSSN) in the US Navy. A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Social Work, Batch 2020, Carpena’s journey from Pavia, Iloilo, to San Francisco, California, is a testament to his perseverance, passion, and dedication.

Carpena’s inspiration to join the US Navy traces back to his family’s legacy of service. His great-grandfather served in the US Army during World War II under General Douglas MacArthur in the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. Although his grandfather aspired to serve in the US military, Carpena ultimately fulfilled that dream for him.

“Serving in the military was really my calling and, in my DNA,” Carpena shared. “I chose the Logistics Specialist job because I’d love to serve my shipmates and the fleet with the supplies they need. This role allows me to assist not just the military but also people around the world during calamities or natural disasters.”

The unwavering support of his family played a pivotal role in Carpena’s journey. “My parents and siblings believed in me and helped me surpass the challenges,” he said. “My recruiter also opened the gates to my dream and guided me through the process.”

Carpena credits his mentors at CPU for molding him into the person he is today. “The faculty and staff of the Social Work Department were my closest mentors. They trusted and supported me, especially during my term as JSWA President in my senior year,” he recalled.

Joining the Navy required rigorous preparation. Carpena’s background in Taekwondo, where he trained at A. Diasnes Gym, helped him cultivate discipline, respect, and an indomitable spirit. As a black belt and national referee, he developed physical and mental resilience – qualities that proved essential in his Navy career.

However, the journey was not without its challenges. Carpena had to master swimming, a skill he initially struggled with. “Swimming is more mental than physical. You must work with the water, not against it,” he explained. Despite the grueling training, he persevered, driven by his dream and determination.

Carpena credits CPU’s education system for equipping him with the skills needed to excel. “The leadership skills and lessons I learned at CPU prepared me to be a role model for my shipmates. The English, Science, and Mathematics departments also played a crucial role in helping me pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test,” he said.

To CPU students aspiring to follow a similar path, Carpena emphasized the importance of believing in oneself, faith in God, respect for superiors, and maintaining a clean record. “Stay physically and mentally healthy, be prepared for challenges, and never give up,” he advised. “Dream, plan, and execute.”

Carpena’s journey to the US Navy has been a fulfilling and transformative experience. From passing the ASVAB to completing boot camp and earning US citizenship, 2024 has been a year of significant milestones for him. “I was in the testing center in San Jose, California, when I received the news that I passed the exam. It was just fast because you get to know your score after ten minutes. I was very happy at that moment and thought to myself, ‘No turning back now.’ Those early mornings and late nights really paid off,” he said.

Carpena expressed gratitude to Dean Stella Fernandez, the Social Work Department, and his professors at CPU for their guidance and support. He also thanked the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for teaching him valuable skills.

“I. am grateful to the Social Work Department, headed by Ma’am Kareen Lozada, and to my professors: Prof. Carol Blando, Prof. Lofel Diamante, Prof. Sarah Barayuga, Prof. Neneth Pador, Ma’am Mylene, and my mentor and good friend, Prof. Joel Galicia. Thank you all for educating me and molding me into a good leader. I would also like to express my gratitude to DSWD FO VI, especially SWAD Capiz, with Ma’am Grace Solinap and Ma’am Mylene Demonteverde, for teaching me the skills I needed to pursue my US Navy career,” he said.

Through his journey, Carpena hopes to inspire fellow Centralians and the youth to aim high and work hard. “Nothing is impossible when you work with God,” he said. “Aim high, Centralians!”