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HM1 Lovelyprincess Villamanca Named Warrior of the Month

August 5, 2024 | Story by Alyssa Ross | Navy Wounded Warrior

WASHINGTON - Hospital Corpsman Second Class Lovelyprincess Villamanca specialized in radiography, sonography, mammography, and magnetic resonance. She had a fulfilling career that allowed her to serve and support thousands of active duty service members and their families. 

In 2021, while stationed at Naval Hospital Rota in Spain, she had a dizzy spell while assisting the surgeon in the operating room. She initially dismissed it as exhaustion after working long hours. Her doctor referred her to audiology, where she had some tests and imaging. 

She was diagnosed with a rare type of benign brain tumor that caused her imbalance issues, tinnitus, eye problems, and headaches. She proceeded with a conservative treatment plan, but her symptoms worsened. She was transferred back to Naval Medical Center San Diego for more intensive treatment, and to be closer to her family. After she was placed on the medical board, she enrolled in Navy Wounded Warrior.

"The Navy has given me many opportunities to grow professionally and personally, but overall supported me during the lowest point in my life," she said. "I've been in service for 10 years and the Navy has become my comfort zone. Thinking aboutt the civilian world makes me anxious and fearful, but Navy Wounded Warrior is able to prepare me for my next chapter."

Villamanca has become an active member of Navy Wounded Warrior's community in San Diego, exemplifying a positive attitude and personal resilience. She's been an advocate for Navy Wounded Warrior, providing direct assistance to her Navy Wounded Warrior team, as well as educating her chain of command about the program and its offerings. 

"I am forever grateful to all the doctors, nurses and corpsmen who huided me throughout my medical journey. I am also thankful for the non-medical personnel who helped me transition to civilian life. Navy Wounded Warrior's programs like internship connections, job opportunities, and the Bow to Stern Support Group are able to prepare me for my next chapter. They want to assure me that I will continue to live a great life.

"I thank God for letting me meet all these wonderful people in my life who are constantly caring for me, encouraging me with kind words, and assisting me with all the challenges I faced."  

Numquam Navigare Solus – Never to Sail Alone

Navy Wounded Warrior is an unbiased advocate that bridges the needs of commands, care teams, and service members in planning a way forward after a serious wound, illness, or injury. Staff guide Sailors and Coast Guardsmen, with their families and caregivers, to create a comprehensive recovery plan, which provides a holistic approach tailored to individual recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration needs. The program allows service members and their families to feel empowered and supported as they adapt to their new normal. Tens of thousands of seriously wounded, ill, and injured service members located throughout the country received assistance from Navy Wounded Warrior.

Sailors and Coast Guardsmen may self-refer to Navy Wounded Warrior, or be referred by a family member, their command leadership or their medical team. Contact the Navy Wounded Warrior call center at 855-NAVY WWP / 855-628-9997, or email navywoundedwarrior.fct@navy.mil.

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