DPHS graduate serves with Navy medicine in Italy

Petty Officer 3rd Class Vanessa Benzaquen, daughter of Gladys Vivas, a resident of Ocoee, is serving in the U.S. Navy assigned to U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command, Sigonella / U.S. Naval Hospital, Sigonella, Italy.

Benzaquen graduated from Dr. Phillips High School in 2012 and from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in psychology. She joined the Navy more than three years ago.

"I joined the Navy to further my education and for the opportunities the Navy provides and for job security," Benzaquen said.

"Growing up in Florida as a Venezuelan has taught me the importance of remembering where I came from and staying humble," Benzaquen said. "This has helped me to stay grounded while adapting to new places and communities. For that reason, although I am living far from home because of the Navy, I am still able to stay true to my roots. Also, my mom always instilled in us the importance of striving for what we want and not giving up on our dreams."

Today, Benzaquen serves as a hospital corpsman responsible for assisting healthcare professionals in providing medical care to Navy personnel and their families.

"The best part of my job right now is being able to assist mothers in their deliveries and taking care of their babies," Benzaquen said. "It's such a beautiful experience, because I enjoy helping the families and seeing their faces when they meet their babies. It's such a rewarding feeling. I also enjoy getting to learn all kinds of new information."

The community hospital is in the heart of the Mediterranean in Sicily, Italy. Comprised of a local satellite clinic and two branch health clinics located in Bahrain and Souda Bay, the staff of 387 serves approximately 8,500 active duty, family members, NATO members, retirees and other beneficiaries based on international collaborations and status of forces agreements.

Benzaquen has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

"I would say that my proudest accomplishment in the Navy right now is getting accepted to advanced radiology school so I can become an x-ray technician," she said.

Benzaquen will transfer to Advance X-Ray Technical School in San Antonio, Texas, to further her medical career.

“Hospitalman 3rd Class Benzaquen has been an essential part of the team on the multi-service ward since she arrived," said Hospitalman 2nd Class Jonah Hunt, leading petty officer of the multi-service ward. "Her dedication to not only her patients but to the command cannot be understated. We are sad to be losing her, but we are also overjoyed that she was able to get accepted to 'C' school and excited to see what comes next for her in her naval career.”

"To me, serving in the Navy means getting the chance to grow as a person and becoming a better version of myself while helping the Navy complete the mission," Benzaquen added.