This Veterans Day, it is our honor to recognize and thank our P2 student Dondy Angelo T. Bersalona for his service in the military and to our country.
Dondy enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2012 and was trained as a Hospital Corpsman, specializing in pharmacy. His first duty station was at Naval Hospital Oak Harbor, where he learned the basics of both inpatient and outpatient pharmacy — lessons that built his foundation in pharmacy. Later, he served aboard the USS Tripoli (LHA-7), where he helped establish and organize the ship’s pharmacy and medical services. Dondy says, "It was challenging work, but it was deeply fulfilling to see the impact of teamwork and dedication."
That experience was one of the reasons Dondy decided to pursue a career as a pharmacist. Then, when he learned about Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy, its values of excellence, compassion, integrity, and wholeness deeply resonated with him. The emphasis on faith-based education also aligned with his own belief that faith and service go hand in hand, shaping not just what we do, but who we become.
Altogether, Dondy served 11 years between active and reserve duty — years filled with growth, service, and gratitude for the people and experiences that shaped who he is today.
Thank you for your heart for service, Dondy! We are proud to call you one of our own!