Pfc. Franck Karel Penga Nkweya, assigned to the 5th Transportation Company, Composite Watercraft Company, conducts an inventory May 25 in the unit’s supply storage room on Camp Zama, Japan. (Noriko Kudo, U.S. Army Garrison Japan Public Affairs)
CAMP ZAMA, Japan – Pfc. Franck Karel Penga Nkweya’s aspirations of Army service took root long before he set foot in America, and he attributes his journey to hard work, dedication and loyalty.
Born and raised in Cameroon’s capital city of Yaoundé, near the west coast of Africa, Penga’s ambition to become a U.S. Soldier was ignited in him at a young age.
“I didn’t grow up with many opportunities, but I always believed in myself and always admired the discipline, strength and respect that come with wearing the uniform,” he said. “For me, the Army represents opportunity, purpose and honor.”
Penga’s desire to serve shaped his resolve to turn his dream into a reality. In February 2024, at the age of 21, Penga left Cameroon with his parents for the United States and he began to take the steps needed to pursue his goal.
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Franck Karel Penga Nkweya, assigned to the 5th Transportation Company, Composite Watercraft Company, does a plank exercise as part of physical training May 25 at Yano Field on Camp Zama, Japan. (Noriko Kudo, U.S. Army Garrison Japan Public Affairs)
Upon his family’s arrival in Pennsylvania, Penga quickly immersed himself in learning English and began preparing to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB test. His goal was clear: to join the Army and serve the country and new home that had given him the opportunity to do so.
“I didn’t want to waste any time,” Penga said. “I wanted to prove to myself and the world who I could become.”
After completing basic combat and advance individual training, Penga was assigned to the 5th Transportation Company, Composite Watercraft Company, at Yokohama North Dock, where he serves as a unit supply specialist.
Penga said he chose his military occupational specialty because of his interest in technology and logistics. The role fascinates him, he said, and aligns with his passion for organization and system management, while also providing a valuable skill set for his unit.
Penga explained that the Army has given him the opportunity to learn hands-on training, real-world experience, and a valuable skill set in his field of expertise. His time in uniform has also taught him the valuable skills of resilience and responsibility, and empowered him to push himself beyond limits he never thought he could reach.
“The Army has completely transformed both my career and personal life,” Penga said. “The Army gave me a way to turn my dream into reality.”
Beyond his duties as a Soldier, Penga remains committed to self-improvement and community engagement. His love for fitness and soccer continues to inspire him, while his current duty station has sparked a new interest: learning the culture and language of Japan.
CAMP ZAMA, Japan – Pfc. Franck Karel Penga Nkweya’s aspirations of Army service took root long before he set foot in America, and he attributes his journey to hard work, dedication and loyalty.
Born and raised in Cameroon’s capital city of Yaoundé, near the west coast of Africa, Penga’s ambition to become a U.S. Soldier was ignited in him at a young age.
“I didn’t grow up with many opportunities, but I always believed in myself and always admired the discipline, strength and respect that come with wearing the uniform,” he said. “For me, the Army represents opportunity, purpose and honor.”
Penga’s desire to serve shaped his resolve to turn his dream into a reality. In February 2024, at the age of 21, Penga left Cameroon with his parents for the United States and he began to take the steps needed to pursue his goal.
Upon his family’s arrival in Pennsylvania, Penga quickly immersed himself in learning English and began preparing to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB test. His goal was clear: to join the Army and serve the country and new home that had given him the opportunity to do so.
“I didn’t want to waste any time,” Penga said. “I wanted to prove to myself and the world who I could become.”
After completing basic combat and advance individual training, Penga was assigned to the 5th Transportation Company, Composite Watercraft Company, at Yokohama North Dock, where he serves as a unit supply specialist.
Penga said he chose his military occupational specialty because of his interest in technology and logistics. The role fascinates him, he said, and aligns with his passion for organization and system management, while also providing a valuable skill set for his unit.
Penga explained that the Army has given him the opportunity to learn hands-on training, real-world experience, and a valuable skill set in his field of expertise. His time in uniform has also taught him the valuable skills of resilience and responsibility, and empowered him to push himself beyond limits he never thought he could reach.
“The Army has completely transformed both my career and personal life,” Penga said. “The Army gave me a way to turn my dream into reality.”
Beyond his duties as a Soldier, Penga remains committed to self-improvement and community engagement. His love for fitness and soccer continues to inspire him, while his current duty station has sparked a new interest: learning the culture and language of Japan.
“I want to connect more with the local community,” he says, expressing a desire to integrate into and give back to the community of his host country.
“Never give up” has been the driving motto for Penga and serves a guiding philosophy that encapsulates his journey, he said.
Mapping his life’s path from Cameroon to enlisted Army Soldier, Penga said he proved that with unrelenting hard work and dedication, one can achieve their goals no matter from where they start.
“I’m proud of how far I’ve come in such a short time,” Penga said. “I am proud to represent both where I come from and where I am.”
