CPT Gabriel Bacasmas has been a nurse for the past 14 years, of which a decade was dedicated to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He is currently a flight nurse for the Philippine Air Force. As a nurse, he believes that regardless of whatever challenges may come, the goal is to consistently provide exceptional care to his patients and their families. When the pandemic began, CPT Bacasmas was one of the first healthcare personnel assigned to handle the initial quarantine facility Air Force General Hospital set up in order to care for COVID-19 suspect and confirmed patients.

During the earlier months, only one nurse was detailed to go on duty in the quarantine ward as a precaution for infection control. Due to this precaution, he had to take on multiple roles to ensure that his patients would receive efficient quality care. Aside from performing his nursing duties in the hospital, he continued to perform his flight nurse duties as well during the pandemic. He was deployed to various areas to help augment their manpower: a major government hospital, Southern Philippines Medical Center, and other military hospitals in Jolo and Zamboanga (CTBSH and EAABH). He also continued to participate in multiple land and air evacuations of a variety of patients, from COVID-19 cases to military casualties.

As a military nurse, he has shown exemplary leadership, innovation, professionalism, dedication, and commitment to go above and beyond his duties. This has allowed him to make an impact on numerous personnel, patients, as well as their families. He has also truly been an invaluable and exceptional front liner during the COVID 19 pandemic, from the first outbreak up until present.