Meet USMC Retired Sergeant Angel Lopez — 2016 Veteran
USMC Retired Sergeant Angel Lopez – Radio Operator/Supervisor/Chief
I was born in Vineland, New Jersey, but I'm from Millville, New Jersey. I joined the United States Marine Corps in January of 2007. I completed boot camp at Paris Island, South Carolina. After Marine Combat Training I went to Twenty-Nine Palms to attend the Field Radio Operators Course. Upon completion I was lucky enough to get stationed in Camp Pendleton, California for 8 years. During my career, I served my first 6 years in the USMC with 1st ANGLICO (Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company). While at 1st ANGLICO I deployed to Iraq in 2008 as a Radio Operator, to Afghanistan in 2010 as a Radio Chief, and to Afghanistan in 2011 as a Radio Chief.
The 2008 deployment was comprised of foot and vehicle patrols. It was during a vehicle patrol my team hit an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) and it seemed like the enemy had it out for us because a couple weeks later the vehicle in front of us hit an IED. While deployed I was combat meritoriously promoted to Corporal and was also awarded a Combat Action Ribbon and Purple Heart.
The 2010 deployment was full of exhausting foot patrols and intense one- to three-hour firefights during Operation Moshtarak in Marjah. Living in a different hut every night and huddling together with my team to stay warm at night makes good memories. During that deployment I traveled to Tbilisi, Georgia to assess their Army's Communications and Operations before bringing the first group of Georgians ever to Afghanistan. Towards the end of the deployment I was able to leave two weeks early to be present for the birth of my first child, Gabriel. I returned to Camp Pendleton ten days before the baby was born. While deployed I was Combat Meritoriously Promoted to Sergeant and was awarded a Combat Action Ribbon and Navy Accommodation Medal with Valor.
The 2011 deployment consisted of vigorous operations such as Operation Dragonfly in the Musa Qala District. Prior to deploying I got the opportunity to travel to Scotland for a month long operation with British Special Forces. While deployed in 2011 I was awarded the Navy Accommodation Medal.
I joined 3D Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion in 2012 where I filled the role of Radio Chief for Alpha Battery, EKMS (Electronic Key Management System) Manager for the Battalion, and JRE (Joint Range Extension) Resident Expert. My family grew while I was there when we welcomed our second child, Jordyn. My time at 3D LAAD was less than eventful, but it was exactly what my family and I needed. I was Permanently Medically Retired on September 2016.
Since leaving the Corps I have had an extremely difficult time adjusting and dealing with issues that affect me on a daily basis. I've quickly learned that the "suck it up and keep pushing" method is no longer effective and continues to haunt my every move. I've spent countless nights awake for hours on end trying to force myself to sleep. My anxiety is still at an all-time high preventing me from enjoying the simple things in life. My lack of emotion and inability to connect with my family is only making things worse. As life continues, so must I, as I'm excited and looking forward to taking a step forward in the right direction for myself and for my family.
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Jeff Anderson
CEO/Founder, Rebuilding Warriors
