Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt) Lopez is a native of Las Cruces, NM, His Marine Corps career started on 27 October 2002 when he reported for recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA. He attended and completed Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton, CA. After graduation, he went on to Camp Johnson, Camp Lejeune, NC and earned the MOS of 0431, Basic Embarkation and Logistics Specialist.
Upon completion of initial training, he reported to 3rdMAW, MAG 16, MCAS Miramar, CA where he spent the next three year with MAG 16 deploying to OIF 2, OIF 2-2 and OIF 4. During this time he was promoted up to the rank of Sergeant. From Miramar, he was sent to III MEF, Command Element (CE), G4 for a tour of three years. During this time he deployed in support of every TSC exercise conducted in III MEF. He also participated in three different Humanitarian operations and attended his resident PME. In March of 2010, Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Lopez transferred to II MEF, 26 Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), S4 to serve as the Mobility Chief for the CE. During this tour, he conducted a full MEU workup and deployment aboard the USS Kerserge Amphibious Readiness Group (KSGARG).
Upon his selection to Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt) in 2011, SSgt Lopez was transferred back to Okinawa for a tour with 3D MLG, CLR 3, S3 to serve as the current Operations Chief. In 2013, GySgt Lopez was re-assigned to 3rd MARDIV, Combat Assault Battalion, S4 to serve as the battalion logistics chief. During this tour in III MEF, GySgt Lopez participated in various exercises and attending his resident PME. In October 2014, he received orders to Marine Security Guard (MSG) duty where he attended and graduated MSG school in December 2014.
GySgt Lopez then transferred to US Embassy, Bangkok Thailand to serve as the Detachment Commander. Upon his selection to Master Sergeant (MSgt), he attended the Far East Regional E8 Seminar in Okinawa and in May 2016, transferred to Marine Corps Embassy Security Group (MCESG), MSG School to serve on the instructor staff. Upon his promotion in October 2016, MSgt Lopez assumed the MSG School Chief Instructor billet until the completion of his MSG tour in 2018.
In June 2018, MSgt Lopez transferred to 1stMAW, MAG 12, S4, MCAS Iwakuni Japan to serve as the Logistics Chief. From June 2019 to February 2020, MSgt Lopez instructed one iteration of the Advanced School Seminar and one iteration of the Career School seminar graduating (18) students. In June 2020, MSgt Lopez was selected to attend the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, El Paso Texas. Upon graduation of class 71 in June 2021, Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt) Lopez executed orders to Marine Forces Reserve Headquarters to serve as the Logistics Chief. In November, 2022, MGySgt Lopez assume the duties of the HQBN Senior Enlisted Advisor.
MGySgt Lopez personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medals, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, and five Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medals. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership from the United States Army Staff and General Staff College.