[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 154 (Wednesday, October 21, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1505]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING SERGEANT MAJOR GUADALUPE LOPEZ, U.S. ARMY, RETIRED

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 21, 2015

  Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
distinguished service in both the military and civilian life of 
Sergeant Major Guadalupe Lopez, U.S. Army, Retired. SGM Lopez has 
served with distinction as a guardian of this great nation for over 26 
years. Today SGM Lopez continues his service to the country he loves in 
many capacities in the Killeen--Fort Hood community.
  SGM Lopez entered the U.S. Army in September 1954. While he served in 
a multitude of capacities, his fondest memories are of the tour he 
served in Vietnam. SGM Lopez spent most of his time planning tactical 
operations against the enemy on the front lines. While in Vietnam, SGM 
Lopez was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic actions on Nov 20, 
1969 when his helicopter came under heavy fire.
  SGM Lopez retired in March of 1980. While the days of a regimented 
life in uniform have passed, he still finds ways to serve his fellow 
soldiers. SGM Lopez served as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of America 
Post Commander for four years. Today SGM Lopez serves as a member of 
the Ft. Hood Retiree Council, a position assumed in 2008.
  SGM Lopez is also well known for his work as the co-chairman of the 
Killeen Veteran's Day Parade and the Memorial Day Ceremony held at the 
Central Texas Veteran's Cemetery since 2007. While the long list of 
accomplishments and service rendered to his fellow soldiers is too 
lengthy to be enumerated here, I will use SGM Lopez' own words to 
convey the sense of dedication he has to his friends and veterans: ``We 
are soldiers for life; we hung up only the suit, we're still 
connected.''
  I commend SGM Lopez for his selfless service to his nation and to the 
United States Army. His leadership has positively impacted soldiers and 
families that he has served. May we all strive to live a life full of 
service such as his.

                          ____________________