[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 169 (Tuesday, September 28, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H5466]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF CORPORAL HUNTER LOPEZ

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Ruiz) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Marine Corps Corporal 
Hunter Lopez, my constituent, who was killed in action on August 26, 
2021, while serving our Nation in Afghanistan.
  Today, I humbly rise to honor his memory in the hope that Americans 
across the country and future generations will come to know his story.
  Corporal Lopez was a selfless young man with an infectious smile who 
truly lived his life with a larger purpose in mind. That purpose was 
serving our country and contributing to something greater than himself.
  He was born in Palm Springs, California, on January 15, 1999. Growing 
up in Indio, he possessed a passion for service from a young age. His 
parents, Herman and Alicia, both public servants with the Riverside 
County Sheriff's Department, instilled in him the courage, kindness, 
and resolve that led him to join the Marine Corps.
  Corporal Lopez was a history buff, an ambitious student, and an avid 
Star Wars fan with an affinity for quizzing his friends and family on 
the movie series' trivia.
  He was also incredibly thoughtful. He was the kind of person who 
would take the time, while serving overseas, to write letters to his 
grandparents in their native Spanish, despite not being fluent himself, 
just because he knew they would appreciate it.
  Corporal Lopez always strived for excellence, and his determination 
to succeed motivated his friends and those around him to reach their 
full potential.
  After graduating from La Quinta High School and achieving the rank of 
captain as an Explorer Scout with the Riverside County Sheriff's 
Department, Corporal Lopez joined the Marine Corps, where he served for 
4 years.
  His first 3 years were with the Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team 
Company A, 5th Platoon, before he joined the 2nd Battalion 1st Marine 
Division, Golf Company, 1st Platoon, 3rd Squad.
  It was with the 2nd Battalion that Corporal Lopez served in Operation 
Allies Refuge, contributing to the largest airlift in history and 
aiding the evacuation of over 120,000 of our fellow Americans, allies, 
and Afghan partners, a truly heroic and historic effort.
  On August 26, 2021, Corporal Lopez was stationed at the airport in 
Kabul. That day, under the blazing sun, Corporal Lopez and his fellow 
marines worked tirelessly to evacuate the thousands of women, children, 
and families who came to the airport desperately seeking safety, 
protection, and refuge.
  Striving to bring calm to a panicked crowd, Corporal Lopez put the 
safety of others above his own. As the crowd grew more intense, 
Corporal Lopez and his fellow marine, Sergeant David Traylor, spotted 
two young girls, trapped under the weight of a fleeing crowd, about to 
be crushed.
  The two marines successfully pulled the children to safety, saving 
their lives. They gave each other a fist bump, a very small celebration 
for an incredible task that they had just achieved. And then the 
explosion happened.
  That day, Corporal Lopez gave his life to save the lives of others. I 
can't think of anything--anything--more noble than that.
  Corporal Lopez saved two lives at the Kabul airport, and because of 
him, two children now have a future and the promise of a new life, many 
others reached safety, and many others have a reason to hope.
  We lost Corporal Lopez and 12 other servicemembers on August 26. Each 
and every day since then, the Lopez family and the families of all our 
Nation's fallen heroes continue to feel their loss. They feel the loss 
of a loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation, and they 
feel the loss of a hero who died serving a purpose larger than 
themselves.
  To the Lopez family, parents, Herman and Alicia; sister, Trinity; and 
brother, Owen: You are in our constant prayers, and our entire Nation 
grieves your loss, stands with you, and supports you.
  We will continue to tell the story of Hunter's remarkable service, 
compassion, strength, and valor so that his legacy will live on for 
generations to come.

                          ____________________