[Epilogue with Picture] America's Finest – SPC Sergio Lopez
February 26th, 2006 by Admin
From left to right: Johnny Knoxville, Maria, Sasha, and Sergio at Walter Reed (Thanks to JP for hosting this pic)
At the end of my conversation with Sergio, I asked him if there was anything he wanted to tell the American people. It could be something that he was really angry about, something that he was really about, or just something he's been wanting to get off his chest. I told him that I wasn't there as an NCO or a representative of the Army and his opinion, good or bad, was valuable.
While writing his story a few days ago, I edited this part of the conversation out. For some reason, it just didn't fit right. I put it in different areas throughout the story and it just kept feeling forced. I then realized that it was something that needed it's own post. I knew that people would be sending him emails and leaving positive comments after the story and I made the decision to wait a few days so that this could sort of be an "epilogue" to the story. Sergio is a truly gracious and humble soldier. He had trouble finding the words to express his gratitude and appreciation.
I think he did a pretty good job. A few people have emailed or IM'd me to inquire about whether or not he had received the support organized through Blackfive. In his own words, here is the answer:
"I want to say that I'm very very very grateful for all of the support. I've received so many letters, so many drawings from kids. There's just so much support. On TV all you see is the negative. You only see the protesters. You don't see people like [CJ] and other people who come to visit. Every visit makes my healing process that much easier and that much faster. And I just want to let everyone out there who supports soldiers that I and my family appreciate you. Like I said, I've received things, my wife has received things, and my daughter has received a bunch of toys that people really didn't have to go out and get but they still do. They know that we go out there for them and our families. I want to take the fight to them, I don't want them to to take the fight to my family. I don't want anyone here getting hurt.
I just want to thank everyone out there that supports our military. I just don't have the words to describe my appreciation to those people."
Posted in America's Finest, Military Perspective
He found the absolute right words. God bless him.
Neat epilogue, CJ. It stands well on its own.
I actually haven't met anyone in my hometown who doesn't have faith in our military members or who doesn't support them. I've been involved myself helping homeless veterans get a hand up in our own locale, however, that is another topic entirely. I figure that's what I can do here in this space in time. I am sending (hopefully) this link that was in the BILLINGS GAZETTE (my hometown paper) They don't often publish articles like this, but it does convey the message of one denizen's support for our troop in a rather strange or crazy way. Just thinking about it sucks the wind out of me! While I'd never do something like this, it exemplifies that everyone is differnt in getting their message across…enjoy…
billingsgazet...y-desert.txt
I hope this link thing work as I am not good with that sort of stuff.
dusgalan of mt.
The link worked fine, but I fixed it up a little.
Sergio is a brave and fine soldier indeed. We Americans just appreciate what he and all of you in our military have done and are doing to keep us free!
A big "thank you" to you CJ and to Sergio and to all the men and women who are fighting to keep our country free!!
America’s Finest – SPC Sergio Lopez — Epilogue
If you haven't already read CJ's earlier post on SPC Lopez read it first, then read his follow-up post here.
Thanks for the pic! They are a very handsome family! May God Bless them all!!
CJ- Thanks for the great follow-up and the wonderful picture of Sergio and his family!! It's good to know that he and Maria really FELT the love and support that was sent their way- Sasha's a little too young yet – but she'll hear the story I'm sure and I know she's having fun with all the toys she got! As always- you are so talented at conveying a story that needs to be told.
SPC Lopez Update 2
CJ at A Soldier's Perspective has another update with a photo of SPC Lopez with his wife, daughter, and Johnny Knoxville. And, SPC Lopez has a message for those of you who sent cards, letters, toys for his daughter and
I dunno if I'm doing something wrong but I cant see a pic?
Sending toys and letters is the very least we can do for your family, Sergio. Please make sure he gets that message, OK?
btw… their daughter is GORGEOUS! OMG… so pretty.
As one that wrote through Blackfive, I think Lopez's words are special. But we all know who really deserves the thanks! HuRaa SPC Lopez, may God keep you in the Hollow of His Hand.
Danny what can i say, you mean alot to me and my family which is your family. we are all very proud of you, and it is a honor to be your prima. I admire you so very much you, and maria for being so strong and only for yourselfs but for all of us who truly care about you. i miss sasha, your luckly to be by her, send her a kiss from me. Take care
belen,and family Alvear