hero of the month

Honoring Marine Veteran Matt Lopez

By Rich Alvarez

June 1, 2025

St. Petersburg, FL – The Peacekeeper Initiative proudly honors Matt Lopez, a 23-year Marine Corps veteran, as its Hero of the Month for June 2025. Lopez’s story is one of resilience, service, and unshakable dedication—both in uniform and in life after the battlefield.

Lopez enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on June 25, 2001, beginning his journey as an 0311 Infantryman. Inspired by military recruitment ads of the 1980s, he said the desire to serve was a childhood dream. “At the time, I thought all military branches were the same,” he recalled. “I quickly learned they were not—and I’m proud of the path I chose.”

Over the course of more than two decades, Lopez served in multiple deployments and earned the respect of those he led. But the toll of service came at a steep emotional cost. One of his most harrowing memories occurred in Iraq in 2005, when a mortar attack missed his unit but struck a nearby orchard where a family was gathering fruit. An infant was killed in the blast. “Consoling the child’s mother in the immediate aftermath was heartbreaking—and something I carried with me for many years.”

Lopez admitted that, like many veterans, he initially buried the trauma. “I compartmentalized it all. Over time, I coped through alcohol and high-risk behavior until I hit a breaking point. That’s when I sought help.”

Following his retirement from the Marines, Lopez faced new challenges. The emotional toll of years in service eventually led to a breakdown and the loss of his role as a New York State Trooper. “That was my wake-up call,” he said. “I’ve been in therapy for 11 years now—and it’s changed everything.”

His healing journey has been long, but purposeful. “I’ve learned to process my emotions instead of suppressing them. I now prioritize my mental health the way I once prioritized the mission.”

Despite his modesty, Lopez has stepped into real-life heroism off the battlefield. He once pulled a woman and her baby from an overturned vehicle submerged in a flooded ditch—while other drivers passed by. “I’m just grateful I was there and able to help.”

Now adapting to civilian life, Lopez continues to grow, one step at a time. “It’s a daily process,” he said. “You have to relearn how to respond to everyday situations. But it’s possible.”

When asked what advice he’d offer to young people considering military or first responder careers, Lopez was direct: “Be prepared for the mental, emotional, and physical demands. It’s an honor to serve, but it comes with sacrifice. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. True strength is knowing when you need to heal.”

Lopez hopes that by sharing his journey, others will find the strength to confront their own battles. “You’re not alone. Healing is possible. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it.”

About The Peacekeeper Initiative:The Peacekeeper Initiative is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of first responders, veterans, and those affected by trauma. Through storytelling, outreach, and peer recognition, we shine a light on the courage behind the uniform—and the healing that follows.

For media inquiries, interviews, or to nominate a future Hero of the Month, please contact Rich Alvarez at info@peacekeeperinitiative.org.