The word 'ctlopez.com.'
Articles • Names • Photos • Contact

732 photos posted.

AllRecent


No excuses now for officers not to apply for fellowships, scholarships

12-14-2011

The Congressional Fellowship Program is one of eight opportunities that officers can now more easily apply for because of policy changes.



Thousands lay wreaths at nation's cemetery

12-10-2011

This year, about 85,000 wreaths made their way from Maine to the Arlington National Cemetery to be laid by volunteers at grave stones there, Dec. 10, as part of the 20th annual Wreaths Across America event.

Multiple tractor trailers carried some 85,000 wreaths from Maine to Arlington, Va., for volunteers to lay at the grave stones of those buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Dec. 10, as part of the 20th annual Wreaths Across America event.

Anna, 18 months old, of Vienna, Va., lays a wreath at a grave stone at Arlington National Cemetery. This year, about 85,000 wreaths made their way from Maine to the Arlington National Cemetery to be laid by volunteers at grave stones there, Dec. 10, as part of the 20th annual Wreaths Across America event.



Soldier earns German medal for saving ally's life

12-09-2011

Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Peter Ammon, presented Staff Sgt. Peter Woken with the German Medal of Honor for Gallantry in Action -- an award similar to the American Silver Star, during a ceremony, Dec. 8, at the ambassador's home in Washington, D.C.

German Cpl. Tim Focken and Staff Sgt. Peter Woken meet following a ceremony, Dec. 8, at the home of the German ambassador in Washington, D.C. During the event, Woken was awarded the German Medal of Honor for Gallantry in Action -- an award similar to the American Silver Star -- for saving Focken's like in Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Peter Woken and German Cpl. Tim Focken embrace following a ceremony, Dec. 8, at the home of the German ambassador in Washington, D.C. During the event, Woken was awarded the German Medal of Honor for Gallantry in Action -- an award similar to the American Silver Star -- for saving Focken's like in Afghanistan.

Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Peter Chiarelli meets with Staff Sgt. Peter Woken following a ceremony, Dec. 8, at the home of the German ambassador in Washington, D.C. During the event, Woken was awarded the German Medal of Honor for Gallantry in Action -- an award similar to the American Silver Star -- for saving the life of German Corporal Specialist Tim Focken following a conflict in Afghanistan.

Army Staff Sgt. Peter Woken, center, was honored at the German embassy for having saved the life of German Corporal Specialist Tim Focken, right, following a conflict in Afghanistan.



Man's best friend helps him deal with PTSD

12-01-2011

Former Soldier, proponent for sufferers of post-traumatic stress disorder, and author, Luis Carlos Montalván, spoke Nov. 30 at the Pentagon Library about his service dog, "Tuesday." He also spoke about the book he wrote that documents how his struggle with PTSD was aided by "Tuesday."



'Master black belt' cited for leaning medical retention boards

11-29-2011

Under Secretary of the Army Joseph W. Westphal and Lt. Gen. William T. Grisoli, director of the office of business transformation, presented a 2011 Army Lean/Six Sigma Excellence Awards Program award to Shane Wentz, during a ceremony Nov. 29, 2011, at the Pentagon.



LEAP award winners lauded at Pentagon ceremony

11-29-2011

Under Secretary of the Army Joseph W. Westphal and Lt. Gen. William T. Grisoli, director of the office of business transformation, presented the 2011 Army Lean/Six Sigma Excellence Awards Program awards during a Nov. 29, 2011, ceremony at the Pentagon.



EOD techs show Congress bomb disposal tools

11-17-2011

Representatives Rick Crawford and Susan Davis, co-chairs of the House EOD Caucus, met with Staff Sgt. Josh Bowden, 55th Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and Pvt. 1st Class Thomas McCockill, 55th EOD (in bomb disposal suit) on Capitol Hill, Nov. 17. The lawmakers asked Soldiers with the 55th Explosive Ordnance Disposal to appear on the Hill to answer questions from lawmakers about their work, and to show off their equipment.

Capt. Emily Spencer, commander, 55th Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, Fort Belvoir, Va., meets with Congresswoman Susan Davis on Capitol Hill, Nov. 17. Davis, and Congressman Rick Crawford, are co-chairs of the House EOD Caucus. The two asked Soldiers from the 55th EOD to appear on the Hill to answer questions from lawmakers about their work, and to show off their equipment.

Representatives Rick Crawford and Susan Davis are co-chairs of the House EOD Caucus. The two asked Soldiers with the 55th Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, Fort Belvoir, Va., to appear on Capitol Hill, Nov. 17, to answer questions from lawmakers about their work, and to show off their equipment.



'Open season' begins for federal employee health care

11-16-2011

LeeAnne Wilson checks the blood pressure of a federal employee during a health fair. The fair is meant to showcase insurance providers during the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan "open season," which refers to the time each year when employees are allowed to change options for health care coverage, including dental and vision insurance.



Award-winning female aviator says challenges same for men as women

11-02-2011

Katherine Sullivan, the first American woman to have walked in space, presented Col. Laura J. Richardson, a Black Hawk pilot and commander of the Army's Operational Test Command at Fort Hood, Texas, with the 2011 Women in Aerospace leadership award during a ceremony, Nov. 1, 2011, in Washington, D.C.



Japanese-American vets earn nation's highest civilian honor

11-02-2011

Rep. John Boehner presents the Congressional Gold Medal to a representative of the 100th Infantry Battalion, Mitsuo Hamasu, during a ceremony Nov. 2, 2011, at the Capitol Visitors Center in Washington, D.C. The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded by the American Congress, and is the highest civilian award in the United States. The medal was awarded to Nisei Soldiers -- American sons of Japanese-born parents -- who fought in World War II. Those Soldiers fought as part of segregated, all Japanese-American units that included the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Infantry Battalion and the Military Intelligence Service. The three units together were the most decorated units of that war.

Japanese-American veterans from WWII arrive, Nov. 2, 2011, at the Capitol Visitors Center in Washington, D.C., to attend a ceremony to award the Congressional Gold Medal to those Soldiers who served as part of the segregated, all Japanese-American units that included the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Infantry Battalion and the Military Intelligence Service. The three units together were the most decorated units of that war.

Hundreds of Japanese-American veterans of WWII and visitors attended a Nov. 2, 2011, ceremony at the Capitol Visitors Center in Washington, D.C., to award the Congressional Gold Medal to those Soldiers who served as part of the segregated, all Japanese-American units that included the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Infantry Battalion and the Military Intelligence Service. The three units together were the most decorated units of that war.



40 Bronze Stars awarded to Japanese-American vets

11-02-2011

Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno pins a Bronze Star on George George Joe Sakato, Medal of Honor recipient, Nov. 1, 2011, at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. At the ceremony, 40 World War II Soldiers from the all- Japanese-American units -- the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Infantry Battalion and the Military Intelligence Service -- were awarded the Bronze Star.

Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno speaks Nov. 1, 2011, at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. At the ceremony, 40 World War II Soldiers from the all-Japanese-American units -- the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Infantry Battalion and the Military Intelligence Service -- were awarded the Bronze Star.

Kelsey Kam, Donna Masuda Kam, Don K. Masuda, Alice Masuda, and Kasey Kam attended a Nov. 1, 2011-ceremony in Washington, D.C., where 40 World War II Soldiers from the all-Japanese-American units -- the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Infantry Battalion and the Military Intelligence Service -- were awarded the Bronze Star. Don Masuda received the Bronze Star for his service in the 442nd during World War II.



REF striving to save energy, lives on battlefield

10-19-2011

Equipment on display in the Pentagon's courtyard, Oct. 18, 2011, is designed to let Soldiers recharge the batteries in the equipment they carry using solar power. The result is that Soldiers will need to carry fewer batteries.



Army bracing for more budget cuts, AUSA audience told

10-10-2011

During the opening ceremony of the 2011 Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C., Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh pointed out that the Army provides 50 to 70 percent of deployable forces. Additionally, he said, the Army represents about half of America's entire fighting force, yet consumes only a quarter to 30 percent of the entire defense budget.



Prescription abuse down, but challenges face wounded warriors

09-26-2011

Vice Chief of the Staff of the Army Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli said post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury are "the signature wounds" of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The general spoke Sept. 26, 2011, as a keynote speaker during the 2011 Defense Forum Washington seminar "The Journey Back: Helping Wounded Warriors and their Families Transition."



40 ribbons placed in memory at Pentagon Memorial

09-09-2011

Family members, coworkers, and friends of those killed on 9/11 from the Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army gathered near the Pentagon Memorial Friday to place "resilience ribbons" on benches dedicated to those lost.



ASAP, Army to fill 130 substance abuse counselor positions

07-27-2011

The Army needs 130 additional counselors to help Soldiers who think they might have a problem with alcohol or other drugs.



Prosthesis helps Medal of Honor hero stay with Rangers

07-08-2011

Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry, had the Medal of Honor placed around his neck July 12, 2011, by the president of the United States. During an interview March 30, 2011, he recounted the moment after his hand was taken from him by a grenade during a May 26, 2008, combat operation in Afghanistan.



After 61 years, Korean democracy remains strong

06-24-2011

Lt. Gen. Richard P. Zahner, deputy chief of staff, G-2 and Brig. Gen. Lee, of the Korean military, lay a wreath together, June 24 at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

A military officer of the United Kingdom salutes, after having laid a wreath at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., June 24.

During a ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., June 24, U.S. and Korean military officers, as well as the Korean ambassador to the United States, Han Duck-soo, and military attaches from nations involved in the war, laid wreaths to remember the conflict and those who were died fighting in it.



Army thanks Congress for 236 years of support

06-15-2011

Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Sen. James Inhofe, Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III, Rep. Silvestre Reyes (hidden) and Rep. John Carter participate in the cutting of the Army birthday cake, June 14, 2011, at the Capitol Visitor's Center.



ACU changes make Velcro optional, patrol cap default headgear

06-11-2011

Recently announced changes to the Army Combat Uniform involve allowing Soldiers to sew on certain items to their uniform in lieu of using the provided Velcro. (Photo illustration)



'Freedom Award' goes to resilient Ranger

05-25-2011

Col. David Sutherland and Sen. Joseph Lieberman present Sgt. Joseph R. Kapacziewski (center) with the "No Greater Sacrifice" Freedom Award May 24.



Soldiers showcase combat equipment at Andrews JSOH

05-22-2011

Master Sgt. Herbert Mowrey, 2-8 Cav., 1st BCT, 1st Cav. Div., talks with a youth about the Abrams M1A2 SEPv2 tank that was on display, May 20, during the 2011 Joint Service Open House at Joint Base Andrews, Md.

Private 1st Class Paul Gorham, 2-8 Cav., 1st BCT, 1st Cav. Div., helps a visitor don a crew helmet aboard the Abrams M1A2 SEPv2 tank that was on display, May 20, during the 2011 Joint Service Open House at Joint Base Andrews, Md.

Sgt. Scott Jense, 2-5 Cav., 1st BCT, 1st Cav. Div., talked with visitors about and kept things safe aboard the Bradley A3 combat vehicle that was on display, May 20, during the 2011 Joint Service Open House at Joint Base Andrews, Md.

Private 1st Class Paul Gorham, 2-8 Cav., 1st BCT, 1st Cav. Div., helps a visitor don a crew helmet aboard the Abrams M1A2 SEPv2 tank that was on display, May 20, during the 2011 Joint Service Open House at Joint Base Andrews, Md.

A boy explores the Abrams M1A2 SEPv2 tank that was on display, May 20, during the 2011 Joint Service Open House at Joint Base Andrews, Md.

A young man does pull ups, May 20, during the 2011 Joint Service Open House at Joint Base Andrews, Md.



'Green bullet' as effective as M855 round -- consistently

05-06-2011

Staff Sgt. Jason Hopkins fires an M14 Enhanced Battle Rifle, using a 7.62mm M80 round against a 3/8 inch mild steel plate at 300 meters. The test firing was part of a demonstration to show the effectiveness of the 5.56mm M855A1 Enhanced Performance Round, or EPR, compared to rounds like the M80 and the M855, May 4, 2011, at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md. The EPR was the only round to penetrate the steel.

Jim Newill explains the effectiveness of the Army's 5.56mm M855A1 Enhanced Performance Round fired from an M4 Carbine against a 3/8 inch mild steel plate, and compares its performance against that of a 7.62mm M80 round fired from an M14, during a test fire event at Aberdeen Proving Ground, May 4, 2011. The M80 round, unlike the M855A1 round, was unable to penetrate the plate at 300 meters.

Maj. Kralyn Thomas, Staff Sgt. Jason Hopkins and Pvt. 1st Class Scott Lafferty do battle damage assessment on a truck that was used for target practice on a range at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md. Both Hopkins and Lafferty fired weapons, May 4, 2011, at the range as part of a demonstration to show the effectiveness of the Army's 5.56mm M855A1 Enhanced Performance Round.

The 5.56mm M855A1 Enhanced Performance Round, on the left, is also called the "green bullet," because it contains no lead. It instead uses a copper core with a steel penetrator. The 5.56mm NATO round, on the right, uses a lead core.



Army names top recruiters, career counselors for 2011

04-27-2011

Under Secretary of the Army Joseph W. Westphal greets Sgt. 1st Class Tavia Syme, Army National Guard Recruiter/Retention Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, following the 2011 Secretary of the Army Career Counselor and Recruiter of the Year Awards at the Pentagon.



Stateside Lakota deliveries let Black Hawks go to theater

04-22-2011

Gregory Gore and Col. John Thurgood spoke April 20, 2011, at a press conference regarding the Lakota program during the 2011 Army Aviation Association of America's Annual Professional Forum and Exposition in Nashville, Tenn.



Students demo new learning technology at Quad-A

04-20-2011

Staff Sgt. David Dunlap, an instructor at the United States Army Aviation Logistics School, Fort Eustis, Va., demonstrates the use of a trainer designed to help armament avionics electrical repairmen find faults in the AH-64 Longbow Apache. The technology was on display on the show floor at the 2011 Army Aviation Association of America's Annual Professional Forum and Exposition in Tennessee.



Aviators set 'aim point' for future vertical-lift aircraft

04-19-2011

Spc. Jose Palomino, Spc. James Cobb, and Spc. Kenneth Waller, look at a modified M240 machine gun that is mounted in a mock-up door frame from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during the 2011 Army Aviation Association of America's Annual Professional Forum and Exposition in Tennessee. The M240's turret mount has been modified to ensure the weapon doesn't hit the window frame.



SMA says retention-control points to shape force

04-01-2011

During his first appearance on Capitol Hill, March 30, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III discussed the Army's temporary end-strength initiative and ensuing force reductions before the House Appropriations Committee, defense subcommittee.



Army tells Congress Iraq on track to transition by year's end

03-17-2011

Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh spoke March 16, on Capitol Hill, before the House Appropriations Committee, Defense subcommittee, regarding Army budget and posture. The secretary was accompanied by Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr.



America pays final respects to last WWI veteran

03-15-2011

A guard from the 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) stands watch over the flag-draped casket of Cpl. Frank W. Buckles in the Memorial Amphitheater Chapel at Arlington National Cemetery. Buckles, who died Feb. 27 at 110 years old, was America's last World War I veteran.



Military chefs soup up skills at culinary competition

03-08-2011

Spc. Oscar Alvardo, stationed out of Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, won a gold medal for the Hawaii team in the junior chef of the year competition that was part of the 36th Annual Culinary Arts Competition, March 3-9, at Fort Lee, Va.

Spc. Bennett Rodriguez, stationed at Fort Story, Va., earned a bronze medal for his team as part of the team buffet portion of the 36th Annual Culinary Arts Competition, March 3-9, at Fort Lee, Va.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jeff Lein and his team from the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne), out of Fort Bragg, N.C. carved a dragon from a block of ice as part of the ice carving competition during the 36th Annual Culinary Arts Competition, March 3-9, at Fort Lee, Va.



Dempsey pledges as CSA to serve Soldiers every day

03-03-2011

Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, commander, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, was on Capitol Hill before the Senate Armed Services Committee, March 3, to answer questions from Senators regarding his fitness to serve as the 37th chief of staff of the Army. He was nominated for the position by President Barack Obama. The general's wife, Deanie Dempsey, and their son, Maj. Chris Dempsey, were seated behind him during his testimony.



Isolation develops keen sense of community on Kwajalein

03-01-2011

The island is surrounded by blue ocean and lined with white coral beaches.

A central part of life on Kwajalein is the downtown area, where the post office, the exchange and other retail establishments are located.

Kwajalein is a long way from everywhere.

The turtle pond on Kwajalein Island.

The base chaple on Kwjalein Island.

Kwajalein base housing.



Digging for history in the Kwajalein Atoll

03-01-2011

Leslie Mead looks through her Kwajalein's collection of memorabilia and World War II and U.S. military related ephemera.

On Roi-Namur, weapons systems still stand that were once owned and operated by the Japanese for use during their occupation of Kwajalein.

Brian Bussey serves as an unexploded ordnance technician on Kwajalein.



Kwajalein's good neighbor policy

03-01-2011

Col. Joseph N. Gaines, commander, U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll, gives his rank insignia to a boy on Carlos island.

Col. Joseph N. Gaines, commander, U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll, and an ASAKA community relations specialist, listen to a Marshallese woman's concerns about water issues on Carlos Island.

About half the population of Ebeye Island is under 18 years of age.

A cemetery on Ebeye Island.

About half the population of Ebeye Island is under 18 years of age.

About half the population of Ebeye Island is under 18 years of age.



Up, up and away! Weather forecast critical to missile launch

03-01-2011

Mark Bradford, the lead meteorologist at Kwajalein, ties a a weather balloon to launch into the atmosphere.

Mark Bradford, lead meteorologist, is responsible for ensuring the weather over the island will cooperate with the mission.

Mark Bradford, the lead meteorologist at Kwajalein, prepares a weather balloon and sensor to launch into the atmosphere. He and his team conduct two such launches every day.



Kwajalein boasts a nurturing academic environment for students

03-01-2011

Principal Al Robinson speaks with students at the Kwajalein Junior-Senior High School.

Most everyone on Kwajalein rides a bike--to work, to school and to the grocery store.

Kwajalein Junior-Senior High School.

Kwajalein Junior-Senior High School.



Logistics of remote-island service

03-01-2011

The Islander cargo ship is the chief supply line for Kwajalein Atoll.

A triple chamber incinerator burns garbage on the island, leaving only a fine ash and heat as the byproducts.

Both fresh and brackish water on Kwajalein is purified using a reverse osmosis system to make potable water for drinking and showering.

Glass is recycled and ground up on Kawjalein Island.



Island paradise for missile defense

03-01-2011

The ALTAIR (VHF/UHF) is a tracking radar on Roi-Namur. It is part of the Kiernan ReEntry Measurement Site.

The TRADEX (L-/S- Band) system in the center is a tracking radar, while the ALCOR (C- Band) system in the dome is an imaging radar. Both are part of the Kiernan ReEntry Measurement Site on Roi-Namur.

Kwajalein Island in the Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands.

A flower in Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands.

Two birds in a tree on Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands.

Kwajalein Island in the Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands.



Army requests $29.5 billion less than last year

02-15-2011

Maj. Gen. Phillip E. McGhee, director, Army Budget, and Barbara L. Bonessa, deputy director, Army Budget, discussed the Army's Fiscal Year 2012 budget request, Feb. 14, at the Pentagon.



Army foundation unveils commemorative coins

02-01-2011

During a ceremony Jan. 31, at the Pentagon, retired Brig. Gen. Creighton W. Abrams Jr. said the sale of three new coins from the U.S. Mint, which feature Army-themed scenes, will help with construction of the National Museum of the United States Army.



MOH recipient Giunta honored by fellow Iowans on Hill

01-27-2011

Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, center, was honored Jan. 26, on Capitol Hill, by a delegation of lawmakers from Iowa - Giunta's home state. The lawmakers included Rep. Tom Latham, Sen. Tom Harkin, Sen. Chuck Grassley, Rep. Leonard L. Boswell, Rep. Dave Loebsack, Rep. Steve King and Rep. Bruce L. Braley. The lawmakers presented Giunta with a framed copy of a joint resolution of Congress.




AllRecent


A tiny four-by-four grid of dots. A tiny representation of the Mandelbrot Set. An oscillator from the Game of Life. A twisty thing. A snowflake.