CZ Lopez

So when I got into service and I was given the duty of a transportation specialist, I was sent to Iraq Leonard Station on Creek, Greece.

And I got into trouble right away just because of my wild ass ways.

Got an article 15 that is a nonjudicial punishment for adverse behavior.

And I got demoted.

I almost got kicked out of service there at that moment.

And that was the first wake up call to realize that nothing is owed to you.

You have to earn your keep every day.

You have to follow the rules.

And you have to make sure that you exemplify those rules if you want to be a cut above the rest.

And I fell grossly short at that moment.

So that was wake up call number one.

Wake up call number two, in order to fix that one, I needed to find a purpose.

And that's when I decided to join the ranks of pararescue.

And I didn't make it through the first try.

I was 147 pound kid.

My legs were not really all that strong.

And man, I just couldn't keep up with the finning.

at times, swimming with those big rocket fins.

And I got a setback.

I was given an opportunity to come back at a later date.