Special Veterans Day Message from CHCI Intern Melfry Lopez

CHCI Honors the Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces

In honor of the veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country, CHCI 2015 Fall Congressional Intern and former U.S. Marine Corps Infantryman, Melfry Lopez, discusses the merits of leadership, his experience as a servicemember, the impact of CHCI on his future and the raw potential of veterans seeking to re-integrate into civilian life.

Melfry Lopez was born in Aguacatan, Guatemala, and immigrated to the United States at a young age with his family in search of a better life. He enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 20 and served honorably in the infantry with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, as an anti-armor missileman. During his four years in the Marine Corps, he served two tours of duty in Afghanistan. Upon completion of his service, he kept his promise to his parents of attending college by enrolling at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where he is currently a first-generation college junior pursuing a major in criminal justice with a minor in history.

Melfry has applied the same determination and drive that allowed him to serve so well in the armed services to his college career. He strives to be a role model to his younger siblings and have a positive impact on the Latino community by addressing the negative influences that derail many young Latinos in this country.

This Veterans Day, CHCI pays tribute to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. By combining the proven leadership skills of our veterans with the transformative experience provided by CHCI’s leadership programs, we have stayed true to our mission of Developing the Next Generation of Latino Leaders®. This week, we celebrate their victories, their sacrifices, and their desire to carry on as leaders of our growing community.