051: Dan Lopez, Retired Special Operations, Hockey Heals 22

How do you connect with your children at the twilight of a 30-year military career? Pick up the game of hockey, of course. SGM Ret. Dan Lopez left a distinguished career as the U.S. Special Operations Command’s J6 Communications senior enlisted leader only to find himself busier than imaginable with pursuits that maintain his connection to the warrior community.

We were reintroduced to Dan when he introduced Ranger For Life to the upcoming Hockey Heals 22 event at the Advent Ice Center in Wesley Chapel, FL just outside of Tampa. Not enough to just be a member of the Tampa Warriors veteran hockey team, Dan took over responsibilities for marketing the event designed to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention with the benefiting nonprofit Stop Soldier Suicide. Through our conversation, we learned how Dan’s faith was instrumental in providing the guidance and direction needed to continue to serve with honor. Dan came to Christ halfway through his career with the help of Ranger Hall of Famer Chaplain Jeff Struecker.

Now, outside of work and time on the ice, Dan also serves as the Chaplain for the Round Canopy Parachuting team. Although not formally trained, Dan continues to serve by providing pre-flight prayer and sharing the good news wherever there is fertile soil.

It is amazing the type of organizations and people we run into when we place relationships first in our busy lives. Enjoy Dan’s podcast #ForAmerica.