Salud Ortiz Carbajal: “I rise today to encourage every Member of this Chamber to support this legislation honoring one of Santa Barbara…”

“I rise today to encourage every Member of this Chamber to support this legislation honoring one of Santa Barbara County's own, Brigadier General Frederick R. Lopez. My bill would name the South Patterson Avenue post office in recognition of General Lopez's distinguished legacy of service and his dedication to our country, serving in the United States Marine Corps for over 30 years, both in Active Duty and the Reserves. General Lopez was born in Santa Barbara as the oldest of six siblings and spent his childhood between the communities of Santa Barbara and Lompoc, and later in Goleta. After graduating from Lompoc High School, he attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he earned a degree in mathematics. Upon graduation, General Lopez joined the United States Marine Corps in 1967. Soon after, he was deployed overseas for the Vietnam war, serving as an infantry rifle platoon commander and a regimental sniper platoon commander, as well. His service earned him both a Bronze Star and a Combat Action Ribbon, as well as the respect of the marines he served with. Over his 30 years of service, General Lopez served in a number of critical leadership roles, including as a company commander of the Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, commanding general for the 4th Marine Division, and deputy commanding general of the 1st Expeditionary Force.”