Photo By Cpl. Zeta Johnson | U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Andi LopezRojas, an aviation operations specialist with...... read more read more
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“I’m willing to work hours and hours if that means getting the mission done,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Andi LopezRojas, an aviation operations specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, who was named the October 2024 MCAS New River Go-Getter.
LopezRojas, a New Jersey native, worked as a landscaper at a golf course where he spent long days in the sun before joining the Marine Corps in July 2022, one day before turning 18.
Now LopezRojas spends his days creating flight schedules and working with pilots on MCAS New River. His section, C-12 flight operations, depends on LopezRojas’ daily efforts in writing schedules. Throughout the day, he ensures all logbooks have updated flight hours for each pilot. Talking to pilots and hearing their stories is LopezRojas' favorite part of the job.
“Knowing that I get to talk to them and that they get to teach me new stuff when it comes to my job - That is what motivates me to keep doing this,” said LopezRojas.
According to his leadership he was nominated for his motivation and devotion to the mission.
“Lance Corporal LopezRojas has an amazing work ethic. He consistently demonstrates dedication, reliability, and a strong commitment to our team’s success,” said Cpl. Daniel A. Gonzalez, an airfield base operations supervisor with H&HS. “His ability to tackle challenges with resilience and a positive attitude sets a great example for all Marines.”
This kind of attitude and passion came through moments of growth in LopezRojas’ career.
"I have seen him grow significantly since we started working together,” said Capt. Andrew Elliott, director of Safety and Standardization, H&HS MCAS New River. “He has faced some challenges in this billet ... but he learned from mistakes and continues to strive for excellence in all that he does.”
LopezRojas’ advice to junior Marines is to socialize and talk to every Marine they meet, like he does with every pilot he meets.
“You'll meet the people again, over and over, and if you don't talk to them, then everybody's going to be a stranger to you,” said LopezRojas. “So just be friends with them; that way, the next time you see them it's not as a stranger, but as a friend."
| Date Taken: | 10.22.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.25.2024 09:28 |
| Story ID: | 483894 |
| Location: | JACKSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 77 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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