Photo By Cynthia Stephenson | Lisa Lopez and her family poses for photo... read more read more
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. — For Lisa Lopez, answering the call to serve wasn’t a question— it was who she was. Years after stepping away from active duty to focus on family, Lopez never let go of her goal: return to the Army, this time as an Officer.
With her husband preparing to retire from the Marine Corps, the timing was right, she had a degree, qualifications and motivation. But what she didn’t expect was the wall of red tape blocking her path. Despite previously serving in the Army, Lopez faced unexplained delays, conflicting information, and stalled progress.
She could’ve walked away. Instead, she went online.
Turning to Reddit— a platform not traditionally associated with official Army pathways— Lopez tapped into a digital community of Soldiers and veterans who knew the terrain. She didn’t post. She read. Listened— and that’s where she discovered Staff Sgt. Slack, a recruiter from Harrisburg Recruiting Battalion whose reputation for cutting through noise caught her attention.
Though he was away for training, Staff Sgt. Slack responded quickly, promising to investigate her case. He delivered. Lopez drove from Virginia to York, Pennsylvania to meet him in person. From Reddit to real life, he guided her through every step of the re-enlistment process. Together, they built her packet— and her second chance.
Lopez’s return wasn’t just about getting back in uniform. It was about what’s possible when Soldiers are resourceful, recruiters are responsive, and platforms like Reddit bridge the gap.
Reflecting on her journey, Lopez acknowledges the challenges she faced. “At one point, I felt almost defeated,” she admitted. “Without Staff Sgt. Slack’s help and the support from those around me, I might have lost the dream I had already sacrificed so much for”.
Her return was not just about personal ambition: it was about setting an example. “This isn’t just for me. It’s for every Soldier who needs to see that persistence pays off. That you have the drive to serve, there are leaders in in the Army who will help you get there.”
Her success also wasn’t solo. Marines from her husband’s unit stepped in— offering training support, sharpening her skills, and writing letters of recommendation. Cross-branch camaraderie, digital networks and good old-fashioned grit came together to bring her back.
This story is bigger than one Solider— it’s a signal to every Future Solider, prior-service member, or current Soldier: if you’re hitting roadblocks, don’t give up— get creative. The Army is evolving, and the tools to help you succeed might be just a scroll away.
Lopez proves that setbacks don’t define you. Your ability to overcome them does.
| Date Taken: | 04.10.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.10.2025 12:11 |
| Story ID: | 494994 |
| Location: | PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 72 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Resilience in Action: A determined return to the ranks, by Cynthia Stephenson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
