An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Nov. 21, 2019

Alaska Guardsman receives Bronze Star

By Pfc. Grace Nechanicky Alaska National Guard

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Alaska Army National Guard Maj. Javier Lopez was awarded a Bronze Star medal Nov. 19 for his service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from May 2012 to April 2013.

Lopez joined the Alaska Army National Guard as special victims’ counsel assigned by the National Guard Bureau. A year after transferring to the unit, he transitioned to deputy staff judge advocate and serves as a legal adviser to the adjutant general.

Previously, Lopez served as the first Puerto Rico Army National Guard trial defense service attorney assigned to a deployed active-duty trial defense field office. During this tour, in support of OEF, Lopez’s dedication to the mission and his resourcefulness ensured the success of many legal actions, including three contested courts-martial, six summary courts-martial and more than 200 Article 15s, adverse administrative and elimination actions.

Lopez’s actions during OEF were outlined in the narrative for his medal. He distinguished himself by meritorious achievement and service, traveling across the area of responsibility to include Germany and Afghanistan. He managed cases from Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, the Horn of Africa, the Sinai Peninsula and Afghanistan, to include a high-profile case where he advised a material witness in a 20-year conviction of an individual accused of murder.

“At the end of the day I just want to thank you for all that you’ve done,” said Brig. Gen. Charles Lee Knowles, commander of the Alaska Army National Guard. “This was a tremendous effort on your part and you’ve earned this.”

Lopez said he is thankful for the support of his family during his military service and is proud to serve in the Alaska National Guard.

 

 

Related Articles
U.S. Air Force dental technician completes a dental X-ray for a local resident during Operation Healthy Tennessee, Rhea County Middle School, Evensville, Tenn., July 10, 2025. Operation Healthy Tennessee provides no-cost medical, dental, vision and veterinary services to the residents of Bledsoe and Rhea County, as well as the surrounding areas while satisfying training requirements for active-duty, reserve and Air National Guard service members and units.
Operation Healthy Tennessee: Where Readiness Meets Relief
By Staff Sgt. Sarah Stalder Lundgren, | July 22, 2025
EVENSVILLE, Tenn. - More than 200 service members from the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, U.S. Navy Reserve and U.S. Air Force Reserve participated in Operation Healthy Tennessee, part of the...

Soldiers from the Oregon Army National Guard's 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) returned home July 19, 2025, following a successful year-long deployment to Kosovo as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission. The members were enthusiastically greeted by friends and family as they made their way into the Camp Withycombe gymnasium in Happy Valley, Oregon.
Oregon Guard Brigade Returns After Kosovo Deployment
By Maj. Wayne Clyne, | July 22, 2025
CLACKAMAS, Ore. - Soldiers from the Oregon Army National Guard's 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, or IBCT, returned home July 19 after a successful year-long deployment to Kosovo as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force...

U.S. Army Maj. Troy Dandrea, brigade chaplain, 17th Sustainment Brigade, prays over Soldiers in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 14, 2024.
Nevada Guard Brigade Returning From Middle East Deployment
By Sgt. Adrianne Lopez, | July 22, 2025
LAS VEGAS - After 10 months of conducting logistical operations across the Middle East, the Nevada Army National Guard’s 17th Sustainment Brigade is coming back home to the Silver State with its Task Force Warrior mission...