‘Highly respected’
Longtime YPG employee presented with Order of Saint Michael award
Alongtime Yuma Proving Ground civilian employee was inducted into the Order of Saint Michael on Wednesday during a surprise ceremony held inside an aviation hangar at the installation.
Walter Lopez, who recently became the Investment Division Chief for YPG, thought he was on his way to a noon budget meeting, but instead was led into a room full of co-workers, who were waiting for him to arrive.
“I was completely clueless about what was going on,” Lopez said. “I actually thought we had walked into the wrong location, and was about to step back out.”
With his parents, who drove from Tucson, and wife watching, YPG Commander Col. Ross Poppenberger and Yuma Test Center Commander Lt. Col. Alicia Johnson presented Lopez with
the prestigious award.
The award is given to individuals who have contributed significantly to the promotion of Army Aviation in ways that stand out in the eyes of the recipient’s seniors, subordinates, and peers.
Lopez is the 11th person from YPG to receive the prestigious award.
Initially hired as a Test Officer, Lopez began his career at YPG a little over 15 years ago, after graduating from the University of Arizona with a degree in electrical engineering.
Lopez said while he had several other job offers at the time, he ultimately chose to come to YPG because of the type of work that is done at the installation.
“As an electrical engineer I never imagined working on missiles, rockets and helicopters, but it sounded really interesting to me, so I decided to come to Yuma to try it out,” Lopez said. “I have enjoyed the work so much.”
Patrick Franklin, chief of the flight services division at YPG, who served as the master of ceremonies for the presentation, stated during his remarks that Lopez, through the work he has done, has made a lasting impact on the soldiers of Army Aviation.
“He jumped into it with both feet. He was always quick about learning anything that he could from anybody. He quickly rose to the challenges and became more and more proficient at things, and therefore, got more and more responsibility,” said Franklin, who is also a member of the Order of Saint Michael.
Over the years Lopez has worked as a Team Leader for Weapons and Sensors in the aviation systems branch at YPG, where he was involved in numerous improvements made to the Apache helicopter.
He also worked for four years on the largest single upgrade ever done to the Apache, which included everything from its radar and target sighting to its weapons and engines. Lopez has also done a lot of work with rockets to ensure that they were being built correctly and functioning properly.
“It has been very interesting. Every day is a different challenge,” Lopez said. “You come in planning on doing one thing and the day changes as you go along with new requirements and things you need to jump on. That is what makes this job so much fun.”
Lopez eventually became known as a subject matter expert who was personally sought out by product managers, program managers and company representatives to help them with the evaluation of their systems.
“His data analysis was spot on, his reporting was thorough and it definitely contributed to allowing for things that were fully tested to be fielded in a timely manner.” Franklin said. “He is highly respected.”
Having a family member who has been deployed three times as a U.S.
Marine, Lopez knows firsthand the importance of the work being done at YPG, and the difference it makes to soldiers.
There is also another reason, one that is just as personal. Lopez explained that about 12 years ago he worked on a two-week long test with a pilot, who was shot down and killed when he was deployed a short time later.
“That really opened my eyes and had an effect on me. I’m here to help the warfighter out so they can complete their mission. So when something tragic happens, it really hits home,” Lopez said. “It makes you want to make sure you are doing the right thing for them. If that doesn’t motivate you. nothing will.”
The ceremony was overseen by the Army Aviation Association of America,
James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www. Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @ YSJamesGilbert.