NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University celebrated its annual Military Appreciation game on Nov. 20 by honoring Captain Armando Lopez, NSU’s incoming assistant professor of Military Science. CPT Lopez was recognized for his distinguished service during the pregame coin toss at the Demons final football game of the season against its long-time rival Stephen F. Austin State University.
CPT Lopez, who has served in the U.S. Army since May 18, 2018, was spotlighted for his leadership and dedication across a wide range of assignments. His career has included roles of Company Commander of Echo Forward Support Company, 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, Third Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado, and Provost Marshall for the same brigade. He has also served as a Security/Force Protection Officer with the 759th Military Police Battalion and Logistics Officer with the 787th Military Police Battalion, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Executive Officer and Platoon Leader within Alpha Company of the same battalion.
CPT Lopez’s service further includes time as a Corrections Platoon Leader at the Joint Regional Correction Facility in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and Assistant Battalion Logistics Officer with the 94th Military Police Battalion at Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea.
Among his many assignments, Lopez described his most memorable experience as leading Echo Forward Support Company during a 2024 deployment to the European Command in support of Operation Assure, Deter, and Reinforce. That mission took him to Poland, Bulgaria and Germany, where he provided critical support to soldiers and strengthened international partnerships.
His dedication has been recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Korean Defense Service Medal, Army Superior Unit Award and the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency (Silver).
Joining CPT Lopez to cheer on the Demons were his wife, Analy Narvaez, and daughter, Ariana Sofia. He was escorted to midfield by NSU President James Genovese and the Department Head for Military Science LTC Joshua Drake.
“CPT Lopez’s service, leadership, and dedication exemplify the values we strive to instill in Northwestern State’s Military Science program, and we appreciate the opportunity to honor his service and welcome him to the Northwestern family,” Drake said. “The annual Military Appreciation game gives the community an opportunity to honor the sacrifices of all military members and their families.”
Fans, students, and fellow service members applauded as CPT Lopez took part in the coin toss ceremony, a tradition that not only celebrates the Demons on the field but also reflects the university’s enduring gratitude for those who serve.