After the attacks on September 11, many young Americans felt compelled to serve their nation, and Mario Lopez was among them. Rather than pursuing college, Lopez enlisted in the U.S. Army, seeking to contribute to the protection of his country, a journey that led him through harrowing trials and a subsequent rebirth as an artist. In a recent episode of Big City Small Town, Lopez shared his story with host Robert Rivard, revealing details of the injuries he suffered in Afghanistan and how they've reshaped his life.
During his deployment, a roadside bomb left 54% of Lopez's body severely burned, claimed his right arm and, the fingers on his left hand, and inflicted a head injury that caused him double vision. In an interview with Rivard, as reported by San Antonio Report, Lopez reflected on the excruciating experience of being in a medically induced coma at Brooke Army Medical Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, where he said, "My body was just screaming in pain, I could audibly hear it." These profound hardships became a pivotal point in his life, deepening his religious faith and igniting a passion for painting.
Lopez's journey from soldier to artist is marked by a profound personal transformation. Amidst the suffering and overwhelming odds, he found solace and expression through art, a therapeutic endeavor that has helped him keep it all together, not just for himself but for his family. "I just knew I had to keep it all together for my children and for the rest of my family," Lopez told San Antonio Report. His artwork, particularly a painting of the American flag, now hangs in the very place where he once fought for his life, serving as a testament to his resilience and his continuous journey of healing.
Lopez has not only turned to art to cope with his ordeal, but he has also authored a book titled "How I Know: A Story to Strengthen Your Faith," as he professed in his interview, "My whole life experience can be explained through the Bible — everything I’ve experienced." The narrative he describes is one of triumph over tragedy, a source of inspiration for many who may find themselves battling their own adversities. The success of his artwork and the publication of his book are remarkable achievements for the former soldier, who continues to bear witness to the power of faith, determination, and the cathartic nature of creative expression.
