Above and Beyond: Gold Star Father Honors Son's Extraordinary Service

Herman Lopez, father of fallen Marine Hunter Lopez, shares his insights into the true meaning of "freedom isn't free" and reflects on his son's heroic actions in Afghanistan.

Herman Lopez, the father of Cpl. Hunter Lopez, has embarked on a mission to honor his son's unwavering commitment to the nation. After Hunter's tragic death in the Kabul airport bombing on August 26, 2021, Lopez has channeled his grief into a profound understanding of sacrifice and service.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Lopez shared his thoughts on the often-overlooked phrase "freedom isn't free." For him, it represents the countless individuals who have answered the call to defend the country, some paying the ultimate price.

Above and Beyond: Gold Star Father Honors Son's Extraordinary Service

"I just really want people to take a minute and think of their freedom and their barbecues that they have and realize that there's men and women out there who signed that dotted line and wrote a check out for their lives. And some of those checks were cashed," said Alicia Lopez, Hunter's mother.

Hunter Lopez, a highly disciplined and motivated Marine, displayed an unwavering commitment to readiness and physical fitness. He served two tours, one in Cuba and one in Jordan, before being deployed to Afghanistan as part of the final American occupation of the war-torn nation.

Above and Beyond: Gold Star Father Honors Son's Extraordinary Service

On August 15, 2021, the Lopez family had their final Zoom call with Hunter. He expressed concern for the humanitarian crisis unfolding before his eyes and his resolve to aid his fellow Marines.

"He spoke of things that he saw happening to the Afghan women and children out there. And I think that drove a lot of these guys, our Marines, our sons and daughters, to step up even more so. They were there on a humanitarian mission," said Herman Lopez.

Above and Beyond: Gold Star Father Honors Son's Extraordinary Service

After Hunter's untimely demise, the Lopez family received an outpouring of support from across the country. They chose to channel their sorrow into gratitude, establishing the Hunter Lopez Memorial Foundation in 2022.

"We couldn't use that money and that we needed to give it to somebody that could use it. And we decided to start his foundation," said Alicia Lopez.

Above and Beyond: Gold Star Father Honors Son's Extraordinary Service

The foundation provides scholarships, sponsors families to attend Marine Corps Recruit Depot graduations, and has funded service dogs for veterans. Hunter's memory lives on through the countless lives touched by the foundation's efforts.

Herman Lopez takes solace in the legacy of his son. "He took time to make other people around him better. And that's always something that we all miss very much." Hunter's sacrifice and unwavering service serve as a timeless reminder of the true meaning of "freedom isn't free."

Above and Beyond: Gold Star Father Honors Son's Extraordinary Service