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Our Story
The L.j. Bridge foundation
The LJ Bridge Foundation was born from love, loss, and a commitment to ensure that no Veteran or family faces critical gaps in support alone. It is named in honor of Louis, a devoted father, loved one and proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. Louis served his country with courage and dedication, completing two tours in Afghanistan over a total of 27 months.
His second deployment brought him into the national spotlight when Richard Engel of NBC News interviewed him, highlighting the challenges soldiers face during and after combat. The interview sparked a two-year-long follow-up chronicling Louis’ transition back into civilian life — a journey marked by invisible battles, emotional struggles, and the obstacles many Veterans face quietly every day. Through this coverage, the public got a glimpse of the complexities of post-deployment life, but it also underscored a painful truth: the systems in place to support Veterans are not always enough, and the gaps can create crisis, stress, and isolation.
The LJ Bridge Foundation was created to honor Louis’ legacy by addressing those very gaps. Our mission is to step in where traditional systems fall short, providing timely support, resources, and community for Veterans and their families during the moments that matter most. From emergency assistance and educational scholarships to events that foster connection and healing, we work to bridge the spaces that can create barriers to stability and well-being.
Louis’ story is at the heart of everything we do. His courage, resilience, and commitment to service inspire our work every day. By founding The LJ Bridge Foundation, we strive to carry forward his legacy — ensuring that no Veteran or family has to face these challenges alone, and that each can access the help, guidance, and hope they need to thrive.
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Meet The Founder
Deidra Lopez is the Founder and President of The L.J. Bridge Foundation, created in memory of her children’s father, Louis, to honor his life and provide meaningful support to veterans and the families who love them. With strong military roots — her father and both grandfathers proudly served — Deidra’s mission is deeply personal and driven by lived experience.
She holds a background in Business Administration and has spent the last several years working in the mental health and addiction field, where she gained firsthand understanding of the challenges individuals and families face during crisis. Deidra is a licensed Peer Support Specialist and currently serves on the Advisory Council for Warriors Journey Home, continuing her commitment to healing, community service, and advocacy.
Family is central to her life. As a mother of three sons, Deidra enjoys staying active, spending time outdoors, and connecting with her boys. Her own journey navigating the hardships of military family life, grief, and the gaps in available resources has shaped her mission: to support veterans like Louis without judgment or blame, and to stand beside mothers and families who struggle to find stability after tragedy.
Through The L.J. Bridge Foundation, Deidra is dedicated to alleviating the pressures she has personally endured — offering compassion, guidance, and actionable support to help veterans and their families find hope, healing, and a path forward.
