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Video by Staff Sgt. Jessica Forester

Know Your Defender - Sgt. Christian Lopez

7th Mission Support Command

May 11, 2023 | 1:10

Meet Sgt. Christian Lopez, an intelligence NCO assigned to the 510th Regional Support Group, 7th Mission Support Command - America's Army Reserve in Europe. Sgt. Lopez is a prior active-duty Soldier who found his place continue serving in the U.S. Army Reserve. Lopez provides intelligence support to the unit as they provide base support operations for U.S. and Ally and partner forces, during exercise Swift Response at San Gregorio Training Area, Zaragoza, Spain, in support of exercise Swift Response and DEFENDER-23.   

The 510th Regional Support Group's mission is to provide base support operations for up to 6000 supported Soldiers and their equipment, across the European Theater. Currently, the 510th manages day-to-day instillation operations for roughly 1,000 U.S., Ally and partner forces, participating in exercise Swift Response 23. Exercises like this solidify relationships and build on time-tested alliances by improving interoperability and strengthening already established relationships with Allied and partnered nations.    

DEFENDER 23 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa led exercise focused on the strategic deployment of continental United States-based forces, employment of Army Prepositioned Stocks, and interoperability with Allies and partners. Taking place from 22 April to 23 June, DEFENDER 23 demonstrates USAREUR-AF’s ability to aggregate U.S.-based combat power quickly in Eastern Europe, increase lethality of the NATO Alliance through long-distance fires, build unit readiness in a complex joint, multi-national environment, and leverage host nation capabilities to increase USAREUR-AF’s operational reach. DEFENDER 23 includes more than 7,000 U.S. and 17,000 multi-national service members from more than 20 nations who will participate including, but not limited to: Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States. (U.S. Army Reserve video by Staff Sgt. Jessica Forester) 