Carlos Lopez: FAST Marine, Somalia Deployment & Marine Brotherhood | Living History with Alex

In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with Carlos Lopez, a United States Marine Corps veteran who served from 1992 to 1996 in the elite Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST Company) as both an infantry rifleman and anti-tank guided missileman.Carlos shares what inspired him to join the Marine Corps at just 17 years old, his intense journey through Marine Corps training, and what it took to earn a position in FAST Company — a highly specialized Marine security force responsible for protecting embassies and responding to high-threat situations around the world.One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is Carlos reflecting on his deployment to Mogadishu, Somalia, where he served during the final phase of Operation Continue Hope and was part of the remaining Marine presence after the major withdrawal of U.S. forces. He also explains the camaraderie of the Marines, the lasting brotherhood formed through service, and how those experiences shaped his life long after the military.Beyond his military career, Carlos talks about overcoming PTSD, anxiety, and depression through scuba diving and his volunteer work with Aquanauts Scuba Academy and veteran dive organizations that help veterans heal through underwater therapy.🌟 Topics Covered:🦅 Joining the United States Marine Corps at 17 years old⚔️ Serving in FAST Company (Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team)🚀 Training as an anti-tank guided missileman using the TOW missile system🇸🇴 Deployment to Mogadishu, Somalia during Operation Continue Hope🤝 Brotherhood and camaraderie inside the Marine Corps🎖️ Marine Corps boot camp and infantry training🌊 Healing through scuba diving and aquatherapy for veterans💡 Life advice about learning, communication, and keeping an open mindIf you enjoy real stories of military service, resilience, and history, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex.🔔 Stay tuned for more conversations that keep history alive.