MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Brook E. Lopshire was the valedictorian of her graduating class. She was actively engaged in her academics and attended early college during high school. On top of her academics, she played soccer for her school, Merit College Preparatory Academy, a charter school in Springville Utah, and volunteered regularly through her church.
With a wealth of opportunities and options for her future, she decided she wanted to serve a higher calling, and for Lopshire that meant joining the military.
“I was burnt out of school having taken college and high school classes at the same time,” said Lopshire. “I wanted to do something more and decided to join the military.
Lopshire, now a religious programs petty officer 2nd class in the Navy, chose to be a religious programs specialist to help people. The occupational specialty involves humanitarian work and interaction with people in need of assistance.
She said she looks forward to deploying with the 26th MEU to provide assistance to others and take away once in a lifetime experiences. Lopshire has already been to multiple countries having been to Europe during high school, but looks forward to seeing even more of the world.
In addition to seeing the world, her plans for the future include finishing college and getting her degree to be a pastry chef, or commissioning as a naval officer.
“She seeks knowledge and always tries to better herself,” said religious programs specialist Ron White, a U.S. Navy reservist that attended basic training and occupational training with Lopshire.
White is a close friend of Lopshire’s, they spent nearly all of their military training together. He’s currently in San Diego and communicates with Lopshire regularly.
“She’s really outgoing, she works hard and always expresses enthusiasm when helping others,” said White. “In training she stood out above other sailors in fitness and academics.”
Lopshire received awards for highest GPA and most outstanding student. In school they are integrated with Navy corpsmen during Marine Corps specific training. The two awards Lopshire received are the only two awards religious programs specialists can receive in the training.
“She demonstrates great military bearing and integrity,” said White. “She sticks to her morale compass and doesn’t let others sway her.”
Church plays an important role in Lopshire’s life. She said her values and desire to help others was strongly influenced through her teachings in church and the lessons she learned from her parents.
She said regularly volunteers through her church and enjoys participating in activities to raise morale for her fellow service members. She has volunteered for the United Service Organization and activities with the units she’s been assigned.
“The greatest influences on my life are my dad and my church,” said Lopshire. “Both have been really supportive and guided me in my personal beliefs.”
Aside from church and volunteering, the Springville native enjoys hiking and outdoor activities in her free time.
“She loves to hike and talks about hiking in Utah,” said White. “She is really fit and has always been really great at physical training.”
White said Lopshire is a great leader because she inspires others to better themselves. He said her presence raises the enthusiasm of those around her, which in turn motivates others to go above and beyond.
“She’s inspired me to volunteer and be more active,” said White.
As a petty officer, Lopshire is a noncommissioned officer in the military and takes responsibility for junior Marines and sailors. Her effectiveness and ability to inspire are both components of being an NCO.
Unsure of whether she wants to make the military a career or get out and pursue her dream as a pastry chef, Lopshire said both choices are positive and she would enjoy either one.
“Wherever I go I want to continue the plan God has for me,” said Lopshire. “I want to gain experience and use that experience to inspire and help others.”