About The L.J. Bridge Foundation
Built from personal experience and deep compassion. We've walked in your shoes.
Honoring the Legacy of Sgt. Louis James Loftus, 82nd Airborne Division
The L.J. Bridge Foundation is dedicated to bridging the gaps that often leave veterans and their families vulnerable in times of need. Our mission is to shed light on the lasting impact of war, foster understanding between veterans and civilians, and uncover the unseen challenges that society too often overlooks -- preventing crisis before it begins and building a foundation of compassion, awareness, and unity.
In Loving Memory
Sgt. Louis James Loftus
82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army
Sgt. Louis James Loftus served with the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army. He deployed twice to Afghanistan, spending 27 months in some of the most demanding combat zones. His service was featured by NBC News correspondent Richard Engel, who chronicled both his time overseas and the difficult transition to civilian life that followed. The two-year follow-up revealed the invisible battles so many veterans face -- challenges that don't end when the uniform comes off. The gaps in support, the financial pressures, and the isolation that compound after service are the very challenges the L.J. Bridge Foundation was created to address. His legacy lives on through every veteran and family we serve.
Why Now: The Urgent Need
The statistics are sobering. Behind every number is a veteran or family member who needs support. Our mission is to bridge the gaps where traditional systems fall short.
VA Point-in-Time Count
VA News
VA Mental Health
VA News
VA HSR&D
VA HSR&D
VA HSR&D
Meet the Founder
Deidra Lopez
Founder & President
Deidra Lopez is the Founder and President of The L.J. Bridge Foundation. Born into a family of service -- her father and both grandfathers served in the United States Armed Forces -- Deidra has a deep, personal understanding of the sacrifices military families make. As the mother of three sons and the former partner of a veteran, she witnessed firsthand the challenges of transitioning from military service to civilian life. Deidra holds a degree in Business Administration and is a licensed Peer Support Specialist. She also serves on the Advisory Council for Warriors Journey Home. She founded The L.J. Bridge Foundation in memory of her children's father, Sgt. Louis James Loftus, to ensure that no veteran or military family faces crisis without support, compassion, and a clear path forward.
“As the daughter of a veteran and mother of children to a veteran, I've witnessed firsthand the challenges military families face. The LJ Bridge Foundation isn't just an organization to me -- it's personal.”
Our Board of Directors
Marty Micale
Board Member
U.S. Navy
Marty is a proud disabled U.S. Navy veteran, retired football and wrestling coach, and dedicated community leader. He holds a BA in Criminal Justice from Muskingum University and is currently a member of the Local 219 Pipe Fitters & Plumbers Union. Marty is passionate about serving veterans and their families.
Tony Greer
Treasurer
U.S. Marines
Tony is a U.S. Marine veteran serving as Treasurer of The L.J. Bridge Foundation. He is committed to transparent stewardship of the foundation's resources and ensuring they reach veterans and families who need them most.
Arnold Lopez
Board Member
U.S. Army
Arnold is a proud U.S. Army veteran who brings leadership, dedication, and a spirit of service to his role. He is passionate about advocating for veterans and their families, ensuring they have access to the resources, care, and opportunities they deserve.
Justin Kulhawick
Secretary
Justin serves as Secretary and webmaster for The L.J. Bridge Foundation, supporting the foundation's operations and digital presence.
Our Values
Every decision we make is guided by these principles.
Compassion
Support without judgment, understanding without conditions.
Speed
24-hour response to every request for support.
Dignity
Treat every veteran and family member with the respect they have earned.
Transparency
Accountable stewardship of every dollar entrusted to us.
Community
No veteran walks their journey alone.
Fiscal Sponsorship
The L.J. Bridge Foundation operates under the fiscal sponsorship of Warriors Journey Home, a fellow veteran-serving nonprofit organization. This partnership allows us to direct maximum resources toward serving veterans and families while we establish our full independent operations.
Proud to Partner With
Warriors Journey Home
Fiscal sponsor and veteran support partner.
Akron Canton Foodbank
Community food assistance partner.
Veteran Service Commission
County-level veteran benefits and resource navigation.
Join Our Mission
Whether you donate, volunteer, partner, or simply spread the word -- every act of support bridges a gap for a veteran or family in need.