Lastiel Kelly

In the heart of Washington Heights, nestled within the vibrant rhythm of uptown Manhattan, a young woman was unknowingly preparing to embark on a life-altering journey. Lastiel Kelly Prior Lopez—bright, bold, and full of energy—grew up surrounded by Dominican culture, attending Catholic schools and navigating a comfortable yet restless teenage life. She had friends, family, and frequent vacations. But within her, there was an unspoken need for something more—something with purpose, discipline, and direction.

That call came from the sea.

At a time when many young adults wrestle with uncertainty, Lastiel made a bold and deliberate choice: to join the United States Navy. It wasn’t about hardship or a lack of options. On the contrary, it was about intention. She recognized that her life needed structure and deeper meaning. A visit to a Navy friend in Virginia Beach, fresh from Italy, painted a picture of adventure and transformation. “That sounds awesome,” she thought. “I’m going to do that.”

And so, with determination in her heart and “Let the journey begin” as her guiding slogan, she set sail.

A Journey Around the World—and Inward

Within her first year in the Navy, Lastiel had already circled the globe. Her timing, however, would place her in the middle of one of the most pivotal moments in modern history—9/11. She witnessed firsthand the stark shift in global consciousness. One day, she was traveling the Middle East during a time of peace; not long after, she returned under the shadow of war.

But war wasn’t the only force reshaping her worldview. The Navy opened her eyes to the richness of human diversity. Raised in a culturally homogeneous neighborhood, Lastiel found herself suddenly surrounded by people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and beliefs. “It was a great education in people,” she recalled. Through the crucible of service, she discovered the power of empathy and understanding—lessons she carries to this day.

On Deck and In Action: From Party Girl to Aviation Electrician

If she was going to do this, she was going to do it all the way. Lastiel became an aviation electrician, working on the F-14s—the legendary Tomcats—and serving right on the flight deck. The flight deck is not for the faint of heart. It’s a ballet of speed, noise, and danger. One misstep could be fatal. “The moment you feel safe on the flight deck,” she was warned, “that’s the day you die.”

It was on that deck that Lastiel transformed from a curious young sailor into a leader. She recalls the terror of her early days, nearly sucked into an intake on her first assignment, but also the shift that came with responsibility. “Now you’ve got a trainee,” she said. “You have to keep them alive, too.” That intense camaraderie—looking out for the person to your left and right—became part of her DNA.

Leadership, Lessons, and Legacy

Among the many mentors she encountered during her five years of service, one stood out: a kind master chief who gave her a second chance when she stumbled. He made her a deal. If she stayed out of trouble, he’d back her. If she broke the deal, she’d face the consequences. She kept that promise—and to this day, she tells her son that story when he finds himself facing the music.

Discipline. Follow-through. Accountability. These values didn’t just prepare her for military life; they shaped the rest of her journey.

Life After Service: Finding a New Kind of Action

When it was time to transition back to civilian life, Lastiel sought the same rush, focus, and team dynamic she found on the flight deck. Naturally, she turned to another high-pressure, high-stakes environment: the kitchen. She went to culinary school and thrived in New York City’s fine dining scene. The adrenaline, the timing, the choreography—it mirrored the Navy in its own way.

But motherhood would soon alter that path, too. Restaurant schedules were unforgiving, so she transitioned to management and later, education. With the help of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Lastiel earned her degree in communications and public administration from City College of New York. But she didn’t just attend college—she transformed it. As treasurer of the City College Veterans Association, she helped build a tight-knit, thriving veteran community. A decade later, they remain connected like family.

A Heart for Veterans, A Voice for Community

After moving from New York to Jersey and finally settling in Palm Harbor, Florida, Lastiel brought her vibrant spirit to new local endeavors. Though long affiliated with the Wounded Warrior Project, she wanted to make a difference locally. That’s when she discovered the Pinellas County Veteran Association (PCVA)—a space where she could continue to serve, support, and uplift.

Her impact is felt deeply. She’s not only a peer supporter but a connector—someone who invites others into community and builds bridges between generations of veterans. With warmth and wit, she welcomes others to share their stories, just as she’s now shared hers.

Forged by the Sea—and By Love

Lastiel’s story isn’t just about battles and aircraft. It’s about growth. About becoming. It’s about facing fear, transforming chaos into purpose, and discovering who you are when everything is on the line.

She entered the Navy as a rebellious teen looking for discipline. She left it as a strong, educated, compassionate leader—one who would go on to serve her community, raise a family, and continue lifting others even long after taking off the uniform.

And now, as her own son prepares to choose a path of service—ironically, the Navy—Lastiel feels both the pride and the ache of a mother watching history repeat. “He needs to be forged by the sea,” she says, echoing today’s Navy slogan. And who better to understand that transformation than the woman who lived it?

The Camaraderie That Never Fades

One of her favorite reflections came from Congressman Charlie Rangel, whom she worked with during her time at the Harlem Vet Center. “It doesn’t matter when you served,” he said. “The camaraderie is always there.”

That bond, invisible but unbreakable, is what connects Lastiel to every veteran she meets. It’s what binds her to the young sailor she once was—and to the community she continues to nurture.

In Her Own Words

When asked if she had anything to say to those reading or hearing her story years from now, she offered this: “There’s something that, when you say to a veteran, ‘I’m a veteran,’ it’s like a breath. Like, you understand.”

Yes, we understand. And we thank you, Lastiel Kelly, for your courage, your brilliance, and your continued service—not just to your country, but to humanity.