 Fayetteville Observer -- An 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper died of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated while his unit was on patrol near Bayji, Iraq, on Thursday, the Army said in a news release.
Sgt. Ricardo Rodriguez of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, was a gunner with 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
“He was a leader and a teacher to his soldiers, and his loss will be deeply felt for a long time,” said Spc. Nathan Shambo, who’s in Rodriguez’s regiment.
Rodriguez joined the Army in May 2004 and joined the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg in April 2005.
Rodriguez’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal.
Rodriguez is survived by his son, Ricardo; his father, Ernesto Rodriguez; and his mother, Anabelle Fernandez, all of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. |
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
"Let's Go!"(325th Inf. Motto)