Army Releases Information on JBLM's Sgt. Jose Rodriguez

(Editor's note: This is from Joint Base Lewis-McChord)

According to the Dept. of Defense, Sgt. Jose Rodriguez, 22, died June 19, near Maiwand, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when he was attacked by enemy small arms fire.

He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

According to unit records, Sgt. Rodriguez entered the Army in August 2008 and reported to Fort Benning, GA, for Initial Army Training, and Advanced Individual Training in Military Occupational Specialty 11B (Infantryman).

Upon completion of AIT he reported to Joint Base Lewis-McChord in January 2009 and was assigned to the 2nd Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division.  This was his second deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; his first deployment was from July 2009 through June 2010. He deployed with the 2nd Stryker Brigade to Afghanistan in April.

Sgt. Rodriguez’s civilian and military education includes a high school diploma (2008) and Military Occupational Specialty 11B: Infantryman (2008), Combat Life Savers Course (2010), and the Warrior Leader Course (2011).

His awards and decorations include Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, NATO Medal, Certificate of Achievement, and Combat Infantry Badge.

On behalf of the entire Joint Base Lewis-McChord military and civilian community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Rodriguez.