U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ronald A. Rodriguez, 26, a 2002 graduate of Falls Church’s JEB Stuart High School, was killed in Afghanistan Monday by an IED blast while conducting dismounted combat operations in Helmand Province, according to a Marine Corp. press release issued yesterday.No details have been worked out yet for his burial at the Arlington National Cemetery, his mother, Maria, told the News-Press yesterday. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his father, Francisco, and three brothers who continue to reside in Falls Church.
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ronald A. Rodriguez, 26, a 2002 graduate of Falls Church’s JEB Stuart High School, was killed in Afghanistan Monday by an IED blast while conducting dismounted combat operations in Helmand Province, according to a Marine Corp. press release issued yesterday.No details have been worked out yet for his burial at the Arlington National Cemetery, his mother, Maria, told the News-Press yesterday. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his father, Francisco, and three brothers who continue to reside in Falls Church.
Rodriguez was an athlete at JEB Stuart, playing soccer and basketball. He enlisted in the Marines following graduation and was deployed to Iraq in 2003, returning there in 2004. He was sent to Afghanistan last summer.Rodriguez becomes the second JEB Stuart grad and former athlete to die engaging in military operations overseas. In 2006, a 2001 JEB Stuart graduate, U.S. Army Corporal Andy D. Anderson was killed as he and a fellow soldier were building a barracks in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. Anderson had been a standout on the Stuart football team.
Condolences were sent to the Rodriguez family yesterday by Fairfax Supervisor Penelope Gross, who told the News-Press that it is Fairfax County policy to fly flags at half-mast in mourning in such cases.
She wrote, “The fact he died a hero provides some solace, I am sure, but the loss of your son is heartbreaking, nonetheless.”
