[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 103 (Wednesday, July 11, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN MEMORY OF SERGEANT JOSE RODRIGUEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 11, 2012

  Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today 
with my colleague Congressman Jim Costa to honor the late Sgt. Jose 
Rodriguez who was killed on June 19, 2012 in Kandahar province, 
Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sergeant 
Rodriguez paid the ultimate price, sacrificing his life, while 
protecting and serving the United States of America.
  Sergeant Rodriguez was raised in Newman and Gustine. He graduated 
from Gustine High School in 2008 and joined the army shortly 
thereafter. He was assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Tacoma, 
Washington in 2009. His first deployment was in July 2009 where he was 
a part of the 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. Sergeant Rodriguez 
decided to re-deploy on a second tour of duty in order to better 
provide for his wife and young son. On his second tour, he was in the 
4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 
2nd Infantry Division. He received the Army Achievement Medal, Army 
Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation 
Medal Combat Service, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-
Commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service 
Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, NATO Medal, Certificate of Achievement, and 
Combat Infantry Badge.
  Sergeant Rodriguez's family called him a responsible, quiet, and 
caring man. He had hoped to become a firefighter after returning home 
next year. He leaves behind a loving wife, Maria ``Lupita'' Rodriguez 
and a thirteen month old son, Octavian. He is also survived by his 
parents Margarita Rodriguez and Augustine Rodriguez; his brothers, 
Ruben Rodriguez, Julian Rodriguez, Edgar Rodriguez, Jonathon Rodriguez 
and his two sisters, Judith Rodriguez and Jacqueline Rodriguez.
  Mr. Speaker, together with my colleague, Congressman Jim Costa, the 
recognition that we are offering today before the House of 
Representatives for Sergeant Jose Rodriguez is small compared to the 
contributions and impact he had on the lives of so many. He was truly 
an invaluable member of our community and an outstanding human being. 
My thoughts are with Sergeant Rodriguez's family and the community as 
they grieve the loss of this wonderful young man.

                          ____________________