[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 112 (Thursday, July 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING SPECIAL FORCES SERGEANT RAMON RODRIGUEZ

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 17, 2014

  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize a valiant veteran, Special Forces Sergeant Ramon Rodriguez. 
At the age of 17, Sergeant Ramon Rodriguez began his military career 
during his junior year at Banning High School and decided to enlist in 
the Army with the help of the Juvenile Court system and his father's 
signature. After many years of training and being stationed in Germany, 
Sergeant Rodriguez was sent to Vietnam to serve his country. Sergeant 
Rodriguez embarked on dangerous missions and led his platoon through 
difficult obstacles during a mission in Phu Bai. While leading five 
soldiers into safety, Sergeant Rodriguez suffered from a bullet that 
shot him from behind.
  In 1967, Sergeant Rodriguez was awarded the Army Commendation Medal 
for Heroism for his ``fearless action while exposed to intense enemy 
fire''. He was awarded with a Silver Star three times within a span of 
34 days for his courageous service during the Vietnam War. Sergeant 
Rodriguez was also awarded three Bronze Stars with an Oak Leaf Cluster 
and five Purple Hearts during his 32 months of service in Vietnam for 
his heroism and act of valor against hostile enemy forces, and a total 
of 17 combat medals and awards for his service.
  Sergeant Rodriguez attended the United States Ranger School and 
graduated with distinguished honors. After completing his service in 
Vietnam, Sergeant Rodriguez led the Special Forces scuba team at Fort 
Devens, Massachusetts and directed the team on a mission in Panama. 
Sergeant Rodriguez and his soldiers were responsible for the scuba and 
ranger training of armed forces from South American countries and 
established a ranger school in Honduras. In 1981, Sergeant Rodriguez 
earned the rank of Command Sergeant Major at the United States Sergeant 
Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas.
  Sergeant Rodriguez completed two more assignments before officially 
retiring from the Army in 1983. In 1982, Sergeant Rodriguez was 
nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor. On June 11, 2008, 
Sergeant Rodriguez was inducted as a member of the Ranger Hall of Fame. 
Sergeant Rodriguez is known to be one of the most decorated combat 
soldiers that served in the Vietnam War.
  Sergeant Rodriguez remained in the United States Army for 23 years to 
serve the United States. Currently, he serves as Chairman of the 
Veterans and Military Commission for the County of Los Angeles.
  It is an absolute honor to recognize Special Forces Sergeant 
Rodriguez and his years of service to this country. Sergeant Rodriguez 
and his fellow soldiers are an inspiration for their service, 
dedication and unending sacrifice. Sergeant Rodriguez's heroism and 
courageous acts during the call of duty saved the lives of his fellow 
soldiers and these acts of valor deserve the greatest recognition.

                          ____________________