Community mourns fallen soldier Antonio Rey Rodriguez at funeral service
LAS CRUCES – The funeral service for Sgt. 1st. Class Antonio Rey Rodriguez of Las Cruces, who was killed in action Saturday, Feb. 8, while serving in Afghanistan, was held Friday afternoon at Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
There wasn't an empty seat in the church as hundreds of residents, military members and veterans joined Rodriguez's family and close friends to honor the fallen hero. Students from Valley View Elementary, which is across the street from the church, also paid tribute to the soldier before and after the mass by waving American flags.
During the service, Rodriguez was described by many as a hero, warrior, an inspiration and a child of God who gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and to save others.
Rodriguez, 28, was born and raised in Las Cruces and was affectionately known as "Rod." He graduated from Mayfield High School in 2009.
According to the Department of Defense, on Saturday, Feb. 8, a Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha from 7th Special Forces Group was ambushed in Afghanistan by a rogue Afghan policeman in the Sherzad district of Nangarhar Province, located in eastern Afghanistan. It resulted in the deaths of two American operators, including Rodriguez and Sgt. 1st Class Javier Jaguar Gutierrez of San Antonio, Texas. Six others were wounded.
Family and friends remember Rodriguez
Rodriguez — who comes from a large, blended family — was missed dearly by everyone who knew him.
His paternal grandfather, Adan Hernandez, remembered his grandson as a kind soul who loved getting to know people.
"Antonio was very happy. He was a family man and he was a really nice guy — really funny and an all-around good guy," Hernandez said. "He got along with everybody. He would go up to anybody and shake their hand and say, 'What are you doing here?' Whether he was catching a plane or a bus — he would start a conversation right away. He liked talking to people. He was just a friendly guy."
Hernandez said his grandson enjoyed fishing with his dad and would love spending time with him.
"He (Antonio) liked to go fishing a lot. He and my son (David Hernandez) went fishing a lot," Hernandez said. "He was with him all the time. My son is taking it hard."
Besides spending time with his family, Hernandez said his grandson loved the military with all his heart and was a true patriot.
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Rodriguez joined the U.S. Army in October of 2009, according to a news release from U.S. Army Special Operations Command. After completing the Basic Airborne Course and the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program, he was assigned to the 3rd Ranger Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment. He deployed eight times with the 75th Ranger Regiment and twice with 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, part of the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.
"Antonio really liked it. He would volunteer over and over again. He liked it so much he was a Green Beret and he went back like 8 or 10 times," Hernandez said. "He liked fighting for us and our country, and he was even a self-defense coach in Georgia."
During his military service, Rodriguez earned the Bronze Star Medal-2, Joint Service Commendation Medal-1, and Expert and Combat Infantryman Badge. Rodriguez posthumously earned the Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge, Bronze Star Medal (1 OLC) and Meritorious Service Medal.
According to an obituary from Getz Funeral Home, Rodriguez also enjoyed spending time with his two Italian Mastiffs and French Bulldog. He also adored visits with his mother, Guadalupe, and brother, Christopher.
"Rod spent most of his free time in the kitchen, he loved to cook gourmet meals for his friends and loved ones," the obituary states. "When not cooking, Rod and his wife, Ronaleen, would spend their time in the gym working out with each other and their friends. Rod enjoyed powerlifting and endurance workouts. Rod was an avid United States Pistol Shooting Association competitor and attended matches with his wife and friends."
Family thanks community
A GoFundMe account established by Rodriguez's best friend, Cody Hunn, quickly surpassed its financial goal, with many friends and strangers who donated funds for funeral expenses leaving messages of support.
The crowdfunding campaign, which had a goal of $25,000, had raised more than $41,000 by Friday evening.
Emma Hernandez-Stian, Rodriguez's aunt, said the entire family is thankful for the community's support during their trying times.
"One thing that the family does want to say is thank you to the community, because this week — as hard as it's been — the whole process with the Patriot Guard, (it) has been an amazing experience to honor him," she said.
A rosary for Rodriguez took place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, also at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Rodriguez will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on March 3, 2020. He is survived by his wife Ronaleen, parents, Guadalupe Rodriguez-Jaramillo and Husband Javier D. Jaramillo, brothers, Christopher James Rodriguez-Jaramillo and David "JR" Hernandez, Jr. sister, Valerie Hernandez, father David Hernandez and wife Isela Hernandez.
Jacqueline Devine is the trending reporter at the Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached at 575-541-5476, JDevine@lcsun-news.com or @JackieIsDevine on Twitter.