Soldier dies in Afghanistan

Fort Bragg PAO

	Rodriguez

The Department of Defense announced Tuesday the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sergeant Mario Rodriguez Jr., 24 of Smithville, Texas died Friday in Powrak, Afghanistan of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fires.

Rodriguez was assigned to the 264th Clearance Company, 27th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, Fort Bragg.

Rodriguez enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2003, where he served in the 112th Armor Battalion out of Arlington, Texas deploying to Kosovo in 2005. In 2007, the Smithville High School graduate, became an active-duty Soldier and was assigned to the 43rd Combat Engineer Company at Fort Hood, Texas. He deployed with the 43rd Combat Engineer Company to Iraq in 2007 where he served as a heavy equipment operator and RG-31 Gunner. In 2009, he reenlisted to be stationed at Fort Bragg and was assigned to the 264th Clearance Company in June.

“Sergeant Rodriguez was an outstanding Soldier and NCO who cared about his Soldiers and his platoon,” said Lt. Col. Alan M. Dodd, battalion commander for the 27th Engineer Battalion. “On every mission he would fight to be the lead vehicle, providing security for his unit and fellow Soldiers and they made the routes safer from the threat of IEDs. He was an inspiration to his entire company and will be missed by all.”

Rodriguez was married and had a step daughter.

Memorial and funeral arrangements for Rodriguez are yet to be determined.

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